+ All Categories
Home > Documents > The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by...

The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by...

Date post: 01-Jul-2018
Category:
Upload: dinhcong
View: 217 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
484
Transcript
Page 1: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some
Page 2: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

TheWestminsterConfessionofFaith:

ACommentary

byA.A.Hodge

TableofContents

AShortHistoryoftheCreedsandConfessionsSome Account of the Origin of the Westminster Confession andCatechismsChapter1:OftheHolyScriptureChapter2:OfGodandtheHolyTrinityChapter3:OfGod'sEternalDecreeChapter4:OfCreationChapter5:ofProvidenceChapter6:OfTheFallofMan,ofSin,andofthePunishmentThereofChapter7:OfGod'sCovenantWithManChapter8:OfChristtheMediatorChapter9:OfFreeWillChapter10:OfEffectualCallingChapter11:OfJustificationChapter12:OfAdoptionChapter13:OfSanctificationChapter14:OfSavingFaithChapter15:OfRepentanceUntoLifeChapter16:OfGoodWorksChapter17:OfPerseveranceoftheSaintsChapter18:OfAssuranceofGraceandSalvationChapter19:OftheLawofGodChapter20:OfChristianLibertyandLibertyofConscience

Page 3: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Chapter21:OfReligiousWorshipandtheSabbathDayChapter22:OfLawfulOathsandVowsChapter23:OftheCivilMagistrateChapter24:OfMarriageandDivorceChapter25:OftheChurchChapter26:OftheCommunionoftheSaintsChapter27:oftheSacramentsChapter28:OfBaptismChapter29:OftheLord'sSupperChapter30:OfChurchCensuresChapter31:OfSynodsandCouncilsChapter32:OftheStateofMenafterDeath,andof theResurrectionoftheDeadChapter33:OftheLastJudgmentAppendix 1: TheMeaning of 'System of Doctrine': Old School vs. NewSchoolAppendix2:TheAuburnDeclarationandTheDeclaratoryActAppendix3:WhatisPresbyterianism?byCharlesHodgeAppendix4:WhatisMeantbyAdoptingtheWestminsterConfession?Appendix 5: On the Passages of the Confession Concerning theMagistrate'sPowerastoReligionandtheChurch

AShortHistoryoftheCreedsandConfessions

It is asserted in the first chapter of this Confession [TheWestminsterConfessionofFaith],andvindicatedinthisexpositionthattheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestaments,havingbeengivenbyinspirationofGod,areformaninhispresentstatetheonlyandtheall-sufficientruleoffaithandpractice.All thatman is to believe concerningGod, and the entireduty which God requires of man, are revealed therein, and are to bebelievedandobeyedbecausecontainedtherein,becauseitisthewordofGod.Thisdivineword,therefore, istheonlystandardofdoctrinewhichhas intrinsic authority binding the conscience of men. And all otherstandardsareofvalueorauthorityonlyinproportionastheyteachwhattheScripturesteach.

Page 4: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

While,however,theScripturesarefromGod,theunderstandingofthembelongstothepartofmen.MenmustinterprettothebestoftheirabilityeachparticularpartofScriptureseparately,andthencombineallthattheScriptures teach upon every subject into a consistent whole, and thenadjust their teachings upon different subjects inmutual consistency asparts of aharmonious system.Every student of theBiblemustdo this,and all make it obvious that they do it by the terms they use in theirprayersandreligiousdiscourse,whethertheyadmitordenytheproprietyofhumancreedsandconfessions. If they refuse theassistanceaffordedby the statements of doctrine slowly elaborated and defined by theChurch, they must make out their own creed by their own unaidedwisdom.Therealquestionisnot,asoftenpretended,betweenthewordofGodandthecreedofman,butbetweenthetriedandprovedfaithofthecollective body of God’s people, and the private judgment and theunassistedwisdomoftherepudiatorofcreeds.

Aswewouldhaveanticipated, it isamatterof fact thattheChurchhasadvanced very gradually in this work of the accurate interpretation ofScriptureanddefinitionofthegreatdoctrineswhichcomposethesystemoftruthitreveals.TheattentionoftheChurchhasbeenspeciallydirectedto the study of one doctrine in one age, and of another doctrine inanother age. And as she has thus gradually advanced in the cleardiscriminationofgospel truth, shehasatdifferentperiods setdownanaccurate statement of the results of her new attainments in a Creed orConfession of Faith, for the purpose of preservation and popularinstruction. In themean time, heretics spring upon all occasions,whopervert the Scriptures, who exaggerate certain aspects of the truth anddenyothersequallyessential,andthusineffectturnthetruthofGodintoa lie. The Church is forced, therefore, on the great principle of self-preservation, to form such accurate definitions of every particulardoctrinemisrepresentedasshallincludethewholetruthandexcludeallerror, and to make such comprehensive exhibitions of the system ofrevealed truth as a whole that no one part shall be either undulydiminished or exaggerated, but the true proportion of the whole bepreserved. At the same time, provisionmust bemade for ecclesiasticaldiscipline, and to secure the real co-operation of those who profess towork together in the same cause, so that public teachers in the same

Page 5: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

communionmaynotcontradictoneanother,andtheonepulldownwhatthe other is striving to build up. Formularies must also be prepared,representing as far as possible the common consent, and clothed withpublicauthority, for the instructionof themembersof theChurch, andespeciallyofthechildren.

CreedsandConfessions,therefore,havebeenfoundnecessaryinallagesandbranchesoftheChurch,and,whennotabused,havebeenusefulforthe following purposes: (1.) To mark, disseminate and preserve theattainmentsmade in theknowledgeofChristian truthbyanybranchoftheChurchinanycrisisofitsdevelopment.(2.)Todiscriminatethetruthfromtheglossesoffalseteachers,andtopresentitinitsintegrityanddueproportions. (3.) To act as the basis of ecclesiastical fellowship amongthosesonearlyagreedastobeabletolabortogetherinharmony.(4.)Tobeusedasinstrumentsinthegreatworkofpopularinstruction.

Itmust be remembered, however, that thematter of these Creeds andConfessions binds the consciences of men only so far as it is purelyscriptural,andbecauseitisso;andastotheforminwhichthatmatterisstated, they bind those only who have voluntarily subscribed theConfession,andbecauseofthatsubscription.

In all churches a distinction is made between the terms upon whichprivatemembersareadmittedtomembership,andthetermsuponwhichoffice-bearersareadmittedtotheirsacredtrustsofteachingandruling.AChurchhasnorighttomakeanythingaconditionofmembershipwhichChristhasnotmadeaconditionofsalvation.TheChurchisChrist’sfold.The sacraments are the seals of his covenant. All have a right to claimadmittancewhomakeacredibleprofessionof thetruereligion—that is,who arepresumptively thepeople ofChrist. This credible profession ofcourse involves a competent knowledge of the fundamental doctrine ofChristianity—adeclarationofpersonalfaithinChristandconsecrationtohisservice,andatemperofmindandhabitconsistenttherewith.Ontheotherhand,nomancanbe inducted intoanyoffice inanyChurchwhodoes not protest to believe in the truth andwisdomof the constitutionandlawswhichitwillbehisdutytoconserveandadminister.Otherwiseallharmonyofsentimentandallefficientco-operationinactionwouldbeimpossible.

Page 6: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

TheoriginalSynodofourAmericanPresbyterianChurchintheyear1729solemnly adopted theWestminsterConfession of Faith andCatechismsasthedoctrinalstandardsoftheChurch.Therecordisasfollows:

“All the ministers of the Synod now present, which were eighteen innumber, exceptone, thatdeclaredhimselfnotprepared, [butwhogavehis assent at the nextmeeting], after proposing all the scruples any ofthemhadtomakeagainstanyarticlesandexpressionsintheConfessionofFaith,andLargerandShorterCatechismsoftheAssemblyofDivinesat Westminster, have unanimously agreed in the solution of thosescruples,andindeclaringthesaidConfessionandCatechisms tobe theConfessionoftheirFaith,exceptonlysomeclausesinthetwentiethandtwenty-thirdchapters,‘ConcerningtheCivilMagistrate.’”

Again, in the year 1788, preparatory to the formation of the GeneralAssembly,“theSynod,havingfullyconsideredthedraughtoftheFormofGovernmentandDiscipline,did,onreviewofthewhole,andherebydo,ratify and adopt the same, as now altered and amended, as theConstitutionofthePresbyterianChurchinAmerica,andorderthesametobeconsideredandstrictlyobservedastheruleoftheirproceedings,byalltheinferiorjudicatoriesbelongingtothebody.

“TheSynod,havingnowrevisedandcorrectedthedraughtofaDirectoryforWorship,didapproveandratifythesame,anddoherebyappointthesameDirectory,asnowamended,tobetheDirectoryfortheworshipofGod in the Presbyterian Church in theUnited States of America. Theyalso took into consideration the Westminster Larger and ShorterCatechisms, and, having made a small amendment of the Larger, didapprove anddohereby approve and ratify the saidCatechisms, asnowagreed on, as theCatechisms of thePresbyterianChurch in theUnitedStates.AndtheSynodorderthattheDirectoryandCatechismsbeprintedandboundupinthesamevolumewiththeConfessionofFaithandtheFormofGovernmentandDiscipline;thatthewholebeconsideredasthestandardofourdoctrine,government,disciplineandworship,agreeablytotheresolutionsoftheSynodittheirpresentsession.”

What follows is a verybrief andgeneralhistoryof theprincipalCreeds

Page 7: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

andConfessionsoftheseveralbranchesoftheChristianChurch.Inthisstatement they are grouped according to the order of time and thechurcheswhichadheretothem:

I.TheancientCreeds,whichexpressthecommonfaithofthewholeChurch.

The Creeds formed before the Reformation are very few, relate to thefundamental principles of Christianity, especially the Trinity and thePerson of the God-man, and are the common heritage of the wholeChurch.

1st. TheApostles’ Creed. Thiswas notwritten by the apostles, but wasgradually formed, by common consent, out of the Confessions adoptedseverally by particular churches, and used in the reception of itsmembers. It reached its present form, and universal use among all thechurches, about the close of the second century. This Creed wasappendedtotheShorterCatechism,togetherwiththeLord’sPrayerandTen Commandments, in the first edition published by order ofParliament,“notasthoughitwerecomposedbytheapostles,oroughttobe esteemed canonical Scripture, . . . but because it is a brief sum ofChristianfaith,agreeable to theWordofGod,andancientlyreceived inthechurchesofChrist.”ItwasretainedbytheframersofourConstitutionaspartoftheCatechism.1Itisasfollows:

“Ibelieve inGod theFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenand earth;andinJesusChristhisonlySonourLord;whowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary,sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,dead,andburied;hedescendedintohell(Hades);thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead,heascendedintoheaven,andsittethattherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;fromthenceheshall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the HolyGhost; the Holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints, theforgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the lifeeverlasting.Amen.”

2d.TheNiceneCreed.ThisCreedisformedonthebasisoftheApostles’

Page 8: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Creed, theclausesrelating to theconsubstantialdivinityofChristbeingcontributedbythegreatCouncilheldinNiceinBithynia,A.D.325,andthoserelatingtothedivinityandpersonalityoftheHolyGhostaddedbytheSecondEcumenicalCouncil,heldatConstantinople,A.D.381;andthe“filioque” clause added by the Council of theWestern Church, held atToledo,Spain,A.D.569.In itspresent formit is theCreedof thewholeChristianChurch,theGreekChurchrejectingonlythelastaddedclause.Itisasfollows:

“I believe in one God, Maker of heaven and earth, and all thingsvisibleandinvisible;andinoneLordJesusChrist,theOnlybegottenSon of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds; God of God,Light ofLight, veryGodof veryGod, begotten,notmade, beingofonesubstancewiththeFather;bywhomallthingsweremade;who,forusmenandforoursalvation,camedownfromheaven,andwasincarnatebytheHolyGhostoftheVirginMary,andwasmademan,andwascrucifiedalso forusunderPontiusPilate.Hesufferedandwas buried; and the third day he rose again according to theScriptures,andascendedintoheaven,andsittethontherighthandoftheFather.Andheshallcomeagainwithglorytojudgeboththequickandthedead;whosekingdomshallhavenoend.AndIbelievein theHolyGhost, theLord theGiverof life,whoproeeedeth fromtheFatherandtheSon(filioque),whowiththeFatherandtheSontogether is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the prophets.And Ibelieve inoneCatholicandApostolicChurch; Iacknowledgeonebaptismfortheremissionofsins;andIlookfortheresurrectionofthedeadandthelifeoftheworldtocome.”

3d. As subsequently heretical opinions sprang up in its bosom withrespecttotheconstitutionofthepersonofChrist,theChurchwasforcedto provide additional definitions and muniments of the truth. OnehereticaltendencyculminatedinNestorianism,whichmaintainsthatthedivine and human natures in Christ constitute two persons. This wascondemned by the Creed of the Council of Ephesus, A.D. 431. Theopposite heretical tendency culminated in Eutychianism, whichmaintainsthatthedivineandhumannaturesaresounitedinChristastoformbutonenature.ThiswascondemnedbytheCouncilofChalcedon,

Page 9: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

A.D.451.TheseCreeds,definingthefaithoftheChurchasembracingtwonatures inoneperson,arereceivedandapprovedbytheentireChurch.Theyaresufficientlyquotedinthebodyofthefollowing“Commentary.”

4th. The Athanasian Creed. This Creed was evidently composed longafterthedeathofthegreattheologianwhosenameitbears,andafterthecontroversies closed and the definitions established by the above-mentionedCouncilsofEphesusandChalcedon.ItisagrandanduniquemonumentoftheunchangeablefaithofthewholeChurchastothegreatmysteries of godliness, the Trinity of Persons in the one God and thedualityofnatures in theoneChrist. It is too long toquotehere in full.WhatrelatestothePersonoftheGod-manisasfollows:

“27. But it is necessary to eternal salvation that he should alsofaithfullybelieveintheincarnationofourLordJesusChrist.28.ItisthereforetruefaiththatwebelieveandconfessthatourLordJesusChristisbothGodandman.29.HeisGod;generatedfrometernityfrom the substance of the Father; man born in time from thesubstanceofhisMother.30.PerfectGod,perfectman,subsistingofarationalsoulandhumanflesh.31.EqualtotheFatherinrespecttohisdivinity,lessthantheFatherinrespecttohishumanity.32.Who,althoughheisGodandman,isnottwo,butoneChrist.33.Buttwonot from the conversion of divinity into flesh, but from theassumption of his humanity into God. 34. One not at all fromconfusionofsubstance,butfromunityofPerson.35.Forasrationalsoulandfleshisoneman,soGodandmanisoneChrist,”etc.

II.TheCreedsandConfessionsofthedifferentbranchesoftheChurchsincetheReformation.

1st.TheDoctrinalStandardsoftheChurchofRome.

InordertoopposetheprogressoftheReformation,PopePaulIII.calledthelastgreatecumenicalCouncilatTrent(1545-1563).ThedeliverancesofthisCouncil,entitledCanonsandDecreesoftheCouncilofTrent,formthehighestdoctrinalruleknowntothatChurch.ThedecreescontainthepositivestatementsofdoctrineThecanonsexplainthedecrees,distribute

Page 10: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thematter under brief heads and condemn the opposing of Protestantdoctrineoneachpoint.

The Roman Catechism, which explains and enforces the canons of theCouncilofTrent,waspreparedandpromulgatedbytheauthorityofPopePiusIV.,AD.1556.

TheTridentineConfessionofFaithwasalsoimposeduponallthepriestsandcandidatesoftheRomishChurchandconvertsfromotherchurches.

Inadditiontothese,differentpapalbullsandsomeprivatewritingshavebeenauthoritativelysetupasstandardsofthetruefaithbytheauthorityof popes; e.g., the Catechism of Bellarmine, A.D. 1603, and the bullUnigenitusofClementXI.,1711.

ThetheologytaughtinallthesepapalstandardsisArminianism.

2d.TheDoctrinalStandardsoftheGreekChurch.

The ancient Church divided from causes primarily political andecclesiastical, secondarily doctrinal and ritual, into two great sections—the Eastern or Greek Church, and the Western or Latin Church. Thisdivisionbegantoculminateintheseventh,andwasconsummatedintheeleventhcentury.TheGreekChurchembracesGreece,themajorityoftheChristians of the Turkish Empire and the great mass of the civilizedinhabitants of Russia. All the Protestant churches have originatedthroughtheReformationfromtheWesternorRomanChurch.

ThisChurcharrogatestoherselfpre-eminentlythetitleofthe“orthodox,”because theoriginal creedsdefining thedoctrine of theTrinity and thePerson of Christ,which have beenmentioned above, were produced intheEasternhalfoftheancientChurch,andhenceareinapeculiarsenseherinheritance.Greektheologyisveryimperfectlydevelopedbeyondthegroundcoveredbytheseancientcreeds,whichthatChurchmagnifiesandmaintainswithsingulartenacity.

They possess also a few confessions of more modern date, as “TheOrthodoxConfession”ofPeterMogilas,A.D. 1642,metropolitan bishop

Page 11: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ofKiew,theConfessionofGennadius,A.D.1453.

3d.TheConfessionsoftheLutheranChurch.

TheentireProtestantworld fromthe timeof theReformationhasbeendivided into twogreat familiesof churches—theLUTHERAN, includingallthosewhichreceivedtheircharacteristic impressfromthegreatmanwhosenametheybear;theREFORMED,includingallthose,ontheotherhand,whichderivedtheircharacterfromCalvin.

The Lutheran family of churches embraces all those Protestants ofGermanyandtheBalticprovincesofRussiawhoadheretotheAugsburgConfession, togetherwiththenationalchurchesofDenmark,ofNorwayandSweden,andthelargedenominationofthatnameinAmerica.

TheirSymbolicalBooksare:

1. The Augsburg Confession, the joint authors of which were LutherandMelancthon.HavingbeensignedbytheProtestantprincesandleaders, it was presented to the emperor and imperial Diet inAugsburg A.D. 1530. It is the oldest Protestant confession, theultimate basis of Lutheran theology, and the only universallyacceptedstandardoftheLutheranchurches.

2. The Apology (Defence) of the Augsburg Confession, prepared byMelancthonA.D.1530,andsubscribedbytheProtestanttheologiansA.D.1537atSmalcald.

3. TheLargerandSmallerCatechisms,preparedbyLutherA.D.1529,“thefirstfortheuseofpreachersandteachers,thelastasaguideintheinstructionofyouth.”

4. The Articles of Smalcald, drawn up by Luther A.D. 1535, andsubscribedbytheevangelicaltheologiansinFebruary,A.D.1537,attheplacewhosenametheyhear.

5. TheFormulaConcordiae(FormofConcord),prepared inA.D.1577by Andrea and others for the purpose of settling certaincontroversies which had sprung up in the Lutheran Church,especially concerning the relative activities of divine grace and thehumanwillinregeneration,andconcerningthenatureoftheLord’spresenceintheEucharist.Thisconfessioncontainsamorescientific

Page 12: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

and thoroughlydeveloped statementof theLutherandoctrine thancan be found in any other of their public symbols. Its authority is,however,acknowledgedonlybythehighLutheranparty;thatis,bythatparty intheChurchwhichconsistentlycarries thepeculiaritiesofLutherantheologyouttothemostcompletelogicaldevelopment.

4th.TheConfessionsoftheReformedorCalvinisticchurches.

TheReformed churches embrace all those churches of Germanywhichsubscribe the Heidelberg Catechism; the Protestant churches ofSwitzerland, France,Holland, England and Scotland: the Independentsand Baptists of England and America, and the various branches of thePresbyterianChurchinEnglandandAmerica.

The Reformed Confessions are very numerous, although they allsubstantially agree as to the systemof doctrine they teach.Thosemostgenerallyreceived,andregardedasofthehighestsymbolicalauthorityasstandardsofthecommonsystem,arethefollowing:

1. The SecondHelveticConfession, prepared byBullinger,A.D. 1564.“Itwas adoptedby all theReformed churches in Switzerland,withtheexception of Basle (whichwas contentwith its old symbol, theFirstHelvetic),andby theReformedchurches inPoland,Hungary,Scotland and France,” 2 and has always been regarded as of thehighestauthoritybyalltheReformedchurches.

2. TheHeidelbergCatechism,preparedbyUrsinusandOlevianus,A.D.1562.Itwasestablishedbycivilauthority,thedoctrinalstandard,aswell as instrument of religious instruction for the churches of thePalatinate,aGermanStateatthattimeincludingbothbanksoftheRhine.ItwasendorsedbytheSynodofDort,andistheConfessionofFaithoftheReformedchurchesofGermanyandHolland,andoftheGermanandDutchReformedchurchesinAmerica.

3. The Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England. These wereoriginallydrawnupbyCranmerandRidley,A.D. 1551,and revisedandreduced to thepresentnumberby thebishops, at the order ofQueen Elizabeth, A.D. 1562. These Articles are Calvinistic indoctrine, and constitute the doctrinal standard of the EpiscopalchurchesinEngland,Scotland,AmericaandtheColonies.

Page 13: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

4. TheCanonsoftheSynodofDort.ThisfamousSynodwasconvenedin Dort, Holland, by the authority of the States General, for thepurpose of settling the questions brought into controversy by thedisciples of Arminius. It held its sessions fromNovember 13, A.D.1618, to May 9, A.D. 1619. It consisted of pastors, elders andtheological professors from the churches of Holland, and deputiesfrom the churches of England, Scotland, Hesse, Bremen, thePalatinate and Switzerland; the French delegates having beenpreventedfrombeingpresentbyorderoftheirking.TheCanonsofthis Synod were received by all the Reformed churches as a true,accurate and eminently authoritative exhibition of the CalvinisticSystem of Theology. They constitute, in connection with theHeidelberg Catechism, the doctrinal Confession of the ReformedChurchofHolland,andofthe[Dutch]ReformedChurchofAmerica.

5. The Confession and Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly. AshortaccountoftheoriginandconstitutionofthisAssembly,andofthe production and reception of its doctrinal deliverances, ispresentedinthenextchapter.Thisisthecommondoctrinalstandardofall thePresbyterianchurches in theworldofEnglishandScotchderivation.ItisalsoofallCreedstheonemosthighlyapprovedbyallthe bodies of Congregationalists in England and America. TheCongregationalConventioncalledbyCromwell tomeetatSavoy, inLondon,A.D. 1658,declared their approval of thedoctrinal part ofthe Confession and Catechisms of theWestminster Assembly, andconformedtheirowndeliverance,theSavoyConfession,verynearlyto it. Indeed, “the difference between these two Confessions is sovery small, that the modern Independents have in a manner laidasidetheuseofit(SavoyConf.)intheirfamilies,andagreedwiththePresbyterians in the use of the Assembly’s Catechisms.” 3 All theAssembliesconvenedinNewEnglandforthepurposeofsettlingthedoctrinal basis of their churches have either endorsed or explicitlyadopted this Confession and these Catechisms as accurateexpositionsoftheirownfaith.ThiswasdonebytheSynodwhichmetat Cambridge,Massachusetts, June, 1647, and againAugust, 1648,and prepared the Cambridge Platform. And again by the SynodwhichsatinBoston,September,1679,andMay,1680,andproducedthe Boston Confession. And again by the Synod which met at

Page 14: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Saybrook,Connecticut,1708,andproducedtheSaybrookPlatform.4

------------

Endnotes

1.Assembly’sDigest,p.11.

2.Shedd’sHist.ofChristianDoctrine.

3.Neal,Puritans,II.178

4.Shedd’sHist.ofChristianDoctrine.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the only absolute and essentially authoritative standard offaith?

2.WhencedoallhumanCreedsderivetheirauthority?

3.UponwhomreststhenecessityandobligationofgatheringtogetheralltheScripture teachesonanysubject,andofadjusting their teachingononesubjectwithalltheotherelementsofthesystemoftruth?

4. Is it better for a man to form these opinions without or with theassistanceofthegreatbodyofhisfellow-Christians?

5. In what form have the opinions of the great mass of the ChristianChurchonthesesubjectsbeenexpressedandpreserved?

6.WhatthenisthefirstgreatpurposeforwhichCreedsandConfessionsareuseful?

7.Whatisthesecondgreatend?

Page 15: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

8.Whatisthethird?

9.Whatisthefourth?

10.Onwhatground, andhow fardoes thematter of theseConfessionsbindtheconsciencesofmen?

11.WhomandonwhatgrounddoestheformoftheseConfessionsbind?

12.WhatarethetermsuponwhichprivatemembersareadmittedtotheChurch?

13.WhatarethetermsuponwhichpreachersandrulersareadmittedtoofficeintheChurch?

14.Whyshouldthetermsbesofardifferentinthetwocases?

15. When, and by what representative body of our Church, were theWestminsterConfessionandCatechismsfirstadoptedasourstandardoffaith?

16.Readtheadoptingact.

17.ReadtheactionoftheGeneralSynod,passedAD1788.

18. To what class of topics do all the Creeds before the Reformationrelate?

19.WhatistheoriginofwhatiscommonlycalledtheApostles'Creed?

20.HasitalwayshadaplaceinourCatechism?

21.Readit.

22.WhenandbywhatCouncilswastheNiceneCreedproduced?

23.Readit.

24.Whatoppositehereticaltendencies,respectingthePerson

Page 16: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ofChrist,subsequentlysprangupintheChurch?

25.WhatwasthedateanddesignoftheCreedoftheCouncilofEphesus?

26. What was the date and design of the Creed of the Council ofChalcedon?

27. What was the origin of the Creed falsely attributed to the greatAthanasius?

28.ReadthatportionofitwhichrelatestothePersonofChrist.

29.WhatarethedoctrinalstandardsoftheChurchofRome?

30.Whatisthecharacterofthetheologytheyteach?

31.When, why, and into what divisions did the Church of theMiddleAgesseparate?

32.WhatcountriesareembracedintheboundsoftheGreekChurch?

33.WhatarethedoctrinalstandardsoftheGreekChurch?

34. Into what two great divisions did the churches of the Reformationseparate?

35.WhatisthecommoncharacteristicoftheLutheranchurches?

36.WhatisthecommoncharacteristicoftheReformedchurches?

37.WhatchurchesbelongtotheLutheranfamily?

38.Whatisthename,dateandoriginoftheirprincipalanduniversally-receivedstandardoffaith?

39.Whataretheirothersymbolicalbooks?

40.What is the origin, purpose and character of theFormofConcord,andinwhatestimationisitheld?

Page 17: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

41.WhatchurchesareembracedintheReformedorCalvinisticfamily?

42.WhataccountisheregivenoftheSecondHelveticConfession?

43.WhataccountisheregivenoftheHeidelbergCatechism?

44.Ofwhatchurchesisittheaccreditedstandard?

45. What is here said of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church ofEngland?

46.Bywhom,where,whenandforwhatpurposewastheSynodofDortconvened?

47.Ofwhatpartieswasitcomposed?

48. Inwhatestimationhave its "Canons"beenheld,andofat churchesaretheythestandard?

49.OfwhatchurchesaretheWestminsterConfessionandCatechismsthestandardoffaith?

50. How far have they been adopted by the Congregationalists ofEngland?

51.Uponwhatoccasionsandtowhatextenthave theybeenadoptedbytheCongregationalistsofNewEngland?

SomeAccountoftheOriginoftheWestminsterConfessionandCatechisms

Most of the Confessions of the Reformed and Lutheran churches werecomposedbysingleauthors,orbyasmallgroupoftheologianstowhomthetaskofdrawingupastandardofdoctrinehadbeencommitted.Thus,Luther and Melancthon were the principal authors of the AugsburgConfession, the common standard of faith and bond of union of theLutheran churches. The Second Helvetic Confession was composed by

Page 18: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Bullinger, to whom the work was entrusted by a number of Swisstheologians;andthecelebratedHeidelbergCatechismwascomposedbyUrsinus and Olevianus, who had been appointed thereto by FrederickIII., Crown Prince of the Palatinate. TheOld Scotch Confession, whichwas thestandardof thePresbyterianChurchofScotland fornearlyonehundred years before the adoption of theWestminsterConfession,wascomposedby a committee of six theologians, at the head ofwhomwasJohn Knox, appointed by the Scottish Parliament. The Thirty-nineArticlesoftheChurchofEnglandandoftheEpiscopalChurchofAmericawerepreparedbythebishopsofthatChurchin1562,astheresultoftherevision of "The Forty-two Articles of Edward Sixth," which had beendrawn up by Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridley in 1551. The"CanonsoftheSynodofDort,"ofhighauthorityamongalltheReformedchurches,andtheStandardoftheChurchofHolland,wereontheotherhanddrawnupbyagreat internationalSynodconvened inDortby theStatesGeneraloftheNetherlands,andcomposedofrepresentativesofallthe Reformed churches except that of France. And the Confession ofFaith

andCatechismsofourChurchweredrawnupbya largeand illustriousnational assembly of divines and civilians convened in Westminster,England,bytheLongParliamentfromJul1,1643,toFeb22,1648;averybriefaccountofwhichitisthedesignofthischaptertogive.

The Reformation in Scotland had received its first impulse from thereturn of the illustrious Patrick Hamilton, in AD 1528, from theContinent, where he had enjoyed the instructions of Luther andMelancthon.Itwasinnodegreeapoliticalrevolution,nordiditoriginatewiththegoverningclasses.Itwaspurelyareligiousrevolution,wroughtamongthemassesofthepeopleandthebodyoftheChurchitself,underthedirectionatdifferenttimesofseveralveryeminentleaders,thechiefofwhomwereJohnKnoxandAndrewMelville."TheChurchofScotlandframeditsConfessionofFaithanditsFirstBookofDiscipline,andmetinits firstGeneralAssembly for itsowngovernment,sevenyearsbefore ithad even received the sanction of the legislature. Its first GeneralAssembly was held in AD 1560, while the first Act of Parliamentrecognizing it as the National Church was passed in AD 1567."[1] It

Page 19: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

continuedtomaintaininagooddegreeitsindependenceofcivildictationanditsintegrityasaPresbyterianChurchuntilafterKingJamesassumedthethroneofEngland.Afterthattime,throughEnglishinfluenceandtheincreased power of the throne, the independence of the Church ofScotlandwasoften temporarilydestroyed. Inresistance to this invasionof their religious liberties, the friends of liberty and of the Reformedreligion among the Scotch nobility, clergy and people, signed the ever-memorableNationalCovenantatSterling,Feb28,1638,andtheSolemnLeagueandCovenantbetweenthekingdomsofEnglandandScotlandinAD1643."ThisSolemnLeagueandCovenant(subscribedbytheScotchGeneral Assembly, the English Parliament andWestminster Assembly)bound the united kingdoms to endeavour the preservation of theReformed religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship,discipline and government, and the reformation of religion in thekingdomsofEnglandandIreland,accordingtotheWordofGodandthe

exampleofthebestReformedchurches."[2]Itwasinfurtheranceofthesame design of securing in both kingdoms religious liberty, a moreperfectreformationandecclesiasticaluniformity, thattheScotchpeoplegavetheeffectivesupportoftheirsympathytotheEnglishParliamentintheirstrugglewithCharlesI.,andthattheScottishChurchsenthermosteminentsonsasdelegatestotheWestminsterAssembly.

The Reformation in England presents two distinct phases—that of agenuineworkofgrace,andthatofapoliticalandecclesiasticalrevolution.IntheformercharacteritwasintroducedbythepublicationoftheWordofGod,theGreekTestamentofErasmus,publishedinOxford,1517,andtheEnglishtranslationoftheBiblebyTyndal,whichwassentoverfromWorms to England in 1526. By the English Bible, together with thelabours of many truly pious men both among the clergy and laity, athoroughlypopularrevolutionwaswroughtinthereligionofthenation,and its heart rendered permanently Protestant. The real Reformers ofEngland, such as Cranmer, Ridley, Hooper, Latimer and Jewell, weretruly evangelical and thoroughly Calvinistic, in full sympathy andconstant correspondence with the great theologians and preachers ofSwitzerland and Germany. This is illustrated in their writings, in theForty-twoArticlesofEdwardVI.,AD1551,thepresentdoctrinalArticles

Page 20: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

oftheChurchofEngland,preparedinAD1562,andevenintheLambethArticles,drawnupbyArchbishopWhitgiftaslateasAD1595.

Although this work of genuine reformation was in the first instancematerially aided by the politico-ecclesiastical revolution introduced byHenry VIII. and confirmed by his daughter, Queen Elizabeth, it wasneverthelessgreatlyimpededandprematurelyarrestedbyit."TheActofSupremacy,"whichmade the sovereign the earthlyheadof theChurch,andsubjectedallquestionsofdoctrine,churchorderanddisciplinetohisabsolutecontrol,enabledElizabethtoarresttheconstitutionalchangesintheChurch set up by the process of reformat that precise pointwhichwas determined by her worldly taste and her lust of power. Anaristocratic hierarchy naturally sided with the Court, and became thefacile instrumentof theCrowninrepressingboththereligiousandcivilliberties of the people. Gradually the struggle between the party calledPuritan and the repressiveCourt party becamemore intense andmorebitterduringthewholeperiodofthereignsofJamesI.andCharlesI.AnewelementofconflictwasintroducedinthefactthatthedespoticCourtpartynaturallyabandonedtheCalvinismofthefoundersof theChurch,and adopted that Arminianism which has always prevailed among theparasites of arbitrary power and the votaries of a churchly andsacramentalreligion.

The denial of all reform, and the unrelenting execution of the "Act ofUniformity,"repressingalldissentwhilerobbingthepeopleofeverytraceof religious liberty, necessarily led to such an extension of the royalprerogative, and such constant resort to arbitrarymeasures and acts ofviolence, that the civil liberties of the subject were equally trampledunderfoot.Atlast,afterhavingforanintervalofelevenyearsattemptedto govern the nation through the Star Chamber and Court of HighCommission,andhavingproroguedtherefractoryParliamentwhichmetin the spring of that year, the king was forced to appeal again to thecountry,whichsentup inNov, 1640, that illustriousbodysubsequentlyknown as the Long Parliament. In theMay of the next year this bodyrendereditselfpracticallyindependentoftheking'scapricebypassinganact,providingthatitshouldbedissolvedonlyatitsownconsent,andatthesametimeall themembersofbothhouses,except twoof thepeers,

Page 21: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

subscribed a bond binding them to persevere in the defence of theirliberties and of the Protestant religion. In the same year Parliamentabolished theCourtofHighCommissionand theStarChamber;and inNov,1642,itwasordainedthatafterNov5,1643,theofficeofarchbishopandbishop,andthewhole frameworkofprelategovernment,shouldbeabolished.

InJun12,1643,theParliamentpassedanactentitled"AnordinanceoftheLordsandCommonsinParliament,forthecallingofanAssemblyofDivinesandothers,tobeconsultedwithbytheParliamentforthesettlingofthegovernmentandliturgyoftheChurchofEngland,andclearingoftheDoctrine of saidChurch from false aspersions and interpretations."As the preexisting government of the Church by bishops had ceased toexist, and yet the Church of Christ in England remained, the onlyuniversallyrecognizedauthoritywhichcouldconvenetherepresentativesof the Church in General Assembly was the National Legislature. Thepersons who were to constitute this Assembly were named in theordinance, and comprised the flower of the Church of that age;subsequentlyabout twenty-oneclergymenweresuperadded tomakeupfor the absence of others. The original list embraced the names of tenlords and twenty commoners as lay-members, and one hundred andtwenty-one divines. Men of all shades of opinion as to Churchgovernmentwere embraced in this illustrious company—Episcopalians,Presbyterians, Independents and Erastians. "In the original ordinancefourbishopswerenamed,oneofwhomactuallyattendedonthefirstday,andanotherexcusedhisabsenceonthegroundofnecessaryduty;oftheothers called, five became bishops afterward, and about twenty-fivedeclinedattending,partlybecauseitwasnotaregularconvocationcalledby the king, and partly because the Solemn League and Covenant wasexpressly condemned by hismajesty."[3] The ScotchGeneral AssemblyalsosentasdelegatestoWestminsterthebestandablestmenshehad—ministers Alexander Henderson, the author of the Covenant, GeorgeGillespie, Samuel Rutherford andRobert Baillie; and elders Lord JohnMaitlandandSirArchibaldJohnston.

Onlysixtyappearedthefirstday,andtheaverageattendanceduringtheprotractedsittingsof theAssembly rangedbetweensixtyandeighty.Of

Page 22: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

these the vastmajoritywere Presbyterians, after theEpiscopalians hadwithdrawn subsequently to the signing of the Solemn League andCovenant.ThevastmajorityofthePuritanclergy,aftertheexampleofallthe Reformed churches of the Continent, were inclined toPresbyterianism,andinmanyplaces,especiallyinthecityofLondonanditsneighbourhood,haderectedpresbyteries.

TherewereonlyfiveprominentIndependentsintheAssembly,headedbyDr.ThomasGoodwinandPastorPhilipNye.Thesewerecalled,fromtheattitude of opposition to the majority which they occupied, "The FiveDissenting Brethren." In spite of the smallness of their number, theypossessedconsiderableinfluenceinhindering,andfinallypreventing,theAssembly in its work of national ecclesiastical construction, and theirinfluencewasdue to the support they received frompoliticianswithouttheAssembly, intheLongParliament, inthearmy,and,aboveall, fromthegreatCromwellhimself.

TheErastians,whoheld thatChristianpastors are simply teachers andnot rulers in the Church, and that all ecclesiastical as well as all civilpowerrestsexclusivelywiththecivilmagistrate,wererepresentedintheAssemblybyonly twoministers—ThomasColemanandJohnLightfoot,assistedactivelybythelearnedlayman,JohnSelden.Theirinfluencewasdue to the fact that the Parliament sympathized with them, and as amatterofcourseallworldlypoliticians.

The prolocutor, or moderator, appointed by the Parliament, was Dr.Twisse, and after his death he was succeeded byMr. Herle. On Jul 1,1643, the Assembly, after hearing a sermon from the prolocutor in theAbbeyChurch,Westminster,was organized inHenry theVII.'s Chapel.AftertheweathergrewcoldtheymetintheJerusalemChamber,"afairroomintheAbbeyofWestminster."WhenthewholeAssemblyhadbeendivided fordespatchofbusiness into threeequalcommittees, they tookuptheworkwhichwasfirstassignedtothembyParliament—namely,therevision of the "'Thirty-nineArticles," the already existing Creed of theEnglishChurch.ButonOct12,1643shortlyaftersubscribingtheSolemnLeague and Covenant, Parliament directed the Assembly "to consideramongthemselvesofsuchadisciplineandgovernmentasmaybemostagreeable toGod's holyword." They consequently entered immediately

Page 23: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

upon the work of preparing a Directory of Government, Worship andDiscipline.BeingdelayedbyconstantcontroversieswiththeIndependentand Erastian factions, they did not complete this department of theirwork until near the close of 1644. Then they began to prepare for thecompositionofaConfessionofFaith,andacommitteewasappointedtoprepare and arrange the main propositions to be embraced in it. Thiscommittee consisted of Pastor Drs. Gouge, Temple andHoyle;Messrs.Gataker,Arrowsmith,Burroughs,Burgess,VinesandGoodwin,withtheScotchCommissioners.

Thecommitteeat firstwroughtat theworkofpreparingtheConfessionand Catechisms simultaneously. "After some progress had been madewithboth,theAssemblyresolvedtofinishtheConfessionfirst,andthentoconstruct theCatechismon itsmodel."Theypresented inabody thefinishedConfessiontoParliament,Dec3,1646,whenitwasrecommitted,that the "Assembly should attach their marginal notes, to prove everypart of it by Scripture." They finally reported it as finished, with fullScriptureproofsofeachseparatepropositionattached,Apr29,1647.

TheShorterCatechismwas finished and reported toParliamentNov5,1647, and the Larger Catechism Apr 14, 1648. On Mar 22, 1648, aconferencewasheldbetweenthetwoHouses,tocomparetheiropinionsrespecting theConfessionofFaith, the resultofwhich is thus statedbyRushworth:

"TheCommons thisday (Mar22, 1648), at a conference,presented theLordswithaConfessionofFaithpassedbythem,withsomealterations(especially concerning questions of discipline), viz.: That they do agreewiththeirLordships,andsowiththeAssembly,inthedoctrinalpart,anddesire the same may be made public, that this kingdom, and all theReformedchurchesofChristendom,mayseetheParliamentofEnglanddiffernotindoctrine."[4]

TheConfessionofFaith,DirectoryofPublicWorshipandtheLargerandShorterCatechismswereall ratifiedby theScotchGeneralAssemblyassoonastheseveralpartsoftheworkwereconcludedatWestminster.

On Oct 13, 1647, the Long Parliament established the Presbyterian

Page 24: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Church inEnglandexperimentally, "until theendof thenext sessionofParliament,whichwastobeayearafterthatdate."ButbeforethatdatetheParliamenthadbecomesubservient to thepowerof thearmyunderCromwell. Presbyteries and synods were soon superseded by hisCommittee of Triers, while the Presbyterian ministers were ejected inmassbyCharlesII.in1662.

After the completion of the Catechisms, many of the members quietlydispersedandreturnedtotheirhomes."ThosethatremainedinLondonwerechieflyengaged in theexaminationof suchministersaspresentedthemselves for ordination or induction into vacant charges. Theycontinued tomaintain their formal existence until Feb 22, 1649, aboutthreeweeksaftertheking'sdecapitation,havingsatfiveyears,sixmonthsand twenty-two days, in which time they had held one thousand onehundred and sixty-three sessions. They were then changed into acommittee for conducting the trial and examination of ministers, andcontinued to holdmeetings for this purpose, every Thursdaymorning,untilMar25,1652,when,OliverCromwellhavingforciblydissolvedtheLongParliamentbywhoseauthoritytheAssemblyhadbeenatfirstcalledtogether,thatcommitteealsobrokeup,andseparatedwithoutanyformaldissolution,andasamatterofnecessity."

The Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms of theWestminster Assembly were adopted by the original Synod in NorthAmerica,AD1729,asthe"ConfessionofFaithofthisChurch,"andithasbeen received as the standard of faith by all the branches of thePresbyterianChurchinScotland,England,IrelandandAmerica;anditishighly reverenced, and its Catechisms used as means of publicinstruction, by all the Congregational bodies of Puritan stock in theworld.[5]

Although the Westminster Assembly resolutely excluded from theirConfession all that they recognized as savouring of Erastian error, yettheir opinions as to church establishments led to views concerning thepowers of civil magistrates, concerning religious things (circa sacra),whichhave alwaysbeen rejected in this country.Hence, in the original"AdoptingAct," the Synoddeclared that it didnot receive the passagesrelatingtothispointintheConfession"inanysuchsenseastosuppose

Page 25: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thecivilmagistratehathacontrollingpoweroversynodswithrespecttotheexerciseoftheirministerialauthority;orpowertopersecuteanyfortheirreligion,orinanysensecontrarytotheProtestantsuccessiontothethroneofGreatBritain."

And again, when the Synod revised and amended its standards in AD1787,inpreparationfortheorganizationoftheGeneralAssemblyinAD1789, it "took into consideration the last paragraph of the twentiethchapter of theWestminster Confession of Faith; [WCF 20.4] the thirdparagraph of the twenty-third chapter, [WCF 23.3] and the firstparagraphofthethirty-firstchapter;[WCF31.1]and,havingmadesomealterations,agreedthatthesaidparagraphsasnowalteredbeprintedforconsideration."As thusalteredandamended, thisConfessionandtheseCatechismswereadoptedasthedoctrinalpartoftheConstitutionofthePresbyterianChurchinAmericainAD1788,andsostandtothisday.

The original Articles of the Westminster Confession as to the civilmagistratewhicharealteredinourConfessionareasfollow:

WCF20.4,ofcertainoffendersitissaid:"TheymaybeproceededagainstbythecensuresoftheChurchandbythepowerofthecivilmagistrate."WCF 23.3: "The civil magistrate may not assume to himself theadministrationoftheWordandsacraments,orthepowerofthekeysofthekingdomofheaven;yethehathauthority,andit ishisduty,totakeorderthatunityandpeacebepreservedintheChurch;thatthetruthofGod be kept pure and entire; that all blasphemies and heresies besuppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and disciplineprevented or reformed, and all ordinances of God duly settled,administered and observed. For the better effecting whereof, he hathpower to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide thatwhatsoeveristransactedinthembeaccordingtothemindofGod."WCF31.2:"Asmagistratesmaylawfullycallasynodofministersandotherfitpersons to consult and advise with about matters of religion, so, ifmagistrates be open enemies to the Church, theministers of Christ ofthemselves,byvirtueof theiroffice,or theywithother fitpersonsupondelegationfromtheirchurches,maymeettogetherinsuchassemblies."

Page 26: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

QUESTIONS

1. How were most of the Confessions of the Lutheran and Reformedchurchescomposed?

2.WhatispeculiarinthecaseoftheCanonsoftheSynodofDortandtheConfessionandCatechismsofWestminster?

3.StatethegeneralcharacteroftheReformationinScotland.

4. What were the character and design of the Solemn League andCovenant,andbywhatpartieswasitcontracted?

5.WhatwasthegeneralcharacteroftheReformationinEngland?

6. What was the principal instrumentality by which the work waseffected?

7.Whatwasthecharacterofthetheology,andwhatthedirectionofthesympathies,oftheearlyEnglishReformers?

8. What was the character of the influence exerted upon the EnglishReformationbyherfirstProtestantsovereigns?

9.WhatprovedtobethecivileffectsoftheattemptuponthepartoftheCrowntorepressreligiousliberty?

10.StatesomeofthefirstactsoftheLongParliament.

11.When and for what purpose was the Assembly of Divines called atWestminster?

12. What was the number and what was the character of the personscomposingthatAssembly?

13.WhoweretherepresentativesoftheScotchChurch?

14.IntowhatthreeprincipalpartieswerethemembersofthisAssemblydivided? and to which party did the vast majority of the Assembly

Page 27: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

belong?

15.HowwastheAssemblyorganized?

16.WhatwasthefirstworkperformedbytheAssembly?

17.WhenandhowdidtheyproceedtoframeaConfessionofFaith?

18.HowdidtheyproceedtoframetheCatechisms?

19.WhatwastheactionoftheLongParliamenttouchingtheworkoftheAssembly?

20.WhattheactionoftheScotchGeneralAssemblyastothesame?

21. What was the ultimate fate of the Presbyterian establishment inEngland?

22.Ofwhat churches is theWestminsterConfession theConstitutionalStandardofDoctrine?

23.WhenandwithwhatexceptionswasthisConfessionadoptedbythePresbyterianChurchinAmerica?

24.Whenandwhyandinwhatsectionswasitamended?

[1]Hetherington's"HistoryoftheWestminsterAssembly,"p.88.

[2]Hetherington's"HistoryoftheChurchofScotland,"p.187.

[3]Hetherington's"HistoryoftheWestminsterAssembly,"p.99.

[4]Hetherington's"HistoryWestminsterAssembly,"p.243.

[5]See"TheWestminsterAssembly,itsHistoryandStandards,"byAlex.F. Mitchell, D.D., for the most full and authoritative account of thesourcesandgenesisoftheWestminsterConfessionandCatechism.

Page 28: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterOneOftheHolyScripture

SECTIONI.--Althoughthelightofnature;andtheworksofcreation;andprovidence;dosofarmanifestthegoodness,wisdom,andpowerofGod,as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give thatknowledge of God and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation.ThereforeitpleasedtheLord,atsundrytimes,andindiversmanners,toreveal; Himself, and to declare; that His will unto His Church; andafterwards,forthebetterpreservingandpropagatingofthetruth,andforthe more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against thecorruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, tocommitthesamewhollyuntowriting:whichmakeththeHolyScripturetobemostnecessary;thoseformerwaysofGod'srevealingHiswilluntoHispeoplebeingnowceased.

ScriptureProofTexts

Rom.ii.14,15;Rom.i.19,20;Ps.xlx,1,2,3;Rom.i.32,withchap.ii.1.1Cor. i. 21; 1Cor. ii. 13, 14;Heb. i. 1;Prov. xxii. 19,20,21;Luke i. 3,4;Rom.xv.4;Matt.iv.4,7,10;Isa.viii.19,20;2Tim.iii.15;2Peteri.19;Heb.i.1,2.

Thissectionaffirmsthefollowingpropositions:-1.Thatthelightofnatureandtheworksofcreationandprovidencearesufficient tomakeknownthe fact that there isaGod,andsomewhatofhisnatureandcharacter,soastoleavethedisobedienceofmenwithoutexcuse.

2.Thatneverthelesstheamountandkindofknowledgethusattainableisnotsufficienttoenableanytosecuresalvation.

Page 29: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.ThatconsequentlyithaspleasedGod,ofhissovereigngrace,tomake,in various ways and at different times, a supernatural revelation ofhimselfandofhispurposestoachosenportionofthehumanfamily.4.AndthatsubsequentlyGodhasbeenpleasedtocommitthatrevelationtowriting,andthatitisnowexclusivelyembracedintheSacredScriptures.

1. The light of nature and the works of creation and providence aresufficient to enable men to ascertain the fact that there is a God, andsomewhatofhisnatureandcharacter,endthusrendertheminexcusable.

Three generically distinct false opinions have been entertained withrespecttothecapacityofmen,intheirpresentcircumstances,toattaintoanypositiveknowledgeofthebeingandcharacterofGod.

(1.)There is theassumptionofall thoseextremeRationalistswhodenythe existence of anyworld beyond the natural one discoverable by oursenses, andespeciallyof that schoolofPositivePhilosophy inauguratedbyAuguste Comte in France, and represented by John StuartMill andHerbert Spencer in England, who affirm that all possible humanknowledgeisconfinedtothefactsofourexperienceandtheuniformlawswhichregulatethesuccessionofthosefacts;thatitisnotpossibleforthehumanmind,initspresentstate,togobeyondthesimpleorderofnatureto the knowledge of an absolute First Cause, or to a designing anddisposingSupremeIntelligence,eventhoughsuchanoneactuallyexists;that whether there be a God. or not, yet as a matter of fact he is notrevealed, and as a matter of principle could not, even if revealed, berecognizedbymaninthepresentstateofhisfaculties.

This assumption is disproved - (a.)By the fact thatmen of all nations,ages,anddegreesofculture,havediscernedtheevidencesofthepresenceof a God in the works of nature and providence, and in the inwardworkingsoftheirownsouls.Thishasbeentrue,notonlyof individuals,communities,orgenerationsunenlightenedbyscience,butpre-eminentlyof some of the very first teachers of positive science in the modernscientificage,suchasSirIsaacNewton,SirDavidBrewster,Dr.Faraday,etc.(b.)Bythefactthattheworksofnatureandprovidencearefullofthemanifest traces of design, and that they can be scientifically explained,andasamatterof factareexplainedby thesevery sceptics themselves,

Page 30: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

only by the recognition and accurate tracing out of the evident "intention" which each of these works is adapted to subserve in theirmutual relations. (c.) The same is disproved from the fact thatconscience, which is a universal and indestructible element of humannature, necessarily implies our accountability to a personal moralGovernor,andasamatteroffacthasuniformlyledmentoarecognitionofhisexistenceandoftheirrelationtohim.

(2.)AnextremeopiniononthissubjecthasbeenheldbysomeChristians,totheeffectthatnotrueandcertainknowledgeofGodcanbederived.byman, in his present condition, from the light of nature in the entireabsence of a supernatural revelation; that we are altogether dependentuponsucharevelationforanycertainknowledgethatGodexists,aswellasforallknowledgeofhisnatureandhispurposes.

This opinion is disproved -- (a.) By the direct testimony of Scripture.Rom. i. 20 -- 24; ii. 14, 15. (b.) By the fact that many conclusivearguments for the existence of a great First Cause, who is at the sametime an intelligent personal Spirit and righteousmoral Governor, havebeendrawnbyastrictinductionfromthefactsofnaturealone,astheylieopentothenaturalunderstanding.Thefact thatthisargumentremainsunanswerableshowsthattheprocessbywhichtheconclusionsaredrawnfrom purely natural sources is legitimate. (c.) All nations, howeverdestitute of a supernatural revelation they may have been, have yetpossessed some knowledge of a God. And in the case of the mostenlightened of the heathen, natural religion has given birth to aconsiderable natural theology.We must, however, distinguish betweenthat knowledge of the divine characterwhichmay be obtained bymenfromtheworldsofnaturearidprovidenceintheexerciseoftheirnaturalpowers alone, without any suggestions or assistance derived from asupernatural revelation -- as is illustrated in the theologicalwritings ofsomemost eminent of the heathenwho lived before Christ -- and thatknowledgewhichmeninthisage,undertheclearlightofasupernaturalrevelation,arecompetenttodeducefromastudyofnature.Thenaturaltheology of the modern Rationalists demonstrably owes all its specialexcellencestothatChristianrevelationitisintendedtosupersede.

(3.) The third erroneous opinion which has been entertained on this

Page 31: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

subject is thatofDeistsandtheisticRationalists --viz., thatthe lightofnature,whenlegitimatelyused,isperfectlysufficientofitselftoleadmento all necessary knowledge ofGod's being, nature, and purposes. SomeGermanRationalists,whileadmittingthatasupernaturalrevelationhasbeengivenintheChristianScriptures,yetinsistthatitsonlyoffice is toillustrateandenforcethetruthsalreadygiventhroughthelightofnature,whicharesufficientinthemselves,andneedre-enforcementonlybecausetheyareordinarilynotproperlyattendedtobymen.But,inoppositiontothis,theConfessionteaches--2.Thattheamountofknowledgeattainablebythelightofnatureisnotsufficienttoenableanytosecuresalvation.

Thisisprovedtobetrue--(1.)FromScripture.1Cor.i.21;ii.13,14.(2.)Fromthefactthatman'smoralrelationstoGodhavebeendisturbedbysin; andwhile the natural light of reasonmay teach an unfallen beingspontaneouslyhowheshouldapproachandserveGod,andwhileitmayteach a fallen being what the nature of God may demand as to thepunishmentofsin,itcanteachnothingbywayofanticipationastowhatGod may be sovereignly disposed to do in the way of remission,substitution, sanctification, restoration, etc. (3.) 'From the factspresented in the past history of all nations destitute of the light ofrevelation,bothbeforeandsinceChrist.Thetruthstheyhaveheldhavebeenincompleteand.mixedwithfundamentalerror;theirfaithhasbeenuncertain; their religious rites have been degrading, and their livesimmoral.TheonlyapparentexceptiontothisfactisfoundinthecaseofsomeRationalist'inChristianlands;andtheirexceptionalsuperioritytoothersoftheircreedisduetothesecondaryinfluencesofthatsystemofsupernatural religion which they deny, but the power of which theycannotexclude.

Hence,theConfessionteachesinthissection--3.ThatconsequentlyithaspleasedGod,ofhissovereigngrace,tomake,in various ways and at different times, a super natural revelation ofhimselfandofhispurposestoachosenportionofthehumanfamily.Andthat--4. God has been pleased subsequently to commit that revelation towriting,anditisnowexclusivelyembracedintheSacredScriptures.

Page 32: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Since,asaboveshown,thelightofnatureisinsufficienttoenablementoattainsuchaknowledgeofGodandhiswillasisnecessaryforsalvation,itfollows--(1.)Thatasupernaturalrevelationisabsolutelynecessaryforman; and, (2.) From what natural religion alone teaches us of thecharacterofGod, it followsthat thegivingofsucharevelation is in thehighest degree antecedently probable on his part. Man is essentially amoral agent, and needs a clearly revealed rule of duty; and a religiousbeing,cravingcommunionwithGod.Inhisnaturalstatethesearebothunsatisfied.ButGodistheauthorofhumannature.Hisintelligenceleadsus to believe that hewill complete all his works and crown a religiousnaturewith the gift of a religion practically adequate to its wants. Thebenevolence of God leads us to anticipate that he will not leave hiscreatures in bewilderment and ruin for the want of light as to theircondition andduties.Andhis righteousness occasions the presumptionthathewillatsometimespeakindefiniteandauthoritativetonestotheconscienceofhissubjects.(3.)Asamatteroffact,Godhasgivensucharevelation. Indeed he has in no period of human history left himselfwithout a witness. His communications to mankind through the firstthree thousand years were made in very " diverse manners"-- bytheophanies and audible voices, dreams, visions, the Urim andThummim, and prophetic inspiration; and the results of thesecommunicationswerediffusedandperpetuatedbymeansoftradition.

Thefactthatsucharevelationhasbeenmade,and.thatwe'haveitintheChristian Scriptures, is fully substantiated by thatmass of proof styledthe"EvidencesofChristianity."Themaindepartmentsof thisevidencearethefollowing:--(a.)TheOldandNewTestaments,whethertheWordofGodornot,bearallthemarksofgenuineandauthentichistoricalrecords.

(b.)ThemiraclesrecordedintheseScripturesareestablishedasfactsbyabundant testimony; andwhen admitted as facts they demonstrate thereligiontheyaccompanytobefromGod.

(c.) The same is true in all respects with regard to the many explicitpropheciesalreadyfulfilledwhicharecontainedintheScriptures.

(d.)Theunparalleledperfectionofthemoralsystemtheyteach,andthe

Page 33: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

supernatural intelligence they discover in adaptation to all humancharactersandconditionsinallages.

(e.)TheabsolutelyperfectexcellenceofitsFounder.

(f.) The spiritual power of Christianity, as shown in the religiousexperience of individuals, and also in thewider influence it exerts overcommunitiesandnationsinsuccessivegenerations.

ForthequestionsconcerningtheHolyScripturesascontainingthewholeofthisrevelationnowmadebyGodtomen,seebelow.

SECTION II. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of Godwritten,arenowcontainedallthebooksoftheOldandNewTestament,whicharethese:

OftheOldTestament:Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges,Ruth,ISamuel,IISamuel,IKings,IIKings,IChronicles,IIChronicles,Ezra,Nehemiah,Esther,Job,Psalms,Proverbs,Ecclesiastes,TheSongofSongs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel,Amos,Obadiah, Jonah,Micah, Nahum,Habakkuk, Zephaniah,Haggai,Zechariah,Malachi.

OftheNewTestament:TheGospels according toMatthew,Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of theApostles, Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians I, Corinthians II,Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians I ,ThessaloniansII,ToTimothyI,ToTimothyII,ToTitus,ToPhilemon,TheEpistle to theHebrews,TheEpistleofJames,The firstandsecondEpistlesofPeter,Thefirst,second,andthirdEpistlesofJohn,TheEpistleofJude,TheRevelationofJohn.

AllwhicharegivenbyinspirationofGodtobetheruleoffaithandlife.

SECTIONIII.ThebookscommonlycalledApocrypha,notbeingofdivineinspiration,arenopartofthecanonoftheScripture,andthereforeareofnoauthorityintheChurchofGod,nortobeanyotherwiseapproved,or

Page 34: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

madeuseof,thanotherhumanwritings.

ScriptureProofTexts

Lukexvi.29,31;Eph.ii.20;Rev.xxii.18,19;2Tim.iii.16.Lukexxiv.27,44;Rom.iii.2;2Peteri.21.

Thesesectionsaffirmthefollowingpropositions:--1. That the complete canon of Scripture embraces in the two greatdivisionsoftheOldandtheNewTestamentsalltheparticularbooksherenamed.

2. That the books commonly called Apocrypha form no part of thatcanon, and are to be regarded as of nomore authority than any otherhumanwritings.

3.Thatallthecanonicalbooksweredivinelyinspired,andarethusgiventousasanauthoritativeruleoffaithandpractice.

1.ThecompletecanonofScriptureembracesinthetwogreatdivisionsoftheOldandNewTestamentsalltheparticularbooksherenamed.

TheOldTestamentisthecollectionofinspiredwritingsgivenbyGodtohisChurch during theOldDispensation of theCovenant ofGrace; andtheNewTestament is thecollectionof those inspiredwritingswhichhegaveduringtheNeworChristianDispensationofthatCovenant.

Wedeterminewhatbookshaveaplaceinthiscanonordivinerulebyanexamination of the evidences which show that each of them, severally,waswrittenbytheinspired.prophetorapostlewhosenameitbears;or,as in the case of the Gospels of Mark and Luke, written under thesuperintendence and published by the authority of an apostle. Thisevidence in the case of the Sacred Scriptures is of the same kind ofhistorical and critical proof as is relied upon by all literary men toestablishthegenuinenessandauthenticityofanyotherancientwritings,such as theOdes ofHorace or theworks ofHerodotus. In general thisevidenceis(a)Internal,suchaslanguage,style,andthecharacterofthe

Page 35: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

matter they contain; (b) External, such as the testimony ofcontemporaneous writers, the universal consent of contemporaryreaders, and corroborating history drawn from independent crediblesources.

The genuineness of the books constituting theOldTestament canon asnowreceivedbyallProtestantsisestablishedasfollows:--

(1.)ChristandhisapostlesendorseasgenuineandauthenticthecanonofJewishScripturesasitexistedintheirtime.(a)ChristoftenquotesastheWordofGod the separate books and the several divisions embraced inthe Jewish Scriptures -- viz., the Law, the Prophets, and. the HolyWritings or Psalms. Mark xiv. 49; Luke xxiv. 44; John v. 39. (b) TheapostlesalsoquotethemastheWordofGod;2Tim.iii.15,16;Actsi.16.(c)ChristoftenrebukedtheJewsfordisobeying,butneverforforgingorcorruptingtheirScriptures,Mattxxii.29.

(2.) The Jewish canon thus endorsed by Christ and his apostles is thesame as that we now have. (a) The New Testament writers quote asScripturealmosteveryoneofthebookswerecognize,andnoothers.(b)TheSeptuagint,orGreektranslationof theHebrewScriptures,made inEgypt B.C. 285, which was itself frequently quoted by Christ and hisapostles, embraced every book contained in our copies. (c) Josephus,bornA.D.37,enumeratesasHebrewScripturesthesamebooksbytheirclasses.(d)ThetestimonyoftheearlyChristianwritersuniformlyagreeswiththatoftheancientJewsastoeverybook.(e)EversincethetimeofChrist both Jews and Christians, while rival and hostile parties, haveseparatelykeptthesamecanon,andagreeperfectlyastothegenuinenessandauthenticityofeverybook.

The evidence which establishes the canonical authority of the severalbooksoftheNewTestamentmaybegenerallystatedasfollows:(a)Theearly Christian writers in all parts of the world agree in quoting as ofapostolical authority the books we receive, while they quote all othercontemporaneous writings only for illustration. (b) The early ChurchFathersfurnishanumberofcataloguesofthebooksreceivedbythemasapostolical,allofwhichagreeperfectlyastomostofthebooks,anddifferonly in a slight degree with reference to some last written or least

Page 36: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

generallycirculated. (c)Theearliest translationsof theScripturesprovethat,atthetimetheyweremade,thebookstheycontainwererecognizedas Scripture. The Peshito, or early Syriac translation, agrees almostentirelywith ours; and theVulgate, preparedby JeromeA.D. 385,wasbasedontheItalicorearlyLatinversion,andagreesentirelywithours.(d)Theinternalevidencecorroboratestheexternaltestimonyinthecaseofallthebooks.Thisconsistsofthelanguageandidiominwhichtheyarewritten;theharmonyinallessentialsinthemidstofgreatvarietyinformandcircumstantials;theelevatedspiritualityanddoctrinalconsistencyofallthebooks;andtheirpracticalpowerovertheconsciencesandheartsofmen.

2.ButthebookscalledApocryphaformnopartofthesacredcanon,andare to be regarded as of no more authority than any other humanwritings.

The word Apocrypha (anything hidden) has been applied to certainancient writings whose authorship is not manifest, and for whichunfounded claims have been set up for a place in the canon. Some ofthese have been associated with the Old and. some with the NewTestament. In this section of the Confession, however, the name isapplied. principally to those spurious scriptures for which a place isclaimed in the Old Testament canon by the Roman Church. These areTobit, Wisdom, Judith, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, and the two books ofMaccabees. They also prefix to the book of Daniel the History ofSusannah,andinsertinthethirdchaptertheSongoftheThreeChildren;andaddtotheendofthebooktheHistoryofBelandtheDragon.

That thesebookshavenoright toaplace in thecanon isprovedby thefollowingfacts: (1.)Theynever formedapartof theHebrewScriptures.Theyhavealwaysbeenrejectedby theJews, towhoseguardianshiptheOldTestamentScriptureswerecommitted.(2.)Noneof themwereeverquotedbyChristortheapostles.(3.)Theywereneverembracedinthelistof the canonical books by the early Fathers; and even in the RomanChurchtheirauthoritywasnotacceptedbythemostlearnedandcandidmenuntilafteritwasmadeanarticleoffaithbytheCouncilofTrent,latein the sixteenth century. (4.) The internal evidence presented by theircontents disproves their claims. None of them make any claim to

Page 37: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

inspiration,while thebestof themdisclaim it.Someof themconsistofchildishfables,andinculcatebadmorals.

Andthissectionteaches--3.Thatall thecanonicalScripturesweredivinely inspired,andare thusgivenusasanauthoritativeruleoffaithandpractice.

ThebooksofScripturewerewrittenby the instrumentalityofmen,andthe national and personal peculiarities of their authors have beenevidentlyasfreelyexpressedintheirwriting,andtheirnatural faculties,intellectualandmoral,asfreelyexercisedintheirproduction,asthoseoftheauthorsofanyotherwritings.Neverthelessthesebooksare,oneandall, inthoughtandverbalexpression, insubstanceandform,whollytheWordofGod,conveyingwithabsoluteaccuracyanddivineauthorityallthat God meant them to convey, without any human additions oradmixtures. This was accomplished by a supernatural influence of theSpirit of God acting upon the spirits of the sacred writers, called"inspiration;" which accompanied them uniformly in what they wrote;and which, without violating the free operation of their faculties, yetdirectedtheminalltheywrote,andsecuredtheinfallibleexpressionofitinwords.Thenatureofthisdivineinfluencewe,ofcourse,cannomoreunderstandthanwecaninthecaseofanyothermiracle.Buttheeffectsareplainandcertain--viz.,thatallwrittenunderitistheveryWordofGod,ofinfallibletruth,andofdivineauthority;andthis infallibilityandauthorityattachaswelltotheverbalexpressioninwhichtherevelationisconveyedastothematteroftherevelationitself.

The fact that the Scriptures are thus inspired is proved because theyassertitofthemselves;andbecausetheymusteitherbecreditedastruein this respect, or rejected as false in all respects; 'and because Godauthenticatedtheclaimsoftheirwritersbyaccompanyingtheirteachingwith"signsandwondersanddiversmiracles."Heb.ii.4.WhereverGodsendshis "sign," therehecommandsbelief;but it is impossible thathecouldunconditionallycommandbeliefexcepttotruthinfalliblyconveyed.

(1.)TheOldTestamentwriters claimed tobe inspired.Deut. xxxi. 19 --22;xxxiv. 10;Num.xvi.28,29;2Sam.xxiii.2.Asacharacteristic fact,they speak in the name of God, prefacing theirmessages with a "Thus

Page 38: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

saiththeLORD."ThemouthoftheLORDhathspokenit."Deut.xviii.21,22;1Kingsxxi.19;Jer.ix.12,etc.

(2.)TheNewTestamentwritersintroducetheirquotationsfromtheOldTestament with such formulas as, "The Holy Ghost saith," Heb. iii. 7;"TheHolyGhostthissignifying,"Heb.ix.8;"SaithGod,"Actsii.17;1Cor.ix.9,10;"TheLordbythemouthofhisservantDavidsaith,"Actsiv.25;"TheLordlimitethinDavidacertainday,saying,"Heb.iv.7.

(3.)TheinspirationoftheOldTestamentisexpresslyaffirmedintheNewTestament.Lukei.70;Heb.i.1;2Tim.iii.16;1Pet.i.10--12;2Pet.i.21.

(4.) Christ and his apostles constantly quote the Old Testament asinfallible, as thatwhichmust be fulfilled.Matt. v. 18; John x.35;Lukexxiv.44;Matt.ii.15--23,etc.

(5.)Inspirationwaspromisedtotheapostles.Matt.x.19;xxviii.19,20;Lukexii.12;Johnxiii.20;xiv.26;xv.26,27;xvi.13.

(6.) They claimed to have the Spirit, in fulfillment of the promise ofChrist,Actsii.33;xv.28;1Thess.i.5;--tospeakastheprophetsofGod,1Cor.iv.1;1Thess.iv.8;--tospeakwithplenaryauthority,1Cor.ii.13;2Cor.xiii.2-4;Gal.i.8,9.TheyputtheirwritingsonalevelwiththeOldTestamentScriptures.2Pet.iii.16;1Thess.v.27.

SECTIONIV.TheauthorityoftheHolyScripture,forwhichitoughttobebelieved, and obeyed, depends not upon the testimony of anyman, orChurch;butwhollyuponGod(whoistruthitself)theauthorthereof:andthereforeitistobereceived,becauseitistheWordofGod.[9]

SECTION V. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of theChurchtoanhighandreverentesteemoftheHolyScripture.[10]Andtheheavenlinessofthematter,theefficacyofthedoctrine,themajestyofthestyle,theconsentofalltheparts,thescopeofthewhole(whichis,togiveall glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way ofman'ssalvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entireperfection thereof, are argumentswhereby it does abundantly evidenceitselftobetheWordofGod:yetnotwithstanding,ourfullpersuasionand

Page 39: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

assuranceoftheinfallibletruthanddivineauthoritythereof,isfromtheinwardworkoftheHolySpiritbearingwitnessbyandwiththeWordinourhearts.[11]

ScriptureProofTexts[9]2Peteri.19,21;2Tim.iii.16;1Johnv.9;1Thess.ii.13.[10]1Tim.iii.15;[11]1Johnii.20,27;Johnxvi.13,14;1Cor.ii.10,11,12;Isa.lix.21.

Thissectionteachesthefollowingpropositions:--1. That the authority of the inspired Scriptures does not rest upon thetestimonyoftheChurch,butdirectlyuponGod.

ThispropositionisdesignedtodenytheRomishheresythattheinspiredChurch is the ultimate source of all divine know ledge, and that thewritten Scripture and ecclesiastical tradition alike depend upon theauthoritativesealoftheChurchfortheircredibility.TheythusmaketheScripturesaproductoftheSpiritthroughtheChurch;while,infact,theChurchisaproductoftheSpiritthroughtheinstrumentalityoftheWord.It is true that the testimony of the early Church to the apostolicauthorshipof theseveralbooks isof fundamental importance, just asasubjectmaybearwitnesstotheidentityofanheirtothecrown;buttheauthorityoftheScripturesisnomorederivedfromtheChurchthanthatofthekingfromthesubjectwhoprovesthefactthatheisthelegalheir.

2. That the internal evidences of a divine origin contained in andinseparablefromtheScripturesthemselvesareconclusive.

ThisisapartoftheevidencesofChristianityconsideredundersect.i.Theinternal marks of a divine origin in the Bible are such as -- (1.) Thephenomena itpresentsofasupernatural intelligence: inunityofdesigndevelopedthroughitsentirestructure,althoughit iscomposedofsixty-sixseparatebooks,byfortydifferentauthors,writingatintervalsthroughsixteencenturies;initsperfectfreedomfromalltheerrorsincidenttotheagesofitsproduction,withregardtofactsoropinionsofwhateverkind;in. the marvellous knowledge it exhibits of human nature under allpossiblerelationsandconditions;intheoriginalandluminoussolutionit

Page 40: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

affordsofmanyof thedarkestproblemsofhumanhistory anddestiny.(2.)Theunparalleledperfectionofitsmoralsystem:intheexaltedviewitgivesofGod,his law,andmoralgovernment; initsexaltedyetpracticalandbeneficentsystemofmorality, set forthandeffectively enforced; inits wondrous power over the human conscience; and in the unrivalledextentandpersistenceofitsinfluenceovercommunitiesofmen.

3. Yet that the highest and most influential faith in the truth andauthority of the Scriptures is the directwork of theHoly Spirit on ourhearts.

TheScripturestotheunregeneratemanare like lighttotheblind.Theymaybefeltastheraysofthesunarefeltbytheblind,buttheycannotbefully seen. The Holy Spirit opens the blinded eyes and gives duesensibility to the diseased heart; and thus assurance comes with theevidenceofspiritualexperience.Whenfirstregenerated,hebeginstosettheScriptures to the test of experience; and themorehe advances, themoreheproves them true, and themorehediscovers of their limitlessbreadth and fulness, and their evidently designed adaptation to allhumanwantsunderallpossibleconditions.

SECTIONVI.ThewholecounselofGodconcerningall thingsnecessaryforHisownglory,man's salvation, faithand life, is either expressly setdown in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may bededucedfromScripture:untowhichnothingatanytimeistobeadded,whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men.[12]Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit ofGod tobenecessary for the savingunderstandingof such things as arerevealed in the Word:[13] and that there are some circumstancesconcerningtheworshipofGod,andgovernmentoftheChurch,commontohumanactionsand societies,which are tobeorderedby the light ofnature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of theWord,whicharealwaystobeobserved.[14]

ScriptureProofTexts[12]2Tim.iii.15,16,17;Gal.i.8,9;2Thess.ii.[13]2;Johnvi.45;1Cor.ii.9to12;[14]1Cor.xi.13,14;1Cor.xiv.26.40.

Page 41: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Thissectionteachesthefollowingpropositions:--1.TheinspiredScripturesoftheOld.AndNewTestamentsareacompleterule of faith and practice: they embrace the whole of whateversupernatural revelation God now makes to men, and are abundantlysufficientforallthepracticalnecessities'ofmenorcommunities.

Thisisproved--(1.)FromthedesignofScripture.Itprofessestoleadusto God. Whatever is necessary to that end it must teach us. If anysupplementary knowledge is necessary, it must refer to it.Incompleteness in such an undertaking would be falsehood. But (2.)while Christ and his apostles constantly refer to Scripture as anauthoritativerule,neithertheynortheScripturesthemselveseverrefertoanyothersourceofdivinerevelationwhatsoever.Theythereforeassumealltheawfulprerogativesofcompleteness.Johnxx.31;2Tim.iii.15--17.And(3.),asamatteroffact,theScripturesdoteachaperfectsystemofdoctrine, and all the principles which are necessary for the practicalregulation of the lives of individuals, communities, and churches. Themore diligent men have been in the study of the Bible, and the moreassiduoustheyhavebeenincarryingoutitsinstructionsintopractice,thelesshas itbeenpossible for themtobelieve that it is incomplete inanyelementof aperfect ruleof all thatwhichman is tobelieve concerningGod,andofallthatdutywhichGodrequiresofman.

2. Nothing during the present dispensation is to be added to thiscomplete rule of faith, either by new revelations of the Spirit or bytraditionsofmen.

NonewrevelationsoftheSpiritaretobeexpectednow--(1.) Because he has already given us a complete and all-sufficient rule.(2.)because,whiletheOld.Testamentforetellsthenewdispensation,theNewTestament does not refer to any further revelation to be expectedbeforethesecondadventofChrist: theyalwaysrefertothe"coming"or"appearance" of Christ as the very next supernatural event to beanticipated.(3.)Asamatteroffact,nopretendedrevelationsoftheSpiritsincethedaysoftheapostleshavebornethemarksorbeenaccompaniedwith the "signs" of a supernatural revelation: on the contrary, all thathavebeenmadepublic--asthoseofSwedenborgandtheMormons--areinconsistent with Scripture truth, directly oppose the authority of

Page 42: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Scripture, and teach bad morals; while private revelations have beenprofessedonlybyvainenthusiasts,andareincapableofverification.

TraditionsofmencannotbeallowedtosupplementScriptureasaruleoffaith,because--(1.)TheScriptures,whileundertakingto leadmentoasaving knowledge of God, never once ascribe authority to any such asupplementaryrule. (2.)Christ rebukes thepracticalobservanceof it inthe Pharisees. Matt. xv. 3 -- 6; Mark vii. 7, 8. (3.) Tradition cannotsupplementScripture,because,whilethelatterisdefinite,complete,andperspicuous, the former is essentially indeterminate, obscure, andfragmentary. (4.) The only system of ecclesiastical tradition whichpretends to rival the Scriptures as a rule of faith is that of the RomanChurch;andhertraditionsare,manyof them,demonstrablyofmodernorigin.Nonecanbetracedtotheapostolicage,muchlesstoanapostolicorigin:theyareinconsistentwiththeclearteachingofScripture,andwiththe opinions ofmany of the highest authorities in that Church itself inpastages.

3. Nevertheless, a personal spiritual illumination by the power of theHoly Ghost is necessary, in every case, for the practical and savingknowledgeofthetruthembracedintheScriptures.

This necessity does not result from anywant of either completenessorclearnessintherevelation,butfromthefactthatmaninastateofnatureiscarnal,andunabletodiscernthethingsoftheSpiritofGod.Spiritualilluminationdiffersfrominspiration,therefore,(1.)Inthatitconveysnonewtruthstotheunderstanding,butsimplyopensthemindandheartofthe subject to the spiritual discernment and appreciation of the truthalready objectively presented in theScriptures; and (2.) In that it is anelement in regeneration common to all the children of God, and notpeculiartoprophetsorapostles;andhence,(3.)Inthatitisprivateandpersonalinitsuse,andnotpublic.

4.That,whiletheScripturesareacompleteruleoffaithandpractice,andwhilenothingistoberegardedasanarticleoffaithtobebelieved,orareligiousdutyobligatoryupon theconscience,which isnot explicitly orimplicitly taught in Scripture, nevertheless they do not descend inpracticalmatters intodetails,but, layingdowngeneralprinciples, leave

Page 43: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

mentoapplythemintheexerciseoftheirnaturaljudgment,inthelightofexperience,and inadaptation tochangingcircumstances,as theyareguidedbythesanctifyinginfluencesoftheHolySpirit.

This liberty, of course, is allowed only within the limits of the strictinterpretationoftheprinciplestaughtintheWord,andinthelegitimateapplication of those principles, and applies to the regulation of thepracticallifeoftheindividualandoftheChurch,indetailedadjustmentstochangingcircumstances.

SECTIONVII.All things in Scripture arenot alikeplain in themselves,nor alike clear unto all:[15] yet those thingswhich are necessary to beknown, believed, andobserved for salvation are so clearly propounded,andopenedinsomeplaceofScriptureorother,thatnotonlythelearned,buttheunlearned,inadueuseoftheordinarymeans,mayattainuntoasufficientunderstandingofthem.[16]

ScriptureProofTexts[15]2Pet.iii.16;[16]Psalmcxix.105,130.

Thissectionaffirms--

1. That the Scriptures are in such a sense perspicuous that all that isnecessary formantoknow, inorder tohissalvationor forhispracticalguidanceinduty,maybelearnedtherefrom;and--

2. That they are designed for the personal use, and are adapted to theinstruction,oftheunlearnedaswellasthelearned.

Protestants admit thatmany of the truths revealed in theScriptures intheir own nature transcend human understanding, and that manyprophecies remain intentionally obscure until explained by theirfulfillment in the developments of history. Nevertheless, Protestantsaffirm,andRomnnistsdeny--(1.)Thateveryessentialarticleoffaithandrule of practice may be clearly learned from Scripture; and (2.) Thatprivate and unlearned Christians may be safely allowed to interpret

Page 44: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Scripture for themselves. On the other hand, it is true that, with theadvance of historical and critical knowledge, and by means ofcontroversies, the Church as a community has made progress in theaccurateinterpretationofScriptureandinthefullcomprehensionoftheentiresystemoftruthrevealedtherein.

ThattheProtestantdoctrineonthissubjectistrue,isproved--

(a.) From the fact that all Christians promiscuously are commanded tosearchtheScriptures.2Tim.iii.15--17;Actsxvii.11;Johnv.39.

(b.)FromthefactthattheScripturesareaddressedeithertoallmenortothewholebodyofbelievers.Deut.vi.4--9;Lukei.3;Rom.i.7;1Cor.i.2; 2 Cor. i. 1; and the salutations of all the Epistles except those toTimothyandTitus.

(c.)TheScriptures are affirmed tobeperspicuous.Ps. cxix. 105, 130;2Cor.iii.14;2Pet.i.18,19;2Tim.iii.15--17.

(d.) The Scriptures addressmen as a divine law to be obeyed and as aguide tosalvation. If forallpracticalpurposes theyarenotperspicuoustheymustmislead,andsofalsifytheirpretensions.

(e.)ExperiencehasuniformlyprovedthetruthoftheProtestantdoctrine.ThoseChurcheswhichhavemost faithfullydisseminated the Scripturesin the vernacular among themass of the people have conformedmostentirely to the plain and certain sense of their teaching in faith andpractice;whilethoseChurcheswhichhavelockedthemupinthehandsofa priesthood have to the greatest degree departed from them both inletterandspirit.

SECTION VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the nativelanguageof thepeopleofGodofold),andtheNewTestament inGreek(which,atthetimeofthewritingofit,wasmostgenerallyknowntothenations), being immediately inspiredbyGod, and, byHis singular careandprovidence,keptpureinallages,arethereforeauthentical;[17]soas,

Page 45: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

inallcontroversiesofreligion,theChurchisfinallytoappealuntothem.[18]But,becausetheseoriginaltonguesarenotknowntoallthepeopleofGod, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and arecommanded, in the fearofGod, to readand search them,[19] thereforetheyare tobe translated in to thevulgar languageof everynationuntowhich they come,[20] that, theWord ofGoddwellingplentifully in all,they may worship Him in an acceptable manner;[21] and, throughpatienceandcomfortoftheScriptures,mayhavehope.[22]

ScriptureProofTexts[17]Matt.v.18;[18]Isa.viii.20;Actsxv.15;[19]Johnv.39,46;[20]1Cor.xiv.6,9,11,12,24,27,28;[21]Col.iii.16;[22]Rom.xv.4.

Thissectionteaches,--1.ThattheOldTestamenthavingbeenoriginallywritteninHebrew,andtheNewTestamentinGreek--whichwerethecommonlanguagesofthelargebodyof theChurch in their respectiveperiods -- theScriptures inthose languagesare theabsoluteruleof faithandultimateappeal inallcontroversies.

2.Thattheoriginalsacredtexthascomedowntousinastateofessentialpurity.

d.ThattheScripturesshouldbetranslatedintothevernacularlanguagesofallpeople,andcopiesputintothehandsofallcapableofreadingthem.

The true text of the ancient Scriptures is ascertained by means of acarefulcollationandcomparisonofthefollowing:--1. Ancient manuscripts. The oldest existing Hebrew manuscripts datefromtheninthortenthcentury.TheoldestGreekmanuscriptsdatefromthe fourth to the sixth century. Many hundreds of these have beencollatedbyeminentscholarsinformingthetextofmodernHebrewandGreekTestaments.Thedifferencesarefoundtobeunimportant,andtheessentialintegrityofourtextisestablished.

2.Quotations fromtheapostolicScriptures found in thewritingsof theearlyChristians.Theseare sonumerous that thewholeNewTestament

Page 46: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

mightbegathered from theworldsofwritersdatingbefore the seventhcentury, and theyprove the exact state of the text at the time inwhichtheyweremade.

3.Earlytranslationsintootherlanguages.TheprincipalofthesearetheSamaritan Pentateuch, which the Samaritans inherited from the tentribes; the Greek Septuagint, B.C. 285; the Peshito or ancient Syriacversion,A.D, 100; theLatinVulgateof Jerome,A.D.385; theCopticofthefifthcentury,andothersoflesscriticalvalue.

SECTION IX. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is theScripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the trueandfullsenseofanyScripture(whichisnotmanifold,butone),itmustbesearchedandknownbyotherplacesthatspeakmoreclearly.[23]

SECTIONX.Thesupremejudgebywhichallcontroversiesofreligionaretobedetermined,andalldecreesofcouncils,opinionsofancientwriters,doctrinesofmen,andprivatespirits,are tobeexamined,and inwhosesentenceweare torest,canbenootherbut theHolySpiritspeakingintheScripture.[24]

ScriptureProofTexts

[22]2Pet.i.20,21;Actsxv.15,16.[24]Matt.xxii..29,31;Eph.ii.20withActsxxviii.25.

Thesesectionsteach,--1. That the infallible and only true "rule" for the interpretation ofScriptureisScriptureitself.

2. That the Scriptures are the supreme "judge" in all controversiesconcerningreligion.

TheauthorityoftheScripturesastheultimateruleoffaithrestsaloneinthe fact that theyare theWordofGod.Sinceall thesewritingsareonerevelation,andtheonlyrevelationofhiswillconcerningreligiongivenby

Page 47: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Godtomen,itfollows:--(1.)Thattheyarecompleteasarevelationinthemselves,andarenottobesupplementedorexplainedbylightdrawnfromanyothersource.(2.)That the different sections of this revelation mutually supplement andexplainoneanother.TheHolySpiritwho inspired theScriptures is theonlyadequateexpounderofhisownwords,andheispromisedtoallthechildren of God as a Spirit of light and truth. In dependence upon hisguidance,Christians are of course to study theScriptures, using all thehelpsoftruelearningtoascertaintheirmeaning;butthismeaningis tobesoughtinthelightoftheScripturesthemselvestakenasawhole,andnotinthelighteitheroftraditionorofphilosophy.

"Aruleisastandardofjudgment;ajudgeistheexpounderandapplierofthatruletothedecisionofparticularcases."

TheRomishdoctrineis,thatthePapalChurchistheinfallibleteacherofmen in religion; that, consequently, the Church authoritativelydetermines,(1.)WhatisScripture;(2.)Whatistradition;(3.)Whatisthetrue sense of Scripture and of tradition; and (4.) What is the trueapplicationofthatruletoeveryparticularquestionoffaithorpractice.

TheProtestantdoctrineis,--(1.)ThattheScripturesaretheonlyruleoffaith and practice; (2.) (a) Negatively, that there is no body of menqualified or authorized to interpret the Scriptures or to apply theirteachingstothedecisionofparticularquestionsinasensebindingupontheir fellow - Christians; (3) Positively, that the Scriptures are the onlyauthoritativevoiceintheChurch;whichistobeinterpretedandappliedby every individual for himself, with the assistance, though not by theauthority, of his fellow-Christians. Creeds and confessions, as to form,bindthoseonlywhovoluntarilyprofessthem;andastomatter,theybindonlyso faras theyaffirm trulywhat theBible teaches, andbecause theBibledoessoteach.

Thismustbetrue--(1.)BecausetheScriptures,whichprofesstoteachusthe way of salvation, refer us to no standard or judge in matters ofreligionbeyondorabovethemselves;andbecausenobodyofmensincetheapostleshaseverexisted,withthequalificationsorwiththeauthoritytoactintheofficeofjudgefortheirfellows.(2.)Because,aswehaveseen,

Page 48: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theScripturesarethemselvescompleteandperspicuous.(3.)BecauseallChristians are commanded to search the Scriptures, and to judge bothdoctrines andprofessed teachers themselves. John v. 39; 1 John ii. 20,27;iv.1,2;Actsxvii.11;Gal.i.8;1These.v.21.(4.)BecauseallChristiansare promised the Holy Spirit to guide them in the understanding andpracticaluseofthetruth.Rom.viii.9;1Johnii.20,27

QUESTIONS

1.Whatpropositionsareaffirmedinthefirstsection?

2.WhatisthefirststatedfalseopinionastothecapacityofmentoattaintoaknowledgeofGod?

3.Howisitprovedtobefalse?

4.Whatisthesecondfalseopinionstated?

5.Howisitprovedtobefalse?

6.Whatisthethirdfalseopinionstated?

7.Howisitprovedtobefalse?

8.HowcanitbeshownthatasupernaturalrevelationfromGodtomanisantecedentlyprobable?

9.Bywhatmeanswassucharevelationatfirstgiven?

10.Howhasitsincebeenembodiedandtransmitted?

11. How may the fact that the Christian Scriptures contain such arevelationbeproved?

12.Whatpropositionsaretaughtinthesecondandthirdsections?

13.WhatistheOldTestament?

14.WhatistheNewTestament?

Page 49: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

15.BywhatprinciplesarewetodeterminewhetherornotabookhasarighttoaplaceinthecanonofScripture?

16.HowisthegenuinenessofallthebooksreceivedbyProtestantsintheOldTestamentestablished?

17.HowisthegenuinenessofthebooksoftheNewTestamentproved?

18.WhataretheApocrypha?

19.HowcanitbeprovedthattheyarenopartofSacredScripture?

20.Whatisinspiration?

21.Whataretheeffectsofinspiration,andhowfardotheyextendinthecaseoftheScriptures?

22.StatetheevidencethattheScripturesareinspired.

23.ShowthattheauthorityofScripturedoesnotrestuponthetestimonyoftheChurch.

24. What are the internal evidences which authenticate the claims ofScripture?

25.HowdoestheHolyGhostbearwitnesstotheScriptures?

26.WhatismeantbytheaffirmationthattheScripturesasaruleoffaithandpracticearecomplete?

27.Howmayitbeproved?

28.Prove thatnoadditional revelationsof theSpiritare tobeexpectedduringthepresentdispensation.

29.Provethattraditionsofmenarenottobeadmitted.

30.Howdoesspiritualilluminationdifferfrominspiration?

31. What liberty of action do the Scriptures allow for the reason and

Page 50: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

choiceofmeninprudentiallyorderingmattersthatconcernreligion?

32.WhatismeantbyaffirmingthattheScripturesareperspicuous?

33.WhatdoProtestantsadmitandwhatdotheyaffirmonthissubject?

34.ProvethattheScripturesareperspicuous.

35.Whatpropositionsareaffirmedintheeighthsection?

36.BywhatmeansistheintegrityofthetextofourmoderncopiesoftheHebrewandGreekScripturesestablished?

37.Whatpropositionsdotheninthandtenthsectionsaffirm?

38.ShowthatScripturemustbeinterpretedbyScripture.

39. What is the Romish doctrine as to the authority of the Church inquestionsoffaithandpractice?

40.Whatisthedifferencebetweena"rule"anda"judge"?

41.WhatistheProtestantdoctrineastothetruejudgeofcontroversies?

42.ProvethetruthoftheProtestantdoctrine.

Page 51: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterTwoOfGodandtheHolyTrinity

SECTION I. There is but one only,[1] living, and true God,[2] who isinfinite in being and perfection,[3] a most pure spirit,[4] invisible,[5]without body, parts,[6] or passions;[7] immutable,[8] immense,[9]eternal,[10] incomprehensible,[11] almighty,[12] most wise,[13] mostholy,[14]most free,[15]most absolute;[16]workingall things accordingtothecounselofHisownimmutableandmostrighteouswill,[17]forHisown glory;[18] most loving,[19] gracious, merciful, long-suffering,abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, andsin;[20] the rewarder of them thatdiligently seekHim;[21] andwithal,mostjust,andterribleinHisjudgments,[22]hatingallsin,[23]andwhowillbynomeanscleartheguilty.[24]

ScriptureProofTexts

[1]Deut.vi.4;1Cor.viii.4,6;[2]1Thess.1.9;Jer.x.10;[3]Jobxi.7,8,9;Jobxxvi.14;[4]Johniv.24;[5]1Tim.i.17;[6]Deut.iv.15,16;Johniv.24,withLukexxiv,39;[7]Actsxiv.11,15;[8]Jamesi.17;Mal.iii.6;[9]1Kingsviii.27;Jer.xxiii.23,24;[10]Ps.xc.2;1Tim. i.17;[11]Ps.cxlv.3;[12]Gen.xvii.1;Rev.iv.8;[13]Rom.xvi,27;[14]Isa.vi.3;Rev.iv.8; [15]Ps. cxv.3; [16]Exod. iii. 14; [17]Eph. i. 11; [18]Prov.xvi.4;Rom.xi.36;[19]1Johniv.8,16;[20]Exod.xxxiv.6,7;[21]Heb.xi.6;[22]Neh.ix.32,33;[23]Ps.v.5,6;[24]Nah.i.2,3;Exod.xxxiv.7.[25]Johnv.26.[26]Actsvii.2[27]Ps.cxix.68.[28]1Tim.vi.15;Rom.ix.5.[29]Actsxvii.24,25.[30]Jobxxii.2,3.[31]Rom.xi.36;[32]Rev.iv.11;1Tim.vi.15;Dan.iv.25,35;[33]Heb.iv.13;

SECTION II.God has all life,[25] glory,[26] goodness,[27] blessedness,[28]inandofHimself;andisaloneinanduntoHimselfall-sufficient,notstanding inneedofanycreatureswhichHehasmade,[29]norderivinganygloryfromthem,[30]butonlymanifestingHisowngloryin,by,unto,anduponthem.Heisthealonefountainofallbeing,ofwhom,throughwhom,andtowhomareallthings;[31]andhasmostsovereigndominionover them, todoby them, for them,orupon themwhatsoeverHimself

Page 52: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

pleases.[32] In His sight all things are open and manifest,[33] Hisknowledgeisinfinite, infallible,andindependentuponthecreature,[34]soasnothingistoHimcontingent,oruncertain.[35]HeismostholyinallHiscounsels,inallHisworks,andinallHiscommands.[36]ToHimisduefromangelsandmen,andeveryothercreature,whatsoeverworship,service,orobedienceHeispleasedtorequireofthem.[37]

ScriptureProofTexts

[34]Rom.xi.33,34;Ps. cxlvii. 5; [35]Actsxv. 18;Ezek. xi. 5; [36]Ps.cxlv.17;Rom.vii.12;[37]Rev.v.12,13,14.

Thesesectionsteachthefollowingpropositions:--1.ThereisbutonelivingandtrueGod.2.ThisGodisafreepersonalSpirit,withoutbodilypartsorpassions.3.Hepossessesallabsoluteperfectionsinandofhimself.4.Hepossessesallrelativeperfectionswithrespecttohiscreatures.5. He is self-existent and absolutely independent, the sole support,proprietor,andsovereigndisposer,ofallhiscreatures.

1.ThereisbutonelivingandtrueGod.There have been false gods innumerable, and the title " god" has beenapplied to angels (Ps. xcvii. 7), because of their spirituality and exaltedexcellence;andtomagistrates(Ps.1xxxii.1,6),becauseoftheirauthority;andSatan is called"thegodof thisworld" (2Cor. iv.4),becauseofhisusurpeddominionoverthewicked.Inopposition,therefore,totheclaimsofall false gods, and in exclusion of all figurative use of the term, it isaffirmedthatthereisbutonetrueGod,onelivingGod.

Thisaffirmationincludestwopropositions:(a)ThereisbutoneGod.(b)ThisoneGodisanabsoluteunit,incapableofdivision.

ThatthereisbutoneGodisproved--(1.)FromthefactthateveryargumentthatestablishesthebeingofGod,suggests the existence of but one. There must be one First Cause, butthere is no evidence of more than one. There must be one DesigningIntelligence and one Moral Governor, but neither the argument from

Page 53: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

designnorfromconsciencesuggestsmorethanone.

(2.)The creation throughout itswhole extent is one system,presentingabsolute unity of design, and hence evidently emanating from oneDesigningIntelligence.

(3.)Thesameistrueofthesystemofprovidentialgovernment.

(4.) The sense of moral accountability innate in man witnesses to theunityofthesourceofallabsoluteauthority.

(5.)All the instinctsandcultivatedhabitsof reason leadus to refer themultiplicityofthephenomenalworldbackwardandupwardtoagroundofabsoluteunity,whichbeinginfiniteandabsolute,necessarilyexcludesdivisionandrivalry.

(6.)TheScripturesconstantlyaffirmthistruth.Deut.vi.4;1Cor.viii.4.

The indivisibleunityof thisoneGod isprovedby the samearguments.For an essential division in the oneGodheadwould in effect constitutetwoGods; besides, the Scriptures teach us that the Christian Trinity isoneundividedGod:"IandmyFatherareone."Johnx.30.

2.ThisGodisafreepersonalSpirit,withoutbodilypartsorpassions.

Thereisaveryancient,prevalent,andpersistentmodeofthought,whichpervadesagreatdealofourliteratureinthepresentday,whichtendstocompound God with the world, and to identify him with the laws ofnature, the order and beauty of creation. In one way or another he isconsideredassustainingtothephenomenaofnaturetherelationofsoulto body, or of whole to parts, or of permanent substance to transientmodes.Now all the arguments that establish the being of a God agreewiththeScripturesinsettinghimforthasapersonalspirit,distinctfromtheworld.

By Spirit we mean the subject to which the attributes of intelligence,feeling,andwillbelong,asactiveproperties.Where theseunite there isdistinctpersonality.TheargumentfromdesignprovesthatthegreatFirstCause, towhom the system of the universe is to be referred, possesses

Page 54: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

both intelligence, benevolence, and will, in selecting ends, and inchoosing and adapting means to effect those ends. Therefore he is apersonal spirit. The argument from the sense of moral accountability,innate in all men, proves that we are subject to a Supreme Lawgiver,exteriorandsuperiortothepersonhegoverns;onewhotakesknowledgeof us, and will hold us to a strict personal account. Therefore he is apersonalspirit,distinct from-- though intimatelyassociatedwith-- thesubjectshegoverns.

Weknowspiritbyself-consciousness,andinaffirmingthatGodisaspirit--

(1.)Weaffirmthathepossessesininfiniteperfectiona11thosepropertieswhichbelongtoourspirits,(a)becausetheScripturesaffirmthatwewerecreated in his image; (b) because they attribute all these propertiesseverally to him; (c) because our religious nature demands that werecognize them in him; (d) because their exercise is evidenced in hisworksofcreationandprovidence;(e)becausetheywerepossessedbythedivinenatureinChrist.And--

(2.) We deny that the properties of matter, such as bodily parts andpassions,belongtohim.Wemakethisdenial--(a)becausethereisnoevidencethathedoespossessanysuchproperties;and,(b)because, fromtheverynatureofmatterend itsaffections, it isinconsistentwiththoseinfiniteand.absoluteperfectionswhichareofhisessence,suchassimplicity,unchangeableness,unity,omnipresence,etc.

WhentheScriptures,incondescensiontoourweakness,expressthefactthatGodhearsbysaying thathehasanear,or thatheexertspowerbyattributing tohimahand, theyevidentlyspeakmetaphorically,becauseinthecaseofmenspiritualfacultiesareexercisedthroughbodilyorgans.Andwhen they speak of his repenting, of his being grieved, or jealous,theyusemetaphorical languagealso, teachingus thatheactstowardusas a man would when agitated by such passions. Such metaphors arecharacteristicratheroftheOldthanoftheNewTestament,andoccurforthemostpartinhighlyrhetoricalpassagesofthepoeticalandpropheticalbooks.

Page 55: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.Hepossessesallabsoluteperfectionsinandofhimself.

4.Hepossessesallrelativeperfectionswithrespecttohiscreatures.

TheattributesofGodare thepropertiesofhisall-perfectnature.ThoseareabsolutewhichbelongtoGodconsideredinhimselfalone--asself-existence,immensity,eternity,intelligence,etc.Thosearerelativewhichcharacterize him in his relation to his creatures -- as omnipresence,omniscience,etc.

It is evident that we can know only such properties of God as he hascondescended to reveal to us, and only so much of these as he hasrevealed. The question, then, is, What has God revealed to us of hisperfectionsinhisWord?

(1.)Godisdeclaredtobeinfiniteinhisbeing.Hencehecanexistundernoneofthelimitationsoftimeorspace.Hemustbeeternal,andhemustfill all immensity. These three, therefore, must be the commonperfectionsofallthepropertiesthatbelongtohisessence:Heisinfinite,eternal, omnipresent in his being; infinite, eternal, omnipresent in hiswisdom,inhispower,inhisjustice,etc.WhenGodissaidtobeinfiniteinhisknowledge,orhispower,wemeanthatheknowsallthings,andthathecaneffectall thathewills,withoutanylimit.Whenwesaythatheisinfinite in his truth, or his justice, or his goodness, we mean that hepossessesthesepropertiesinabsoluteperfection.

(2.)His immensity.Whenwe attribute this perfection toGodwemeanthat his essence fills all space. This cannot be effected throughmultiplication of his essence, since he is ever one and indivisible; northroughitsextensionordiffusion, likeether,throughtheinterplanetaryspaces,becauseitispurespirit.ThespiritofGod,likethespiritofaman,must be an absolute unit, without extension or dimensions. Therefore,the entire indivisible Godhead must, in the totality of his being, besimultaneouslypresenteverymomentoftimeateverypointofspace.Heisimmenseabsolutelyandfrometernity.Hehasbeenomnipresent,inhisessenceandinallthepropertiesthereof,eversincethecreation,toeveryatom and element of which it consists. Although God is essentiallyequally omnipresent to all creatures at all times, yet, as he variously

Page 56: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

manifests himself at different times and places to his intelligentcreatures, so he is said to be peculiarly present to them under suchconditions.Thus,GodwaspresenttoMosesintheburningbush.Ex.iii.2--6.AndChristpromisestobeinthemidstoftwoorthreemettogetherinhisname.Matt.xviii.20.

(3.) His eternity. By affirming that God is eternal, we mean that hisduration has no limit, and that his existence in infinite duration isabsolutelyperfect.Hecouldhavehadnobeginning,hecanhavenoend,and inhis existence there canbeno successionof thoughts, feelingsorpurposes.Therecanbenoincreasetohisknowledge,nochangeastohispurpose.Hence thepast and the futuremustbe as immediately andasimmutably present with him as the present. Hence his existence is anever-abiding, all-embracing present, which is always contemporaneouswiththeever-flowingtimesofhiscreatures.Hisknowledge,whichnevercanchange, eternally recognizeshis creatures and their actions in theirseveralplacesintime;andhisactionsuponhiscreaturespassfromhimattheprecisemomentspredeterminedinhisunchangingpurpose.

HenceGodisabsolutelyunchangeableinhisbeingandinallthemodesandstatesthereof.Inhisknowledge,hisfeelings,hispurposes,andhenceinhisengagementstohiscreatures,heisthesameyesterday,to-day,andforever."ThecounseloftheLORDstandethforever,thethoughtsofhishearttoallgenerations."Ps.xxxiii.11.

(4.) The infinite intelligence of God, including omniscience andabsolutelyperfectwisdom,isclearlytaughtinScripture.God'sknowledgeisinfinite,notonlyastotherangeofobjectsitembraces,butalsoastoitsperfection.(a)Weknowthingsonlyastheystandrelatedtoourorgansofperception,andonlyintheirproperties;Godknowsthemimmediately,inthe light of his own intelligence and in their essential nature. (b) Weknow things successively, as they are present to us, or as we passinferentiallyfromtheknowtothebeforeunknown;Godknowsallthingseternally,byonedirect,all-comprehensiveintuition.(c)Ourknowledgeisdependent;God's is independent. Ours is fragmentary; God's total andcomplete.Oursisingreatmeasuretransient;God'sispermanent.

Godknowshimself--thedepthsofhisowninfiniteandeternalbeing,the

Page 57: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

constitution of his nature, the ideas of his reason the resources of hispower,thepurposesofhiswill.Inknowingtheresourcesofhispower,heknowsallthingspossible.Inknowingtheimmutablepurposesofhiswill,heknowsallthathasexistedorthatwillexist,becauseofthatpurpose.

Wisdompresupposesknowledge,andisthatexcellentpracticalusewhichthe absolutely perfect intelligence and will of Godmake of his infiniteknowledge.Itisexercisedintheelectionofends,generalandspecial,andintheselectionofmeansinordertotheaccomplishmentofthoseends;and is illustrated gloriously in the perfect system of God's works ofcreation,providence,andgrace.

(5.) The omnipotence of God is the infinite efficiency resident in, andinseparable from, the divine essence, to effect whatsoever he wills,without any limitation soever except such as lies in the absolute andimmutable perfections of his own nature. The power of God is bothunlimitedinitsrangeandinfinitelyperfectinitsmodeofaction.(a)Weareconsciousthatthepowersinherentinourwillsareverylimited.Ourwills can act directly only upon the course of our thoughts and a fewbodily actions, and can only very imperfectly control these. The powerinherentinGod'swillactsdirectlyuponitsobjects,andeffectsabsolutelyand unconditionally all he intends. (b) We work through means; theeffect often followers only remotely, and our action is conditioned byexternalcircumstances.Godactsimmediately,withorwithoutmeansashepleases.Whenheacts throughmeans it is a condescension,becausethemeansreceivealltheirefficiencyfromhispower,nothispowerfromthemeans.AndthepowerofGodisabsolutelyindependentofallthatisexteriortohisownall-perfectnature.

ThepowerofGodisthepowerofhisall-perfect,self-existentessence.Hehasabsolutelyunlimitedpower todowhatsoeverhisnature determineshim to will. But this power cannot be directed against his nature. Theultimate principles of reason and of moral right and wrong are notproductsofthedivinepower,butareprinciplesofthedivinenature.Godcannot change the nature of right and wrong, etc., because he did notmake himself, and these have their determination in his own eternalperfections.Hecannotactunwiselyorunrighteously;notforwantofthepower as respects the act, but for want of will, since God is eternally,

Page 58: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

immutably,andmostfreelyandspontaneously,wiseandrighteous.

God's omnipotence is illustrated, but never exhausted, in his works ofcreation andprovidence.God's power is exercised at hiswill, but thereever remains an infinite reserve of possibility lying back of the actualexercise of power, since the Creator always infinitely transcends hiscreation.

(6.)TheabsolutelyperfectgoodnessofGod.ThemoralperfectionofGodis one absolutely perfect righteousness. Relatively to his creatures hisinfinitemoral perfection always presents that aspect which his infinitewisdom decides to be appropriate to the case. He is not alternatelymercifuland just,norpartiallymercifulandpartially just,buteternallyand perfectly merciful and just. Both are right; both are equally andspontaneously in his nature; and both are perfectly and freelyharmonizedbytheinfinitewisdomofthatnature.

His goodness includes (a) Benevolence, or goodness viewed as adispositiontopromotethehappinessofhissensitivecreatures;(b)Love,or goodness viewed as a disposition to promote the happiness ofintelligent creatures, and to regardwith complacency their excellences;(c) Mercy, or goodness exercised toward the miserable; (d) Grace, orgoodnessexercisedtowardtheundeserving.

The grace of God toward the undeserving evidently rests upon hissovereignwill(Matt.xi.26;Rom.ix.15),andcanbeassuredtousonlybymeans of a positive revelation. Neither reason nor conscience norobservation of nature can assure us, independently of his own specialrevelation, that hewill be gracious to the guilty.Our duty is to forgiveinjuries; we as individuals have nothing to do with either forgiving orpardoning sin. That God's goodness is absolutely perfect andinexhaustible is proved from universal experience, as well as fromScripture.James i. 17;v. 11. It is exercised,however,not inmaking thehappiness of his creatures indiscriminately and unconditionally a chiefend,butisregulatedbyhiswisdominordertotheaccomplishmentofthesupremeendsofhisowngloryandtheirexcellence.

(7.)God is absolutely true.This is a commonproperty of all thedivine

Page 59: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

perfectionsandactions.Hisknowledgeisabsolutelyaccurate;hiswisdominfallible; his goodness and justice perfectly true to the standard of hisown nature. In the exercise of all his properties God is always self-consistent. He is also always absolutely true to his creatures in all hiscommunications,sincereinhispromisesandthreatenings,andfaithfulintheirfulfillment.

Thislaysthefoundationforallrationalconfidenceintheconstitutionofourownnatures and in theorderof the externalworld, aswell as in adivinely-accredited,supernaturalrevelation.Itguaranteesthevalidityofthe informationof our senses, the truthof the intuitions of reason andconscience, the correctness of the inferences of the understanding, andthe general credibility of human testimony, and pre-eminently thereliabilityofeverywordoftheinspiredScriptures.

(8.)TheinfinitejusticeofGod.This,viewedabsolutely,istheall-perfectrighteousnessofGod'sbeingconsideredinhimself.Viewedrelatively, itishis infinitelyrighteousnatureexercised,asthemoralGovernorofhisintelligent creatures. in the imposition of righteous laws, and. in theirrighteous execution. It appears in the general administration of hisgovernment viewed as a whole, and distributively in his dealing toindividualsthattreatmentwhichrighteouslybelongstothem,accordingtohis own covenants and their owndeserts.God ismostwillingly just,buthisjusticeisnomoreanoptionalproductofhiswillthanishisself-existentbeing.Itisanimmutableprincipleofhisdivineconstitution.Heis"ofpurereyesthantobeholdevil,andcannotlookoniniquity."Hab.i.13. "He cannot deny himself." 2 Tim. ii. 13. God does not make hisdemandsjustbywillingthem,buthewillsthembecausetheyarejust.

The infinite righteousness of his immutable being determines him toregard and to treat all sin as intrinsically hateful and deserving ofpunishment.Thepunishmentofsinand itsconsequentdiscouragementisanobviousbenefittothesubjectsofhisgovernmentingeneral.Itisarevelation of righteousness in God, and a powerful stimulant to moralexcellenceinthem.

But God hates sin because it is intrinsically hateful, and punishes itbecausesuchpunishmentisintrinsicallyrighteous.Thisisproved--

Page 60: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(a.)FromthedirectassertionsofScripture:"Tomebelongethvengeanceandrecompense."Deut.xxxii.35."Accordingtotheirdeeds,accordinglyhe will repay." Isa. lix. 18, "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God torecompensetribulationtothemthattroubleyou."2Thess.i.6."KnowingthejudgmentofGod,thattheywhichcommitsuchthingsareworthyofdeath."Rom.i.32.

(b.)TheScripturesteachthatthevicarioussufferingofthepenaltyduetohis people by Christ, as their substitute, was absolutely necessary toenableGodtocontinue"just"andatthesametime"thejustifierofhimwhich believeth in Jesus." Rom. iii. 26. " If righteousness come by thelaw,thenChristisdeadinvain."Gal.ii.21."Iftherehadbeenalawgivenwhichcouldhavegivenlife,verilyrighteousnessshouldhavebeenbythelaw."Gal. iii. 21.That is, ifGodcouldhave, in consistencywith justice,pardoned sinners without an expiation, " verily" he would not havesacrificed.hisownSon"invain."

(c.)Itisauniversaljudgmentofawakenedsinnersthattheirsindeservespunishment, and that immutable righteousnessdemands it.And this isthe sentence universally pronounced by themoral sense of enlightenedmenwithregardtoallcrime.

(d.)ThesamechangelessprincipleofrighteousnesswasinculcatedbyallthedivinelyappointedsacrificesoftheMosaicdispensation:"Almostallthingsbythelawarepurgedwithblood;andwithoutsheddingofbloodisno remission."Heb. ix. 22. It has also been illustrated in the sacrificialritesofallheathennations,andinallhumanlawsandpenalties.

(9.)TheinfiniteholinessofGod.SometimesthistermisappliedtoGodtoexpresshisperfectpurity:"Sanctifyyourselves,andbeyeholy;forIamholy." Lev. xi. 44. In that case it is an element of his perfectrighteousness."TheLordisrighteousinallhisways,andholyinallhisworks." Ps. cxlv. 17. Sometimes it expresses his transcendently augustand venerable majesty, which is the result of all his harmonious andblendedperfectionsinoneperfectionofabsoluteandinfiniteexcellence:"And one cried to another, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: thewholeearthisfullofhisglory."Isa.vi.3.

Page 61: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5. God is self-existent and absolutely independent, the sole support,proprietor,andsovereigndisposer,ofhiscreatures.SinceGodiseternalandthecreatoroutofnothingofall things thatexistbesideshimself, itfollows (1.) That his own beingmust have the cause of its existence initself -- that is, that he is self-existent; (2.) That he is absolutelyindependent,inhisbeing,purposes,andactions,ofallotherbeings;and(3.)Thatallotherbeingsofrightbelongtohim,andinfactareabsolutelydependentuponhim in theirbeing, and subject tohim in their actionsanddestinies.

ThesovereigntyofGodishisabsoluterighttogovernanddisposeoftheworld of his own hands according to his own good pleasure. Thissovereignty rests not in his will abstractly, but in his adorable person.Hence it is an infinitely wise, righteous, benevolent, and powerfulsovereignty,unlimitedbyanythingoutsideofhisownperfections.

Thegroundsofhissovereigntyare---(1.)Hisinfinitesuperiority.(2.)Hisabsolute ownership of all things, as created by him. (3.) The perpetualand absolute dependence of all things upon him for being, and of allintelligentcreaturesforblessedness,Dan.iv.25,35;Rev.iv.11.

SECTIONIII.IntheunityoftheGodheadtherebethreePersonsofonesubstance, power, and eternity:God the Father,God the Son, andGodthe Holy Ghost.[38] The Father is of none, neither begotten norproceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; [39] the HolyGhosteternallyproceedingfromtheFatherandtheSon.[40]

ScriptureProofTexts

[38]1Johnv.7;Matt.iii.16,17;Matt.xxviii.19;2Cor.xiii.14;[39]Johni.14,18;[40]Johnxv.26;Gal.iv.6.

HavingbeforeshownthatthereisbutonelivingandtrueGod,andthathis essential properties embrace all perfections, this section asserts inaddition--

Page 62: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1.ThatFather,Son,andHolyGhost,areeachequallythatoneGod;andthat the indivisible divine essence and all divine perfections andprerogativesbelongtoeachinthesamesenseanddegree.

2.Thatthesetitles,Father,Son,andHolyGhost,arenotdifferentnamesofthesamepersonindifferentrelations,butofdifferentpersons.

3.Thatthesethreedivinepersonsaredistinguishedfromoneanotherbycertain persona1 properties, and are revealed in a certain order ofsubsistenceandofoperation.

ThesepropositionsembracetheChristiandoctrineoftheTrinity(threeinunity),whichisnopartofnaturalreligion,thoughmostclearlyrevealedintheinspiredScriptures-- indistinctly,perhaps, intheOldTestament,butwithespecialdefinitenessintheNewTestament.

1. Father, Son, andHolyGhost, are each equally the oneGod; and theindivisible divine essence and all divine perfections and prerogativesbelongtoeachinthesamesenseanddegree.

SincethereisbutoneGod,theinfiniteandtheabsoluteFirstCause,hisessence,beingspiritual,cannotbedivided.IfthenFather,Son,andHolyGhost, are that one God, they must each equally consist of that sameessence.AndsincetheattributesofGodaretheinherentpropertiesofhisessence, they are inseparable from that essence; and it follows that ifFather,Son,andHolyGhost,consistofthesamenumericalessence,theymust have the same identical attributes in common -- that is, there iscommontothemtheoneintelligenceandtheonewill,etc.

TheScripturesarefulloftheevidencesofthisfundamentaltruth.IthasneverbeenquestionedwhethertheFatherisGod.ThattheSonisthetrueGodisprovedbythefollowingconsiderations:--

(1.)ChristexistedbeforehewasbornoftheVirgin.(a)HewaswiththeFather"beforetheworldwas."Johnviii.58;xvii.5.(b)"Hecameintotheworld"--"Hecamedownfromheaven."Johniii.13;xvi.28.

(2.)AllthenamesandtitlesofGodareconstantlyappliedtoChrist,and

Page 63: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

tononeothersexcepttotheFatherandtheSpirit:asJehovah,Jer.xxiii.6;--mightyGod,everlastingFather,Isa,ix.6;--God,Johni.1;Heb.i.8;--Godoverall,Rom.ix.5;--thetrueGod,andeternallife,1Johnv.20;--theAlphaandtheOmega,theAlmighty,Rev.i.8.

(3.) All divine attributes are predicated of him: Eternity, John viii. 58;xvii. 5; Rev. i. 8; xxii. 13; -- immutability, Heb. i. 10, 11; xiii. 8; --omnipresence,Matt.xviii.20;John iii. 13; --omniscience,Matt. xi.27;Johnii.24,25;Rev.ii.28;--omnipotence,Johnv.17;Heb.i.3.

(4.)TheScripturesattributeallDivineworkstoChrist:Creation,Johni.3--10;Col.i.10,17;--preservationandprovidentialgovernment,Heb.i.3;Col.i.17;Matt.xxviii.18;--thefinaljudgment,Johnv.22;Matt.xxv.31,32;2Cor.v.10;--givingeternallife,Johnx.28;--sendingtheHolyGhost,Johnxvi.7;--sanctification,Eph.v.25--27.

(5.) The Scriptures declare that divine worship should be paid to him:Heb. i. 6; Rev. i. 5, 6; v. 11, 12; 1 Cor. i. 2; John v. 23.Men are to bebaptizedintothenameofJesus,aswellasintothenamesoftheFatherand the Holy Ghost. The grace of Jesus is invoked in the apostolicalbenediction.

ThattheHolyGhostisthetrueGodisprovedinasimilarmanner.

(1.)HeiscalledGod.WhattheSpiritsaysJehovahsays.CompareIsa.vi.8,9,withActsxxviii.25,26;andJer.xxxi.33withHeb.x.15,16.TolietotheHolyGhostistolietoGod.Actsv.3,4.

(2.)Divineperfectionsareascribedtohim:Omniscience,1Cor.ii.10,ll;--omnipresence,Ps.cxxxix.7;--omnipotence,Lukei.35;Rom.viii.11.

(3.)Divineworksareattributedtohim:Creation,Jobxxvi.13;Ps.civ.30;--miracles,1Cor.xii.9--11;--regeneration,Johniii.6;Titusiii.5.

(4.) Divine worship is to be paid to him. His gracious influences areinvoked in the apostolical benediction. 2 Cor. xiii. 14.We are baptizedintohisname.BlasphemyagainsttheHolyGhostisneverforgiven.Matt.xii.31,32.

Page 64: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2. These titles, Father, Son, andHoly Ghost, are not the names of thesamepersonindifferentrelations,butofdifferentpersons.

Sincethereisbutoneindivisibleandinalienablespiritualessence,whichis common to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and since they have incommononeinfiniteintelligence,power,will,etc.,whenwesaytheyaredistinctpersonswedonotmeanthatoneisasseparatefromtheotherasonehumanpersonisfromeveryother.Theirmodeofsubsistenceintheone substance must ever continue to us a profound mystery, as ittranscendsallanalogy.Allthatisrevealedtousis,thattheFather,Son,andHolyGhost,standsodistinguishedandrelatedthat,--

(1.)TheyusemutuallythepersonalpronounsI,thou,he,whenspeakingtoorabouteachother.ThusChristcontinuallyaddressestheFather,andspeaksoftheFatherandoftheHolyGhost:"AndIwillpraytheFather,and he shall give you another Comforter," John xiv. 16; "And now, 0Father, glorify thoumewith thineown self,with the glorywhich Ihadwiththeebeforetheworldwas,"Johnxvii.5.ThusChristspeaksof theHoly Ghost: "I will send him;" "He shall testify of me;" " Whom theFatherwillsendinmyname,"Johnxiv.26,andxv.26.

(2.) That they mutually love one another, act upon and through oneanother,andtakecounseltogether.TheFathersendstheSon,Johnxvii.3;andtheFatherandSonsendtheSpirit,Ps.civ.30.TheFathergivethcommandmenttotheSon,Johnx.18;theSpirit"speaksnotofhimself"--"hetestifiesof"and"glorifies"Christ.Johnxv.26;xvi.13-15.

(3.)ThattheyareeternallymutuallyrelatedasFatherandSonandSpirit.That is, theFather is theFatherof theSon,and theSon theSonof theFather,andtheSpirittheSpiritoftheFatherandoftheSon.

(4.) That they work together in a perfectly harmonious economy ofoperationsuponthecreation;--theFathercreatingandsittingsupremein the general administration; the Son becoming incarnate in humannature, and, as the Theanthropos, discharging the functions ofmediatorialprophet, priest, and king; theHolyGhostmakinghis graceomnipresent,andapplyingittothesoulsandbodiesofhismembers:theFather the absolute origin and source of life and law; the Son the

Page 65: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

revealer;theHolyGhosttheexecutor.

ThereareanumberofScripturepassagesinwhichallthethreepersonsaresetforthasdistinctandyetasdivine:Matt.xxviii.19;2Cor.xiii.14;Matt.iii.13-17;Johnxv.26,etc.;1Johnv.7.

3. These three divine persons are distinguished from one another bycertain personal properties, and are revealed in a certain order ofsubsistenceandofoperation.

The "attributes" of God are the properties of the divine essence, andtherefore common to each of the three persons, who are "the same insubstance,"andtherefore"equalinpowerandglory."The"properties"ofeach divine person, on the other hand, are those peculiar modes ofpersonal subsistence, and that peculiar order of operation, whichdistinguish each from theothers, anddetermine the relationof each totheothers.Thisischieflyexpressedtousbythepersonalnamesbywhichthey are revealed. The peculiar personal property of the first person isexpressedbythetitleFather.AsapersonheiseternallytheFatherofhisonlybegottenSon.ThepeculiarpersonalpropertyofthesecondpersonisexpressedbythetitleSon.Asapersonhe iseternally theonlybegottenSon of the Father, and hence the express image of his person, and theeternalWord in the beginning with God. The peculiar property of thethird person is expressed by the title Spirit. This cannot express hisessence,becausehisessenceisalsotheessenceoftheFatherandtheSon.Itmustexpresshiseternalpersonalrelationtotheotherdivinepersons,becauseheisasapersonconstantlydesignatedastheSpiritoftheFatherandtheSpiritoftheSon.TheyareallspokenofinScripture-inaconstantorder;theFatherfirst,theSonsecond,theSpiritthird.TheFathersendsand operates through both the Son and the Spirit. The Son sends andoperatesthroughtheSpirit.Neverthereverseineithercase.TheSonissentby,actsfor,andrevealstheFather.TheSpiritissentby,actsfor,andreveals both the Father and the Son. The persons are as eternal as theessence,equalinhonour,power,andglory.Threepersons,theyareoneGod,beingidenticalinessenceanddivineperfections."IandmyFatherareone."Johnx.30."TheFatherisinmeandIinhim."Johnx.38."HethathathseentheSon,hathseentheFather."Johnxiv.9--11.

Page 66: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

The most ancient and universally accepted statement of all the pointsinvolvedinthedoctrineoftheTrinity,istobefoundintheCreedoftheCouncilofNice,A.D.325,asamendedbytheCouncilofConstantinople,A.D.381.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatpropositionsaretaughtinthefirstandsecondsections?

2.TowhomhasthetitleGodbeenapplied?

3.WhattwopropositionsareinvolvedintheaffirmationthatthereisbutonelivingandtrueGod?

4.HowmaythetruththatthereisbutoneGodbeproved?

5.HowmaytheindivisibleunityofthatoneGodbeproved?

6.HowmayitbeprovedthatGodisapersonalspirit?

7.WhatdowemeanwhenwesaythatGodisaspirit?

8.HowcanthefactthattheScripturesattributebodilypartsandpassionstoGodbeexplained?

9.HowmayitbeprovedthatbodilypartsandpassionsdonotbelongtoGod?

10. What is the distinction between the absolute and the relativeperfectionsofGod?

11.WhatismeantwhenweaffirmthatGodisinfinite?

12.WhatisthedifferencebetweentheimmensityandtheomnipresenceofGod?

13.InwhatsenseisGodomnipresent?

Page 67: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

14.Inwhatdifferentwaysishepresenttohiscreatures?

15.HowdoestheeternityofGoddifferfromthetemporalexistenceofhiscreatures?

16.Whatisinvolvedintheaffirmationthatheiseternal?

17.InwhatsenseisGodunchangeable?andprovethatheisso.

18. What two principal divisions does the infinite intelligence of Godembrace?

19.HowdoesGod'smodeofknowingdifferfromours?

20.WhataretheobjectsembracedbyGod'sknowledge?

21.Whatiswisdom,andhowisthewisdomofGodexercised,andinwhatdepartmentsisitillustrated?

22.WhatisincludedintheaffirmationthatGod'spowerisinfinite?

23.Howdoestheexerciseofhispowerdifferfromours?

24.WhatarethelimitationsofGod'spower?AndwhycannotGoddothatwhichisunwiseorunrighteous?

25.DoesthemoralcharacterofGodincludeinconsistentelements?

26.WhatdoestheabsolutegoodnessofGodinclude?

27.Howcanitbeprovedthatgraceisbasedonsovereignwill?

28.HowcantheabsolutegoodnessofGodbeproved?

29.Whatisthegrandendwhichthatgoodnessproposestoitself?

30.WhatisincludedintheaffirmationthatGodisabsolutelytrue?

31.Forwhatdoesthisdivineattributelaythefoundation?

Page 68: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

32.WhatisthedistinctionbetweentheabsoluteandtherelativejusticeofGod?

33.HowistherelativejusticeofGodexercised?

34.ShowthatthejusticeofGodisanimmutableprincipleofhisnature.

35.WhydoesGodpunishsin?

36.Statetheproofsoftheaboveanswer.

37.WhatismeantbytheinfiniteholinessofGod?

38.What is included in the absolute sovereigntyofGod?Prove thathepossessesthatattribute.

39.Whatpropositionsaretaughtinthesection3?

40.What ismeant by the term "Trinity," and fromwhat source dowederiveourknowledgeofthetruthsexpressedbyit?

41.IfthereisbutoneGod,andifFather,SonandHolyGhostarethatoneGod,whatrelationmusttheyseverallysustaintothedivineessence?

42.StatetheproofthattheSonisthetrueGod.

43.StatetheproofthattheHolyGhostisthetrueGod.

44.Howmay itbeproved thatFather,SonandHolyGhostaredistinctpersons?

45. What is the distinction between the attributes of God and thepersonalpropertiesofFather,SonandHolyGhost?

46.WhatarethepersonalpropertiesoftheFather?

47.WhatarethepersonalpropertiesoftheSon?

48.WhatarethepersonalpropertiesoftheHolyGhost?

Page 69: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

49.HowisthisdoctrinedefinedintheNiceneCreed?

ChapterThreeOfGod'sEternalDecree

SECTION1:GODfromalleternitydid,bythemostwiseandholycounselof his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes topass:(l) yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin,(2) nor isviolence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty orcontingencyofsecondcausestakenaway,butratherestablished.(3)

SECTION 2: ALTHOUGHGod knows whatsoevermay or can come topassuponall supposedconditions;(4)yethathhenotdecreedanythingbecauseheforesawitasfuture,orasthatwhichwouldcometopassuponsuchconditions.(5)

(1)Eph. 1:11;Rom. 11:33;Heb.6:17;Rom.9:15,18. (2) James 1:13,17; 1John1:5.(3)Acts2:23;Matt.17:12;Acts4:27,28;John19:11;Prov.16:33.(4)Acts15:18;1Sam.23:11,12;Matt.11:21,23.(5)Rom.9:11,13,16,18.

TheseSectionsaffirmthefollowingpropositions:--1.Godhashadfrometernityanunchangeableplanwithreferencetohiscreatures.AsaninfinitelyintelligentCreatorandprovidentialRuler,Godmust have had a definite purpose with reference to the being anddestinationofall thathehas created, comprehending in one all-perfectsystem his chief end therein, and all subordinate ends and means inreferencetothatchiefend.AndsinceheisaneternalandunchangeableBeing, his plan must have existed in all its elements, perfect andunchangeable, from eternity. Since he is an infinite, eternal,unchangeable, andabsolutelywise,powerful, and sovereignPerson,hispurposesmustpartakeof theessentialattributesofhisownbeing.AndsinceGod'sintelligenceisabsolutelyperfectandhisplaniseternal,sincehisultimateendisrevealedtobethesingleoneofhisownglory,andthewholeworkofcreationandprovidenceisobservedtoformonesystem,it

Page 70: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

follows that his plan is also single-one all-comprehensive intention,providingforallthemeansandconditionsaswellastheendsselected.

2.TheplanofGodcomprehendsanddeterminesallthingsandeventsofeverykindthatcometopass.

(1)ThisisrenderedcertainfromthefactthatallGod'sworksofcreationandprovidenceconstituteonesystem.Noeventisisolated,eitherinthephysical or moral world, either in heaven or on earth. All of God'ssupernaturalrevelationsandeveryadvanceofhumanscienceconspiretomake this truth conspicuously luminous. Hence the original intentionwhich determines one event must also determine every other eventrelated to it, as cause, condition, or consequent, direct and indirect,immediateandremote.Hence, theplanwhichdeterminesgeneral endsmust also determine even the minutest element comprehended in thesystem of which those ends are parts. The free actions of free agentsconstituteaneminentlyimportantandeffectiveelementinthesystemofthings.IftheplanofGoddidnotdetermineeventsofthisclass,hecouldmakenothingcertain,andhisgovernmentof theworldwouldbemadecontingentanddependent,andallhispurposesfallibleandmutable.

(2)TheScripturesexpresslydeclarethistruth-(a) Of the whole system in general. He "worketh all things after thecounselofhisownwill"(Eph.1:11).

(b)Offortuitousevents(Prov.16:33;Matt.10:29,30).

(c)Of the free actions ofmen. "The king's heart is in the hands of theLORD,astheriversofwater:heturnethitwhithersoeverhewill"(Prov.21:1)."Wearehisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks,which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph.2:10)."ItisGodwhichworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure"(Phil.2:13).

(d)Ofthesinfulactionsofmen."Him,beingdeliveredbythedeterminatecounselandforeknowledgeofGod,yehavetaken,andbywickedhandshavecrucifiedandslain"(Acts2:23)."ForofatruthagainstthyholychildJesus, whom thou hast anointed, bothHerod, andPontius Pilate,with

Page 71: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theGentiles,and thepeopleof Israel,weregathered together, for todowhatsoeverthyhandandthycounseldeterminedbeforetobedone"(Acts4:27,28).(CompareGen.37:28withGen.45:7,8;Isa.10:5.)

Itmustberemembered,however,thatthepurposeofGodwithrespecttothesinfulactsofmenandwickedangelsisinnodegreetocausetheevil,nortoapproveit,butonlytopermitthewickedagenttoperformit,andthen to overrule it for his own most wise and holy ends. The sameinfinitelyperfectandself-consistentdecreeordainsthemorallawwhichforbidsandpunishesallsin,andatthesametimepermitsitsoccurrence,limiting and determining the precise channel to which it shall beconfined,thepreciseendtowhichitshallbedirected,andoverrulingitsconsequencesforgood: "Butas foryou,ye thoughtevilagainstme;butGodmeantituntogood,tobringtopass,asit isthisday,tosavemuchpeoplealive"(Gen.50:20).

3. This all-comprehensive purpose is not, as a whole nor in any of itsconstituent elements, conditional. It in no respect depends upon hisforesightofeventsnotembracedinanddeterminedbyhispurpose.Itisabsolutelysovereign,dependingonlyonthe"wiseandholycounselofhisownwill."

Averyobviousdistinctionmustalwaysbekeptinmindbetweenaneventbeingconditionedonotherevents,andthedecreeofGodwithreferencetothateventbeingconditioned.Calvinistsbelieve,asallmenmust, thatall events in the system of things depend upon their causes, and aresuspendedonconditions.Thatis,ifamandoesnotsowseed,hewillnotreap;ifhedoessow,andallthefavorableclimaticinfluencesarepresent,hewillreap.Ifamanbelieves,heshallbesaved;ifhedoesnotbelieve,hewill not be saved. But the all-comprehensive purpose of God embracesand determines the cause and the conditions, as well as the eventsuspended upon them. The decree, instead of altering, determines thenatureofevents,andtheirmutualrelations.Itmakesfreeactionsfreeinrelation to their agents, and contingent events contingent in relation totheir conditions; while at the same time, itmakes the entire system ofevents, and every element embraced in it, certainly future. An absolutedecreeisonewhich,whileitmaydeterminemanyconditionaleventsbydetermining their conditions, is itself suspended on no condition. A

Page 72: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

conditional decree is one which determines that a certain event shallhappen on condition that some other undecreed event happens, uponwhichundecreedevent thedecree itself,aswellas theeventdecreed, issuspended.

The Confession in this section teaches that all the decrees of God areunconditional.

All who believe in a divine government agree with Calvinists that thedecrees of God relating to events produced by necessary causes areunconditional. The only debate relates to those decrees which areconcernedwiththefreeactionsofmenandofangels.TheSociniansandRationalists maintain that God cannot certainly foresee free actions,because from their very nature they are uncertain until they areperformed. Arminians admit that he certainly foresees them, but denythat he determines them. Calvinists affirm that he foresees them to becertainly futurebecausehehasdetermined them tobe so.The truthoftheCalvinistviewisproved-(1)Fromthefactthat,asshownabove,thedecreesofGoddetermineallclassesofevents. Ifeveryevent thatcomestopass is foreordained, it isevident that there is nothing left undetermined uponwhich the decreecanbeconditioned.

(2)BecausethedecreesofGodaresovereign.Thisisevident-(a)BecauseGodistheeternalandabsoluteCreatorofall things.Allcreaturesexist,andarewhattheyare,andpossessthepropertiespeculiartothem,andactundertheveryconditionsinwhichtheyact,becauseofGod'splan.(b)It isdirectlyaffirmed inScripture (Dan.4:35; Isa.40:13,14;Rom.9:15-18;Eph.1:5).

(3)God'sdecreeincludesanddeterminesthemeansandconditionsuponwhicheventsdepend,aswellastheeventsthemselves:"Accordingashehathchosenusinhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholy"(Eph.1:4)."Bygraceareyesavedthroughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod"(Eph.2:8)."Godhathfromthebeginningchosenyoutosalvationthroughsanctificationof theSpiritandbeliefofthe truth" (2 Thess. 2:13). In the case of Paul's shipwreck, God firstpromisedPaulabsolutelythatnota lifeshouldbelost(Acts27:24).But

Page 73: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Paulsaid,verse31,"Excepttheseabideintheship,yecannotbesaved."

(4)TheScripturesdeclarethatthesalvationofindividualsisconditionedupon the personal act of faith, and at the same time that thedecreeofGod with regard to the salvation of individuals rests solely upon "thecounselofhisownwill,""hisowngoodpleasure.""Forthechildrenbeingnot yetborn,neitherhavingdoneanygoodor evil, that thepurposeofGod according to election might stand, not of works, but of him thatcalleth,"etc.(Rom.9:11)."Beingpredestinatedaccordingtothepurposeof himwhoworketh all things after the counsel of his ownwill" (Eph.1:11;1:5;Matt.11:25,26).

4. The purpose of God is, with reference to all the objects embracedwithinit,certainlyefficacious.

ThedecreeofGodismerelyapurposewhichheexecutesinhisworksofcreationandprovidence.When it issaid thatall thedecreesofGodarecertainlyefficacious,itisnotmeantthattheyaretheproximatecausesofevents,but that theyrender,under thesubsequenteconomyofcreationandprovidence,everyeventembracedinthemabsolutelycertain.Thisisevident-(1)FromthenatureofGodasaninfinitelywiseandpowerfulpersonandabsolutesovereign.

(2)Fromthefactthatthedecreesrelatetoalleventswithoutexception,andaresovereignandunconditional.

(3)TheScripturesdeclare,withreferencetosuchevents, thatthere isaneeds-be that they should happen as it was determined (Matt. 16:21;Luke24:44;22:22).

5. This purposemust in all things be perfectly consistentwith his ownmostwise,benevolent,andholynature.

This is a self-evident truth from the nature of God as an eternal,absolutely perfect, and unchangeable Being. His decrees must beabsolutely perfect in wisdom and righteousness. The problem of thepermission of sin is to us insoluble, because unexplained. The fact is

Page 74: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

certain, the reason beyond discovery. If God be infinitely wise andpowerful, hemight have prevented it. It is evident that it is consistentwithabsoluterighteousnesstopermititandtooverruleit.TheArminianadmits thatGod foresaw that sin andmiserywould certainly eventuateupontheconditionsofcreationheestablished.Heisthereforeasunableas the Calvinist is to explain why God, notwithstanding that certainknowledge,didnotchangethoseconditions.

Itremainscertain,however,thatGodisnotthecauseofsinbecauseHeisabsolutely holy. Moreover, sin is essentially defined as a violation ofGod'swill (ovomia), andGod cannot violateHis ownwill.Also, havingfreeagencyweareresponsibleforouractions.WemustassertthatGodhas permitted sin for the purpose of overruling it in the interests ofrighteousnessandbenevolence,forHisowngloryandourhighestgood.

6.ThepurposeofGodisinallthingsperfectlyconsistentwiththenatureandthemodeofactionofthecreaturesseverallyembracedwithinit.

Thisiscertain-(1)Becausetheoneeternal,self-consistent,all-comprehensivepurposeofGod at the same time determines the nature of the agent, his propermodeof action, andeachaction that shall eventuate.AsGod'spurposecannot be inconsistent with itself, the element of it determining thenature of the agent cannot be inconsistent with the element of itdetermininganyparticularactionoftheagent.

(2)Because thedecreesofGodarenot theproximate causes of events;theyonlymakeagiveneventcertainlyfuture.Itprovidesthatfreeagentsshallbe freeagents, and freeactions freeactions; and thatagiven freeagent shall exist, and that he shall freely perform a certain free actionundercertainconditions.

Now, that a given free action is certainly future, is obviously notinconsistentwiththeperfectfreedomoftheagentinthatact:(a)BecausealladmitthatGodcertainlyforeknowsthefreeactionsoffreeagents,andif so, theymustbe certainly future, although free. (b)God'sactions arecertainlyholy,thoughfree;andthesameistrueofallglorifiedspiritsinheaven. (c) The actions of the devil, and of finally reprobate men and

Page 75: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

angels,willforeverbecertainlywicked,yetfreeandresponsible.

SECTION 3: BY the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory,some men and angels(6) are predestinated unto everlasting life, andothersforeordainedtoeverlastingdeath.(7)

SECTION 4: THESE angels and men, thus predestinated andforeordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and theirnumber is so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased ordiminished.(8)

SECTION 5: THOSE ofmankind that are predestinated unto life,God,beforethefoundationoftheworldwaslaid,accordingtohiseternalandimmutablepurpose,andthesecretcounselandgoodpleasureofhiswill,hathchoseninChristuntoeverlastingglory,(9)outofhismerefreegraceandlove,withoutanyforesightoffaithorgoodworks,orperseveranceineitherofthem,oranyotherthinginthecreature,asconditions,orcausesmovinghimthereunto;(10)andalltothepraiseofhisgloriousgrace.(11)

(6)1Tim.5:21;Matt.25:41.(7)Rom.9:22,23;Eph.1:5,6;Prov.16:4.(8)2Tim.2:19;John13:18.(9)Eph.1:4,9,11;Rom.8:30;2Tim.1:9;1Thess.5:9.(10)Rom.9:11,13,16;Eph.1:4,9.(11)Eph.1:6,12.

The preceding sections having affirmed that the eternal, sovereign,immutable, unconditional decree ofGod determines all events of everyclass that come to pass, these sections proceed to affirm, by way ofspecification,thefollowingpropositions:

1.ThedecreeofGoddeterminesthatoutofthemassoffallenhumanitycertainindividualsshallattaintoeternalsalvation,andthattherestshallbelefttobedealtwithjustlyfortheirsins.

The Socinian holds that the free acts of men, being in their natureuncertain,cannotbeforeknownascertainlyfuture.Since,therefore,Goddoesnot foreknowwhowill repentandbelieve,hiselectionamounts tonomorethanhisgeneralpurposetosaveallbelieversasaclass.

TheArminianholdsthatGod,foreseeingfromalleternitywhowillrepent

Page 76: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

and believe, elects those individuals to eternal life on that condition offaithandrepentancethuscertainlyforeknown.

TheCalvinistholdsthatGodhaselectedcertainindividualstoeternallife,andallthemeansandconditionsthereof,onthegroundofhissovereigngoodpleasure.Hechoosesthemtofaithandrepentance,andnotbecauseoftheirfaithandrepentance.ThatGoddoeschooseindividualstoeternallifeiscertain.

(1) The subjects are always spoken of in Scripture as individuals: "Asmanyaswereordainedtoeternallifebelieved"(Acts13:48;2Thess.2:13;Eph.1:4).

(2)Thenamesoftheelectaresaidtobe"writteninheaven,"andtobe"inthebookoflife"(Phil.4:3;Heb.12:23).

(3) The blessings to which men are elected are such as pertain toindividuals,not to communities; and theyare representedas elected tothese spiritual qualifications, and not because they belong to the classwhichpossessesthem.Theyareelected"tosalvation,""totheadoptionofsons,""tobeholyandwithoutblamebeforehiminlove"(2Thess.2:13;Gal.4:4,5;Eph.1:4).

2.Thiselectionisunchangeable.Thisisself-evident.

3. It is not conditioned upon foreseen faith or repentance, but in eachcase upon sovereign grace and personal love, according to the secretcounselofhiswill.

(1)Itisexpresslydeclarednottorestuponworks;butforeseenfaithandrepentanceareworks(Rom.11:4-7;2Tim.1:9).

(2) Faith and repentance are expressly said to be the fruits of election,andconsequentlycannotbe itsconditions.Theyarealsodeclared tobethegiftsofGod,andcannot thereforebe the conditionsuponwhichhesuspends his purpose (Eph. 2:10; 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:2; Eph. 2:8; Acts 5:31; 1Cor.4:7)."AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andthisistheFather's will which hath sentme, that of all which he hath givenme I

Page 77: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

shouldlosenothing"(John6:37,39)."Butyebelievenot,becauseyearenotofmysheep"(John10:26)."Andasmanyaswereordainedtoeternallifebelieved"(Acts13:48).

(3) The Scriptures representmen by nature as "dead in trespasses andsins";andfaithandrepentanceastheexerciseofregeneratedsouls;andregeneration as the work of God-a "new birth," a "new creation," a"quickening from the dead." Faith and repentance, therefore, must beconditioneduponGod'spurpose,andcannotconditionit(Eph.2:1;John3:3,5;Eph.2:5,10).

(4)TheScripturesexpresslysaythatelectionisconditionedonthe"goodpleasure of God's will": "Having predestinated us unto the adoption ofchildrenbyJesusChristtohimself,accordingtothegoodpleasureofhiswill, to the praise of the glory of his grace...In whom also we haveobtainedaninheritance,beingpredestinatedaccordingtothepurposeofhimwhoworkethallthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill"(Eph.1:5,11;Matt.11:25,26;John15:16,19).

(5) God claims the right of sovereign, unconditional election as hisprerogative:"Hathnotthepotterpowerovertheclay,ofthesamelumptomake one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (Rom.9:21).Ifofthesamelump,thedifferenceisnotintheclay."Sothenitisnotofhimthatwilleth,norofhimthatrunneth,butofGodthatshewethmercy"(Rom.9:16).

4. The ultimate end or motive of God in election is the praise of hisgloriousgrace.ThisisexpresslyassertedinEph.1:5,6,12.InthechapteronCreationitwillbeshownthatthefinalendofGodinallhisworks,asawhole, isthemanifestationofhisownglory.If itbethefinalendof thewhole,itmustbetheendalsoofthespecialdestinationofalltheparts.

SECTION6:ASGodhathappointedtheelectuntoglory,sohathhe,bytheeternalandmostfreepurposeofhiswill,foreordainedallthemeansthereunto.(12)WhereforetheywhoareelectedbeingfalleninAdam,areredeemedbyChrist;(13)areeffectuallycalleduntofaith inChristbyhisSpiritworking in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified,(14) andkeptbyhispowerthroughfaithuntosalvation.(15)Neitherareanyother

Page 78: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

redeemedbyChrist, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified andsaved,buttheelectonly.(16)

(12) 1Pet. 1:2;Eph. 1:4,5; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13. (13) 1Thess. 5:9,10;Tit.2:14. (14)Rom.8:30;Eph. 1:5; 2Thess. 2:13. (15) 1Pet. 1:5. (16) John17:9;Rom.8:28;John6:64,65;10:26;8:47;1John2:19.

Thissectionaffirms:1. That although the decree of God is one eternal, all-comprehensiveintention,theseveralelementsembracedwithinitnecessarilysustaintherelation to one another of means to ends. In determining the ends heintends to accomplish,God at the same time determines themeans bywhichheintendstoaccomplishthem.AndGod'spurposewithrespecttothe end necessarily, in the logical order, takes precedence of and givesdirectiontohispurposewithrespecttothemeans.

2. That, in the matter of the redemption of men, the end which Goddetermined was the salvation of certain individuals, called "the elect";and that he appointed, as means to that end, redemption by Christ,effectual calling, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance ingraceuntodeath.

3.Thatasthemeansareintendedtoeffecttheend,sotheyarenottobeexercisedinthecaseofanywhosesalvationhasnotbeenadoptedasthatend.Nonebut theelectareredeemedbyChrist,oreffectuallycalled,orjustified,oradopted,orsanctified.

1. That the purposes of God do sustain the relation to one another ofmeanstoendsisevident-(1) From the fact that his purposes are the product of an infiniteintelligence the very office of which is to coordinate a great system ofmeansintheaccomplishmentofagreatdesign.

(2)Godaccomplisheshis eternalpurposes inhisworksof creationandprovidence, and in the economy of both he habitually uses systems ofmeansinsubordinationtopredeterminedends.

(3)Alltheeventsdecreedasamatteroffacteventuateintherelationof

Page 79: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

means in subordination to ends. They must therefore have beenembracedinthesameorderinthedivinedecree.

(4) God explicitly tells us that he determines one thing in order toaccomplish another. He predestinates men to salvation, "throughsanctificationof theSpirit andbeliefof the truth," to "thepraise of thegloryofhisgrace"(2Thess.2:13;Eph.1:6).

2. That the gift of Christ to make atonement for sin, and of the HolyGhosttoregenerateandsanctify,areinthedivinedesignedasmeanstoaccomplish his purpose to secure the salvation of the elect, has beendoubted by some theologians, but is explicitly affirmed both positivelyand negatively in this section of the Confession. In the time that thisConfession was written, the phrase "to redeem" was used in the samesense in which we now use the phrase "to make atonement for." TheConfessionaffirms,first,positively,thatChristwaseternallyappointedtomakeatonementasameansof executing thepurpose to save theelect;andsecond,negatively,thathehasmadeatonementfornoneothers.Theclassof theologianswhodonotagreewith theConfessionat thispoint,viewthepurposesofGod,withrespecttoman'ssalvationandthegiftofChristtobeaSavior,assustainingrespectivelythefollowingorder:Outofinfinitepityanduniversalbenevolence,GoddeterminedtogivehisSontodiefortheredemptionfromthecurseofthelawofallmankind,ruinedby the fall; but, foreseeing that if left to themselves all men wouldcertainlyrejectChristandbelost,God,inordertocarryoutandapplyhisplan of human redemption, and moved by a special love to certainpersons,electedthemoutofthemassofmankindtoberecipientsofthespecial effectual grace of the Holy Ghost, and thus to salvation. Thedoctrine taught in the Confession and held by the great body of theReformed Churches is, that God, moved by a special personal love,electedcertainmenoutofthemassofthefallenracetosalvation,andinordertoaccomplishthatpurposehedeterminedtosendChristtodieforthemandtheHolyGhosttorenewandsanctifythem.ThattheviewoftheConfessionisthetrueoneisplain-(1)Fromtheverystatementof thecase.ThegiftofChrist todie fortheelectisaveryadequatemeanstoaccomplishthedecreeoftheirsalvation.But,ontheotherhand,thedecreetogivetheefficaciousinfluencesofthe

Page 80: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

HolyGhostonlytotheelectisaveryinadequatemeansofaccomplishingthepurposeofredeemingallmenbythesacrificeofChrist.Apurposetosaveallandapurposetosaveonlysomecouldnotcoexist inthedivinemind.

(2) All the purposes of God, being unchangeable, self-consistent, andcertainlyefficacious,mustperfectlycorrespondtotheeventswhichcometopassintime.Hemusthavepredestinatedtosalvationthoseandthoseonlywhoareasamatterof factsaved;andhemusthave intendedthatChrist should redeem those and those only who are redeemed. God'spurpose inthegiftofChristcannotbe inanyrespect invain. (3)Christsaysexplicitly,"Ilaydownmylifeforthesheep"(John10:15).

3. None but the elect are redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, orjustified,oradopted,orsanctified.

This isonlythenegativestatementof thesametruth,designedtomakethepositiveaffirmationofitthemoreexplicitandemphatic.

The doctrine as to the design ofGod in the sacrifice ofChrist is statedagain in Chapter 8. Section 8. of the Confession, and will be moreappropriatelystatedanddiscussedinthatplace.

SECTION 7: THE rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to theunsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth orwithholdethmercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign poweroverhiscreatures,topassby,andtoordainthemtodishonorandwrathfortheirsin,tothepraiseofhisgloriousjustice.(17)

(17)Matt. 11:25,26; Rom. 9:17,18,21,22; 2 Tim. 2:19,20; Jude 4; 1 Pet.2:8.

Thissectionteachesthefollowingpropositions:1.ThatasGodhassovereignlydestinatedcertainpersons,calledtheelect,throughgracetosalvation,sohehassovereignlydecreedtowithholdhisgrace from the rest; and that this withholding rests upon theunsearchablecounselofhisownwill,andisforthegloryofhissovereignpower.

Page 81: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.ThatGodhas consequentlydetermined to treat all those left in theirsinswithexactjusticeaccordingtotheirowndeserts,tothepraiseofhisjustice,whichdemandsthepunishmentofallunexpiatedsin.

This decree of reprobation, as it is called, is the aspect which God'seternal purpose presents in its relation to that portion of the humanfamilywhichshallbefinallycondemnedfortheirsins.

Reprobationconsistsoftwoelements,thenegativeandthepositive.InitsnegativeaspectGoddoesnotelectthereprobate,but"passesover"him;inthisGodisabsolutelysovereign,restinguponHisgoodpleasurealone,since those passed over are no worse than those elected. Positively,reprobation is not sovereign, but purely judicial, since God hasdeterminedtotreatthereprobateaccordingtowhattheydeserve.

This doctrine, instead of being inconsistent with the principles ofabsolute justice, necessarily follows from the application of thoseprinciplestothecaseinhand.

(1) All men alike are "by nature the children of wrath," and justlyobnoxioustothepenaltyofthelawantecedentlytothegiftofChristtobetheir Savior. It is because they are in this condition that vicarioussatisfaction of divine justice was absolutely necessary in order to thesalvation of any, otherwise, the apostle says, "Christ is dead in vain."Hence if anyare tobe saved, justice itselfdemands that their salvationshallberecognizedasnottheirright,butasovereignconcessiononthepartofGod.Nonehaveanaturalrighttosalvation.Andthesalvationofonecannotgivearighttosalvationtoanother.

(2)Salvationisdeclaredtobeinitsveryessenceamatterofgrace;andifof grace, the selection of its subjects is inalienably a matter of divinediscretion(Lam.3:22;Rom.4:4;11:6;Eph.1:5-7;John3:16;1John3:16;4:10).

Thisdoctrineasabovestatedistrue-(1)Becauseitisnecessarilyinvolvedinthescripturaldoctrineofelectiontaughtintheprecedingsections.

Page 82: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(2)ItisexpresslytaughtinScripture:"Thereforehathhemercyonwhomhewillhavemercy,andwhomhewillhehardeneth" (Rom.9:18;1Pet.2:8;Rev.13:8;Jude4).

(3)Godassertstherightinvolvedashisrighteousprerogative:"Thouwiltsaythenuntome,Whydothheyetfindfault?WhoartthouthatrepliestagainstGod?Hathnotthepotterpowerovertheclay,ofthesamelumptomake one vessel untohonour, and another untodishonour?What ifGod,willingtoshewhiswrath,andtomakehispowerknown,enduredwithmuch long-suffering thevesselsofwrath fitted todestruction:andthathemightmakeknowntherichesofhisgloryonthevesselsofmercy,whichhehadaforeprepareduntoglory?"(Rom.9:19-23).

SECTION8:THEdoctrineofthishighmysteryofpredestinationistobehandledwithspecialprudenceandcare,(18)thatmenattendingthewillof God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may,fromthecertaintyoftheireffectualvocation,beassuredoftheireternalelection.(19)Soshallthisdoctrineaffordmatterofpraise,reverence,andadmiration of God,(20) and of humility, diligence, and abundantconsolation,toallthatsincerelyobeythegospel.(21)

(18)Rom.9:20;11:33;Deut.29:29.(19)2Pet.1:10.(20)Eph.1:6;Rom.11:33.(21)Rom.11:5,6,20;2Pet.1:10;Rom.8:33;Luke10:20.

This section teaches that the high mystery of predestination is to behandledwith special prudence and care. This necessity arises from thefactthatitisoftenabused,andthatitsproperuseisinthehighestdegreeimportant.

Theprincipleofdivinesovereigntyinthedistributionofgraceiscertainlyrevealed in Scripture, is not difficult of comprehension; and is of greatpracticalusetoconvincemenofthegreatnessandindependenceofGod,of the certain efficacy of his grace and security of his promises, and oftheirownsinandabsolutedependence.Butthephilosophyoftherelationof his sovereign purpose to the free agency of the creature, and to thepermissionofmoralevil,isnotrevealedintheScriptures,andcannotbediscovered by human reason, and therefore ought not to be rashlymeddledwith.Thistruthoughtnot,moreover, tobeobtrudedoutof its

Page 83: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

dueplaceinthesystem,whichincludestheequallycertaintruthsofthefreedomofmanandthefreeoffersofthegospeltoall.

Whiletheprincipleofsovereignelectionaslyingatthefoundationofallgrace is thus clearly revealed, the election or nonelection of particularpersons is not revealed in the Scriptures. The preceptive and not thedecretivewillofGodistheruleofhumanduty.ElectionisfirstwithGod,andgraceconsequentuponit.Butwithmandutyandgracearefirst,andtheinferenceofpersonalelectiononlyconsequentuponthepossessionofgrace. The command to repent and believe is addressed to all menindiscriminately,andtheobligationrestsequallyuponall.Theconcernoftheinquirerissimplywiththefactthatthegraceisoffered,andassuredto him upon condition of acceptance, and with his duty to accept andimproveit.Afterwarditisthegreatprivilegeofthebelievertomakethefactofhiseternalcallingandelectionsure,byaddingtofaithvirtue,andtovirtueknowledgeetc.;forifhedothesethingsheshallneverfall(2Pet.1:5-10).

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstandsecondsections?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.Whatisthesixth?

7.HowcanitbeshownthatGodmusthavehadfrometernityadefiniteplaninhisworks?

8.Whatmusthavebeenthegeneralattributesofthatplan?

Page 84: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

9.WhatismeantwhenwesaythedecreesofGodareonepurpose?

10.Show fromtherelation inwhichall thingsstand toeachother, thatthepurposesofGodmustrelatetoanddeterminealleventsofeverykind.

11.ProvethesamefromScripture.

12.What relationdoes the eternal purpose ofGod sustain to the sinfulactsofmen?

13.What is the difference between an event being conditional, and thedecreeofGodwithreferencetoitbeingconditional?

14.Whatisanunconditional,andwhataconditionaldecree?

15.WithrespecttowhatclassofeventsdoArminianscontendthatGod'sdecreesareconditional?

16.ProvethatnoneofthepurposesofGodareconditional.

17. What do you mean when you say that all the decrees of God arecertainlyefficacious?

18.Provethattheyareso.

19.Prove that all thepurposesofGodmustbe consistentwithhisownperfections.

20.ProvethatGodcannotbetheauthorofsin.

21.ProvethatthedecreesofGodarenotinconsistentwiththelibertyoffreeagents.

22.Showthatthecertaintyofafreeactisnotinconsistentwiththelibertyoftheagentintheact.

23. What is the first proposition taught in the third, fourth and fifthsections?

24.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

Page 85: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

25.Whatisthethird?

26.Whatisthefourth?

27. State respectively the Socinian, the Arminian and the Calvinisticdoctrinesastotheelectionofindividualstosalvation.

28.ShowfromScripturethatGodhaschosenindividuals,notclasses,toeternallife.

29. Show from Scripture that this election is not conditioned upon theforeseenfaithandrepentanceofthepersonelected.

30.ShowthatitisgroundedaloneuponthegoodpleasureofGod.

31.WhatisGod'sultimateendinelection?

32.Whatisthefirstpropositionaffirmedinthesixthsection?

33.Whatisthesecondproposition?

34.Whatisthethird?

35. How can you prove that God does purpose one thing in order toanotherthing?

36.WhataccordingtothissectionistherelationwhichGod'spurposetogiveChristsustainstohispurposetosecurethesalvationoftheelect?

37. State the two different views which have been entertained on thissubject.

38.Howisthismatterstatedinthissection,(1)negatively,(2)positively?

39.ShowthattheorderofGod'spurposessetforthinthissectionisboththenaturaloneandthetrueone.

40.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtintheseventhsection?

Page 86: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

41.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

42. State the negative element involved in God's reprobation of thewicked.

43.Statethepositiveelementinvolved.

44. Show that theConfession andLargerCatechism carefullymark thedistinction.

45.Showthatthisdoctrineiseminentlyjust.

46.Showthatitistrue.

47.Whatistaughtintheeighthsection?

48.Whyshouldthisdoctrinebecarefullyhandled?

49.Whatarethepracticalusesofit?

50.Whatistheruleofhumanduty?

51.Whatisthegreatconcernmentofthereligiousinquirer?

52.Howisthefactofaman'spersonalelectiontobeascertained?

ChapterFourOfCreation

SECTION1:ITpleasedGodtheFather,Son,andHolyGhost,(1) forthemanifestationofthegloryofhiseternalpower,wisdom,andgoodness,(2)inthebeginning,tocreate,ormakeofnothing,theworld,andall thingstherein,whethervisibleorinvisible,inthespaceofsixdays,andallverygood.(3)

(1)Heb. 1:2; John 1:2,3;Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4. (2)Rom. 1:20; Jer.10:12;Ps.104:24;33:5,6.(3)Gen.1:1-31;Heb.11:3;Col.1:16;Acts17:24.

Page 87: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Thissectionteachesthatmatterisnotself-existing;thatGodcreatedthevisibleuniverseexnihilo(fromnothing)insixdays,allofwhichwasverygood,tothemanifestationofHisownglory.

1. There is a very obvious distinction between the substances of thingsand the forms into which those substances are disposed. In ourexperience the elementary substances which constitute things arepermanent, as oxygen, hydrogen, and the like, while the organic andinorganic forms in which they are combined are constantly changing.That personal spirits and the various forms in which the materialelementsof theuniverse aredisposed are not self-existent or eternal isself-evident;and theuniversality, theconstancy,and the rapidityof thechangesof the latter are renderedmoreobviousandcertainwitheveryadvance of science. That the elementary substances of things werecreated out of nothing was never believed by the ancient heathenphilosophers,butisafundamentalprincipleofChristianTheism.Thisisprovedbythefollowingconsiderations:

(1) The Scriptures speak of a time when the world was absolutelynonexistent.Christspeaksoftheglory"whichIhadwiththeebeforetheworldwas"(John17:5,24)."Beforethouhadstformedtheearthandtheworld,evenfromeverlastingtoeverlasting,thouartGod"(Ps.90:2).

(2)TheHebrewwordtranslated"tocreate,"andusedbyMosestorevealthe fact that God created the world, is the very best afforded by anyhuman language anterior to revelation to express the idea of absolutemaking.Itisintroducedatthebeginning,ofanaccountofthegenesisoftheheavensandoftheearth.Inthebeginning-intheabsolutebeginning-Godcreatedallthings(heavenandearth).Afterthattherewaschaos,andsubsequently the Spirit of God, brooding over the deep, brought theordered world into being. The creation came before chaos, as chaosbefore the bringing of things into their present form. Therefore thesubstancesof thingsmusthavehadabeginningaswellastheirpresentforms.

(3)TheScripturesalwaysattribute theexistenceof thingspurely to thewill, "word," "breath" of God, and never, even indirectly, imply thepresence of any other element or condition of their being, such as

Page 88: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

preexistingmatter: "Through faithweunderstand that theworldswereframedbythewordofGod,sothatthingswhichareseenwerenotmadeofthingswhichdoappear"(Heb.11:3;Ps.33:6;148:5).

(4)IfGodbenotthecreatorofsubstanceexnihilo,aswellastheformerofworldsandofthings,hecannotbeabsolutelysovereigninhisdecreesorinhisworksofcreation,providenceorgrace.Oneveryhandhewouldbe limited and conditioned by the self-existent qualities of preexistentsubstance, and their endless consequences. But the Scriptures alwaysrepresent God as the absolute sovereign and proprietor of all things(Rom.11:36;1Cor.8:6;Col.1:16;Rev.4:11;Neh.9:6).

(5)Thesametracesofdesignedandprecalculatedcorrespondencesmaybeclearlyobservedintheelementaryandessentialpropertiesandlawsofmatter that are observed in the adjustments of matter in the existingformsoftheworld.Ifthetracesofdesignobservedintheexistingformsof the world prove the existence of an intelligent former, for the samereasonthetracesofdesignintheelementaryconstitutionofmatterprovetheexistenceofanintelligentcreatorofthoseelementsoutofnothing.

2. Hence theologians have distinguished between the creatio prima orfirst creation of the elementary substance of things ex nihilo , and thecreatio secundaor second creationor combinationof the elements andthe formationof things, and theirmutual adjustments in the systemofthe universe. This section attributes creation in both of these senses totheonetrueGod,Father,Son,andHolyGhost.

The Scriptures attribute creation-(1) To God absolutely, withoutdistinctionofperson(Gen.1:1,26).(2)TotheFather(1Cor.8:6).(3)Tothe Father through the Son (Heb. 1:2). (4) To the Father through theSpirit (Ps. 104:30). (5)To theSon (John 1:2,3). (6)To theSpirit (Gen.1:2;Job33:4).

This section, using the precise words of Scripture (Ex. 20:11), declaresthatGodperformedtheworkofcreation, in thesenseof formationandadjustmentoftheuniverseinitspresentorder,"inthespaceofsixdays."Since the Confession was written the science of geology has come intoexistence,andhasbroughttolightmanyfactsbeforeunknownastothe

Page 89: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

various conditions through which this world, and probably the stellaruniverse, have passed previously to the establishment of the presentorder.Thesefactsremainintheirgeneralcharacterunquestionable,andindicate a process of divinely regulated development consuming vastperiodsoftime.InordertoadjusttheconclusionsofthatsciencewiththeinspiredrecordfoundinthefirstchapterofGenesis,somesupposethatthe first verse relates to the creation of the elements of things at theabsolute beginning, and then, after a vast interval, during which thechanges discovered by science took place, the second and subsequentversesnarratehowGodinsixsuccessivedaysreconstructedandpreparedthe world and its inhabitants for the residence of man. Others havesupposedthatthedaysspokenofarenotnaturaldays,butcyclesofvastduration.Noadjustmentthusfarsuggestedhasbeenfoundtoremovealldifficulty.The factswhichare certainare-(1)The record inGenesishasbeengivenbydivine revelation, and therefore is infallibly true. (2)ThebookofrevelationandthebookofnaturearebothfromGod,andwillbefound,when both are adequately interpreted, to coincide perfectly. (3)The facts upon which the science of geology is based are as yet veryimperfectly collected andmuchmore imperfectly understood.The timehasnotcomeyetinwhichaprofitablecomparisonandadjustmentofthetwo records can be attempted. (4) The record in Genesis, brief andgeneral as it is, was designed and is admirably adapted to lay thefoundationofanintelligentfaithinJehovahastheabsolutecreatorandtheimmediateformerandprovidentialrulerofallthings.Butitwasnotdesigned either to prevent or to take the place of a scientificinterpretation of all existing phenomena, and of all traces of the pasthistory of the world which God allows men to discover. Apparentdiscrepancies in established truths can have their ground only inimperfect knowledge.God requires us both to believe and to learn.Heimposesuponusatpresentthenecessityofhumilityandpatience.

3.Godhimselfpronouncedalltheworksofhishands,whencompleted,verygood(Gen.1:31).Thisdoesnotmeanthatfiniteandmaterialthingspossessed an absolute perfection, nor even that they possessed thehighestexcellenceconsistentwiththeirnature.Butitmeans-(1)Thatallthings in this world were at that time excellent according to theirrespectivekinds-thehumansoulsmorallyexcellentafterthelawofmoral

Page 90: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

agents, and the world and all its organized inhabitants excellentaccording to their several natures and relations. (2) That each and thewholewasperfectlygoodwithreferencetothegeneralandspecialdesignofGodintheircreation.

4.WithrespecttothefinalendofGodinthecreationoftheuniversetwodistinct opinions have been entertained by theologians: (1) That Godproposedforhimselfashisultimateendthepromotionofthehappiness,orasothers say theexcellence,ofhis creatures. (2)ThatGodproposedforhimselfthemanifestationofhisownglory.

Thisisobviouslyaquestionofthehighestimportance.Sincethechiefendofeverysystemofmeansandagenciesmustgovernandgivecharactertothewholesystem,soourviewofthechiefendofGodinhisworksmustgive character to all our views as to his creative, providential, andgraciousdispensations.OurConfessionveryexplicitlytakesthepositionthat thechiefendofGod inhiseternalpurposes,and in their temporalexecution in creation and providence, is the manifestation of his ownglory (Chapter 3., Sections 3., 5., 7.; Chapter 4., Section 1.; Chapter 5.,Section 1.; Chapter 6., Section 1.; Chapter 33., Section 2.; LargerCatechism, questions 12, 18; Shorter Catechism, question 7). That thisopinionistrueisproved:

(1) The Scriptures explicitly assert that this is the chief end of God increation(Col.1:16;Prov.16:4);andofthingsascreated(Rev.4:11;Rom.11:36).

(2)TheyteachthatthesameisthechiefendofGodinhiseternaldecrees(Eph.1:5,6,12).

(3)AlsoofGod'sprovidentialandgraciousgoverninganddisposingofhiscreatures(Rom.9:17,22,23;Eph.3:10).

(4) It ismade the duty of all moral agents to adopt the same as theirpersonalendsinallthings(1Cor.10:31;1Pet.4:11).

(5) The manifestation of his own glory is intrinsically the highest andworthiestendthatGodcouldproposetohimself.

Page 91: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(6)Thehighestattainmentofthissupremeendcarrieswithitthelargestpossiblemeasureofgoodtothecreature.

(7)Godastheabsolutecreatorandsovereigncannothavethefinalendsormotivesofhis actionexterior tohimself.Otherwise allGod's actionswouldbesubordinatedtothefiniteandcreatedendshehadadoptedashisultimateobjects.

SECTION2AFTERGodhadmadeallother creatures,he createdman,maleandfemale,(4)withreasonableandimmortalsouls,(5)enduedwithknowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image,(6)havingthelawofGodwrittenintheirhearts,(7)andpowertofulfillit;(8)and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty oftheirownwill,whichwassubjectuntochange(9)Besidesthislawwrittenin their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of theknowledgeofgoodandevil;(10)whichwhiletheykept,theywerehappyintheircommunionwithGod,andhaddominionoverthecreatures.(11)

(4)Gen.1:27.(5)Gen.2:7;Eccl.12:7;Luke23:43;Matt.10:28.(6)Gen.1:26;Col.3:10;Eph.4:24.(7)Rom.2:14,15.(8)Eccl.7:29.(9)Gen.3:6;Eccl.7:29.(10)Gen.2:17;3:8-11,23.(11)Gen.1:26,28.

WeturninthissectiontotheimmediatecreationofmanbyGod.

1. Man was created immediately by God, and last of the creatures.According to God's plan of successive creation, and of progressiveadvance in complexity and excellence of organization and endowment,man'strueplaceislastinorderastheimmediateendandcrownofthislower creation. The scientific advocates of the hypothesis of organicdevelopmenthavedeniedthatmanwascreatedimmediatelybyGod,andhave held that the higher and more complex living organisms weredeveloped gradually and by successive stages from the lower andmoresimpleasthephysicalconditionoftheworldbecamegraduallyfavorabletotheirexistence,andthatmanatthepropertimecamelastofallfromthelastlinkintheorderofbeingimmediatelybelowhim.Thatman,onthe contrary, was immediately created by God, his body out of earthlymaterials previously created and his soul out of nothing, is renderedcertainbythefollowingevidence:

Page 92: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(1) The hypothesis of development is a mere dream of unsanctifiedreason,utterlyunsupportedbyfacts.Notonesingleindividualspecimenof an organized being passing in transition from a lower species to ahigherhasbeenfoundamongthemyriadsofexistingspecies,noramongthefossilremainsofpastspeciespreservedintherecordoftherocks.

(2)TheScripturesexpresslyaffirmthefactofman's immediatecreation(Gen.1:26,27;2:7).

(3)Thistruthisrenderedobvious,also,bytheimmensedistancewhichseparates man from the nearest of the lower animals; from theincomparablesuperiorityofmaninkindaswellasdegree;andfromtherevealedandexperiencedfactthat"Godisthefatherofourspirits,"andthatweareimmortal,"jointheirswithChrist"(Heb.12:9;Rom.8:17).

2.ThatGodcreatedonehumanpair,fromwhomtheentireraceinallitsvarieties has descended by generation, is a fundamental truth of theChristianrevelation.

One class of scientists, as Sir Charles Lyell, have concluded, from thepositions and associations in which human remains have been found,thatman has existed upon the Earth thousands of years before Adam,whoisregardedastheancestoronlyofaparticularvarietyoftherace.AllthisweighsnothingagainstthepositiveteachingoftheScriptures,sincethe facts upon which the conclusion is based are not all certainlysubstantiated,andhavenotbeen thoroughlydigested;and inanyeventcanprovenothingastotherelationofAdamtotherace,butonlythathewascreatedlongeragothanwesupposed.

Anotherclass,ofwhichtheleaderisProfessorAgassiz,maintainthatthedifferencesbetweenthedifferentvarietiesofthehumanracearesogreatandsopersistentthatitisimpossiblethattheycouldhavebeengeneratedfrom the same parents, and that the progenitors of each variety werecreated separately, each in their appropriate geographical center. Thisconclusionofsciencemaybefairlybalancedbytheextremeoppositeoneabovestated.If, inviewofall thefactsofthecase, it ispossibleforoneclassofphilosopherstoconcludethatmen,monkeysanddogs,etc.,havedescended, under themodifying influence of different conditions, from

Page 93: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

like progenitors, surely it is folly for another class to affirm that it isimpossible that all the varieties of men have sprung from the sameparents.Thatthedoctrineofthissectionistrueisproved:

(1) The differences between the varieties of the human family are nogreater thanhavebeeneffectedbydifferencesofconditionandtrainingamong individuals of some of the lower orders of animals of knowncommondescent.

(2)Thehumanfamilyformoneandnotdifferentspecies.(a)Becausetheraces freely intermix and produce permanently fertile offspring. (b)Becausetheirmental,moral,andspiritualnaturesareidentical.

(3)Archaeological,historical,andphilologicalinvestigationsallindicateacommonorigintoallnations.

(4)TheScripturesdirectlyassertthisfact(Acts17:26;Gen.10).Andthescripturaldoctrinesoforiginalsinandofredemptionpresuppose itasafundamentalandessentialcondition(1Cor.15:21,22;Rom.5:12-19).

3. God created man in his own image. This proposition includes thefollowing elements: (1) Man was created like God, as to the physicalconstitutionofhisnature-arational,moral,free,personalspirit.ThisfactistheessentialconditionuponwhichourabilitytoknowGod,aswellasour capacity to be subjects ofmoral government, depends. And in thisrespectthelikenessisindestructible.

(2) He was created like God as to the perfection and integrity of hisnature.Thisincludes(a)Knowledge(Col.3:10),oracapacityfortherightapprehension of spiritual things. This is restored when the sinner isregenerated,inthegraceofspiritualillumination.(b)Righteousnessandtrue holiness (Eph. 4:24), the perfectmoral condition of the soul, andeminentlyofthecharacterofthegoverningaffectionsandwill.

(3)Inrespecttothedignityandauthoritydelegatedtohimastheheadofthisdepartmentofcreation(Gen.1:28).

Pelagianshaveheldthatacreatedholinessisanabsurdity;that,inorder

Page 94: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

that a permanent disposition or habit of the soul should have a moralcharacter, it must be self-decided-i.e., formed by a previous unbiasedchoice of the will itself. They therefore hold that God created Adamsimplyamoralagent,withalltheconstitutionalfacultiesprerequisiteformoralaction,andperfectlyunbiasedbyanytendencyofhisnatureeitherto good or evil, and left him to form his own moral character-todetermine his own tendencies by his own volition. But this view is nottrue,because-

(1)Itisabsurd.Astateofmoralindifferenceinanintelligentadultmoralagentisanimpossibility.Suchindifferenceisitselfsin.Itisoftheessenceof moral good that it brings the will and all the affections of the soulunderobligation.

(2)IfGoddidnotendowmanwithapositivemoralcharacter,hecouldneverhaveacquiredagoodone.Thegoodnessofavolitionariseswhollyfromthepositivegoodnessofthedispositionormotivewhichpromptsit.But ifAdamwascreatedwithoutapositiveholydispositionof soul,hisfirst volition must have either been sinful from defect of inherentgoodness,oratbestindifferent.Butitisevidentthatneitherasinfulnoran indifferent volition can give a holy moral character to whateverdispositionsorhabitsmaybeconsequentuponit.

(3) The Scriptures teach that Adamwas created in "righteousness andtrueholiness"(Eph.4:24).

(a) God proclaimed all his works "very good" (Gen. 1:31). But the"goodness"ofamoralagentessentiallyinvolvesaholycharacter.

(b)Eccl. 7:29: "Godhathmademanupright; but they have sought outmanyinventions."

(c)InGen.1:27itisdeclaredthatmanwascreatedin"theimageofGod."InEph. 4:24 andCol. 3:10,men in regeneration are declared to be re-createdin"theimageofGod."Regenerationistherestorationofhumannaturetoitspristinecondition,notatransmutationofthatnatureintoanewform.ThelikenesstoGodwhichwaslostbythefallmustthereforebe the same as that towhichwe are restored in thenewbirth.But the

Page 95: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

latterissaidtoconsistin"knowledge,righteousness,andtrueholiness."

(4) Christ is themodelMan (1 Cor. 15:45,47), produced by immediatedivine power in the womb of the Virgin, not only without sin, butpositivelypredeterminedtoholiness.Inhismother'swombhewascalled"thatholything"(Luke1:35).

4.ThatGod shouldhave furnishedAdamwith sufficientknowledge forhisguidanceisnecessarilyimpliedinthefeetthatAdamwasaholymoralagent and God a righteous moral governor. Even his corrupt anddegeneratedescendantsaredeclaredtohaveinthelawwrittenupontheheart a light sufficient to leave them "without excuse" (Rom. 1:20;2:14,15). Adam, moreover, enjoyed special and direct revelation fromGod,andwasparticularlydirectedastothedivinewillwithrespecttohisuseofthefruitofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil.

5.ThatAdam,althoughcreatedholyandcapableofobedience,wasatthesame timecapableof falling, is evident from theevent.This appears tohave been the moral condition in which both angels and men werecreated.Itevidentlywasneverintendedtobethepermanentconditionofanycreature.Itisone,also,ofthespecialelementsofwhichwecanhaveno knowledge, either from experience or observation.God, angels, andsaints in glory are free, but with natures certainly and infalliblypromptingthemtoholiness.Devilsandfallenmenarefree,withnaturesinfalliblypromptingthemtoevil.The imperfectlysanctifiedChristianisthesubjectoftwoconflictinginherenttendencies,thelawinthemembersandthelawoftheSpirit;andhisonlysecurityisthatheis"keptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvation."ThispointwillcomeupagainunderChapter6.,Section5.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstsection?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

Page 96: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatobviousdistinctionistobemadeastothetwostagesofcreation?

6. State thedifferentproofs thatGod created the elementsofwhich allthingsarecomposedoutofnothing.

7.TowhomdotheScripturesrefertheworkofcreation?

8.ShowthattheScripturesreferittotheFather;totheSon;totheHolyGhost.

9.WhatdoesGen1 teachas to the timeoccupied inbringingtheworldanditsinhabitantstotheirpresentform?

10.What ingeneralare the indicationsof the scienceofgeologyon thesubject?

11.Whatadjustmentsbetweentheinspiredrecordandtheconclusionsofthatsciencehavebeenproposed?

12.WhatisthepresentdutyofChristiansinrespecttothisquestion?

13.Inwhatsensewereallthingspronouncedtobe"verygood"?

14.WhattwodistinctopinionshavebeenentertainedwithrespecttothefinalendofGodincreation?

15.Showthegreatimportanceofthisquestion.

16.What is thedoctrine of theConfessionon this subject, and inwhatpassagesandconnectionsisittaught?

17. Prove thatGod's chief end in all his purposes, and in the executionthereof,ishisownglory.

18.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthesecondsection?

19.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

Page 97: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

20.Whatisthethird?

21.Whatisthefourth?

22.Whatisthefifth?

23.Whatdifferentopinionshavebeenentertainedastotheproductionofman?

24.StatetheevidencethatmanwasimmediatelycreatedbyGod.

25.What different opinions have been entertained as to the fact of thepropagationofthewholeracefromonepair?

26.Refutethefalsetheories.

27. State the evidence for the generic unity of the human race and itsdescentfromAdamandEve.

28.Showwhythisfactisoffundamentalimportance.

29.Whatelementsareincludedinthepropositionthat"Godcreatedmaninhisownimage"?

30. What is the Pelagian doctrine as to the moral condition in whichAdamwascreated?

31.Showthatthisdoctrineinvolvesanabsurdity.

32.ProvethatAdamwascreatedpositivelyholy.

33. Show that Adam was furnished with sufficient knowledge for hisguidance.

34.Whatwas the special characteristic inAdam's condition as amoralagent?Andhowdidhisconditiondifferfromthatofallmoralagentsatpresentofwhosecasewehaveanyknowledge?

Page 98: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterFiveOfProvidence

SECTION1:GOD,thegreatCreatorofallthings,dothuphold,(1)direct,dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things,(2) from thegreatest even to the least,(3) by hismost wise and holy providence,(4)accordingtohisinfallibleforeknowledge,(5)andthefreeandimmutablecounselofhisownwill,(6)tothepraiseofthegloryofhiswisdom,power,justice,goodness,andmercy.(7)

(1)Heb.1:3.(2)Dan.4:34,35;Ps.135:6;Acts17:25,26,28;Job38:,39:,40:, 41: (3)Matt. 10:29-31. (4) Prov. 15:3; Ps. 104:24; 145:17. (5) Acts15:18; Ps. 94:8-11. (6)Eph. 1:11; Ps. 33:10,11. (7) Isa. 63:14; Eph. 3:10;Rom.9:17;Gen.45:7;Ps.145:7.

Since the eternal and immutable purpose of God has certainlypredeterminedwhatsoevercomestopass,itfollowsthathemustexecutehis own purpose not only in his works of creation, but likewise in hiscontinual control of all his creatures and all their actions. This sectionthereforeteaches:

1. That God having created the substances of which all things arecomposed out of nothing, having endued these substances with theirrespective properties and powers, and having out of them formed allthings organic and inorganic, and endowed them severally with theirrespectivepropertiesandfaculties,hecontinuestosustaintheminbeingandinthepossessionandexerciseof thosepropertiesduringtheentireperiodoftheirexistence.

2. That God directs all the actions of his creatures according to theirrespectivepropertiesandrelations.

3.Thathisprovidentialcontrolextendstoallhiscreaturesandall theiractionsofeverykind.

4.Thathisprovidentialcontrolisinallrespectstheconsistentexecutionofhiseternal,immutable,andsovereignpurpose.

Page 99: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5. That the final end of his providence is themanifestation of his ownglory.

1.With regard to thequestionhowGod is concerned in upholding andpreservingthethingshehasmade,threedifferentclassesofopinionhaveprevailed:

(1)Deists andRationalists generally regardGod as sustaining no otherrelationtohisworksthanthatofthefirstofaseriesofcausesandeffects.He is supposed to touch the creation only at its commencement, andhaving given to things a permanent independent being exterior tohimself,heleavesthemtotheunmodifiedexerciseoftheirownfaculties.

(2)Pantheistsregardallthephenomenaoftheuniverseofeverykindasmerely the various modes of one universal absolute substance. Thesubstance is one, the modes many; the substance abides, the modesrapidly succeed each other; the substance is God, the modes we callthings.SometrueChristiantheologianshavetakenaviewoftherelationofGodtotheworldwhichcomesperilouslynear, if itdoesnotcoincidewith, this great Pantheistic heresy. This view is, that God's power isconstantly exerted in continually creating every individual thing againand again every fraction of duration; that created things have no realbeing of their own, and exist only as thus they are each moment theproduct of creative energy; and hence that the immediate cause of thestate or action of any creature one moment of time is not its state oractionthepreviousmoment,butthedirectactofdivinecreativepower.

Ifthisbeso,itisplainthatGodistheonlyrealagentintheuniverse;thathe is the immediate cause of all things, including all evil passions andwickedthoughtsandacts;thatconsciousnessisathoroughdelusion,andthefreeagencyandmoralaccountabilityofmanvainimaginations.

(3)Thethirdviewisthetrueone,anditstandsintermediatebetweenthetwoabovestatedextremes.Itmaybestatedasfollows-

(a) God gave to all substances, bothmaterial and spiritual, a real andpermanentexistenceasentities.

Page 100: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(b)TheyreallypossessallsuchactiveandpassivepropertiesasGodhasseverallyenduedthemwith.

(c)Thesepropertieshavearealandnotmerelyanapparentefficiencyassecondcausesinproducingtheeffectspropertothem.

(d) But these created substances, although possessing a real existenceexterior to God, and exerting real efficiency as causes, are not self-existent;thatis,thegroundoftheircontinuedexistenceisinGodandnotin them. Though not to be confounded with God, they are not to beseparatedfromhim,but"inhimliveandmove,andhavealltheirbeing."

(e) The precise nature of the exercise of divine energy whereby Godinterpenetratestheuniversewithhispresence,embracesitandallthingsthereininhispower,andupholdstheminbeing,isnotrevealed,andofcourseisindiscoverable.

ThatGodalways continues to exerthis almightypower inupholding inbeingandinthepossessionanduseoftheirendowmentsallthingshehasmadeisproved-

(1)Fromthefactthatcontinueddependenceisinseparablefromtheideaof a creature. The abiding cause of the creature's continued existencemusteverbeinGod,asitisnotinitself.

(2)Therelationof thecreationtoGodcannotbeanalogous to thatofaproductofhumanskilltoitsmaker.Theoneisexteriortohiswork.Theintelligenceandthepoweroftheotheriseternallyomnipresenttoeveryelementofhiswork.

(3) A sense of absolute dependence for continued being, power, andblessedness,isinvolvedinthereligiousconsciousnessofallmen.

(4) It is explicitly taught in Scripture: "By him all things consist" (Col.1:17)."Heupholdethallthingsbythewordofhispower"(Heb.1:3)."Inhimwe live andmove and have our being." (Acts 17:28). "O bless ourGod...whichholdethoursoulinlife"(Ps.66:8,9;63:8;36:6).

2.ThatGodgovernstheactionsofhiscreatures;and-

Page 101: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.Thathisgovernmentextendstoallhiscreaturesandalltheiractions,isproved-

(1)Bythefactthatthereligiousnatureofmandemandstherecognitionofthistruth.Itisinvolvedinthesenseofdependenceandofsubjectiontoa moral government which is involved in all religious feeling, and isrecognizedinallreligions.

(2)Itisevidencedintheindicationsofintelligenceeverywherepresentintheoperationsofexternalnature.Theharmony,thedueproportion,andthe exquisite concurrence in action, which continue among so manyelements throughout ceaseless changes, prove beyond question thepresenceofanintelligenceembracingallanddirectingeach.

(3) The same is likewise indicated in the intelligent design evidentlypursued in thedevelopmentsofhumanhistoryduring longperiodsandthroughoutvastareas,andembracingmyriadsofagents."ThatGodisinhistory"isaconclusionofjustscienceaswellasadictateoftruereligion.

(4) The Scriptures abound in prophecies fulfilled and unfulfilled, andpromisesand threatenings.Manyof thesearenotmereenunciationsofgeneralprinciples,butspecificdeclarationsofpurposewithreferencetohis treatment of individuals conditioned upon their conduct. Thefulfillment of these could not be left to the ordinary course of nature,sincethereisoftennonaturalconnectionbetweenwhatisthreatenedorpromised and the conditions on which they are suspended. God musttherefore,bya constantprovidential regulationof the systemof things,executehisownwordtohiscreatures.

(5) The Scriptures explicitly declare that such a providential control isexerted-(a) Over the physical world (i.) In general (Job 37:6-13; Ps.104:14; 135:6,7; 147:15-18). (ii.) Individual events in the natural world,however trivial (Matt. 10:29). (b)Over fortuitousevents (Job5:6;Prov.16:33). (c) Over the brute creation (Ps. 104:21-27; 147:9). (d) Over thegeneralaffairsofmen(Job12:23;Isa.10:12-15;Dan.2:21;4:25).(e)Overthecircumstancesof individuals (1 Sam.2:6-8;Prov. 16:9; James4:13-15).(f)Overthefreeactionsofmen(Ex.12:36;Ps.33:14,15;Prov.19:21;

Page 102: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

21:1; Phil. 2:13). (g) Over the sinful actions of men (2 Sam. 16:10; Ps.76:10;Acts4:27,28).(h)Especiallyallthatisgoodinman,inprincipleoraction,isattributedtoGod'sconstantgraciouscontrol(Phil.2:13;4:13;2Cor.12:9,10;Eph.2:10;Ps.119:36;Gal.5:22,25).

4. That the providential control of all things by God is the consistentexecutionintimeofhiseternalandimmutablepurposeisevident-

(1)Fromthestatementofthecase.SinceGod'seternalpurposerelatestoand determines all that comes to pass, and since it is immutable, hisprovidentialcontrolofallthingsmustbeinexecutionofhispurpose.Andsince his purpose is infinitely wise, righteous, and benevolent, andabsolutelysovereign(asshownabove),hisprovidentialexecutionof thedecreemustpossessthesamecharacteristics.

(2) The same is explicitly declared in Scripture: "Heworketh all thingsafterthecounselofhisownwill."(Eph.1:11;Isa.28:29;Acts15:18.)

5.ItisevidentthatthechiefdesignofGodinhiseternalpurposeandinhis works of creationmust also be his chief end in all his providentialdispensations.Thishasbeenshownabovetobethemanifestationofhisownglory. It isalsodirectlyassertedas the finalendofhis providence.(Rom.9:17;11:36.)

SECTION2:ALTHOUGHinrelationtotheforeknowledgeanddecreeofGod,thefirstcause,allthingscometopassimmutablyandinfallibly;(8)yet,bythesameprovidence,heordersthemtofalloutaccordingtothenatureofsecondcauses,eithernecessarily,freely,orcontingently.(9)

SECTION3:GODinhisordinaryprovidencemakesuseofmeans,(10)yetis free to work without,(11) above,(12) and against them,(13) at hispleasure.

(8) Acts 2:23. (9) Gen. 8:22; Jer. 31:35; Ex. 21:13; Deut. 19:5; 1 Kings22:28,34;Isa.10:6,7.(10)Acts27:31,44;Isa.55:10,11;Hos.2:21,22.(11)Hos.1:7;Matt.4:4;Job34:10.(12)Rom.4:19-21.(13)2Kings6:6;Dan.3:27.

Page 103: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

These sections teach the doctrine thatGod's purpose is efficacious andconsistent, effected through means (secondary causes subject to Hiscontrol),andthatHepossesses thepowertoeffectHispurposedirectlyandthroughHisownenergy.

1.ThattheprovidentialcontrolwhichGodexercisesoverallhiscreaturesand all their actions is always certainly efficacious, plainly follows (1)From his own infinite wisdom and power. (2) From the fact, beforeproved, that his eternal purpose determines the occurrence of all thatcomestopass,andisimmutableandcertainlyefficacious.(3)ThefactisexpresslydeclaredinScripture.(Job23:13;Ps.33:11;Lam.2:17.)

2.ThatthemannerinwhichGodcontrolshiscreaturesandtheiractions,and effects his purposes through them, is in every case perfectlyconsistentwith thenatureof the creature andofhismodeof action, iscertain-

(1) From the fact that God executes the different parts of the sameeternal,self-consistentpurpose,inhisworksofcreationandprovidence.ItisintheexecutionofthesameunchangeableplanthatGodfirstcreatedeverything,endoweditwithitsproperties,determineditsmodeofactionanditsmutualrelationstoallotherthings,andeverafterwardcontinuesto preserve it in the possession of its properties and to guide it in theexerciseof them.AsGodmustalwaysbeconsistent tohisownplan,sohismodeofactionuponthecreatureswhoseexistenceandconstitutionhavebeendeterminedbythatplanmustalwaysbeconsistentwiththeirnaturesandmodeofactionsodetermined.

(2)Thesamefact isprovedbyouruniformexperienceandobservation.Weareconsciousofactingfreelyaccordingtothelawofourconstitutionas free agents. Even in the writings of the prophets and apostles,whowrote under the control of a specific divine influence, rendering eventheir selection of words infallibly accurate, we can plainly see that thespontaneous exercise of the faculties of the writers was neithersupersedednorcoerced.Everyagentinthematerialandbrutecreations,also, is observed constantly to act, under all changing conditions,accordingtotheuniformlawofitsnature.

Page 104: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(3) In perfect consistencywith this, we see everywhere in thematerialworld, in the lives of individual men, and in all human history, plainevidencesofadjustmentsandcombinationsofelementsandagentsintheorderofcontrivancetoeffectpurpose.This inprinciple isanalogous to,thoughinmanywaysinfinitelymoreperfectthan,themethodsbywhichman controlsnatural agents to effect his purpose. If the laws of natureand the properties of things, when imperfectly understood, can bebrought subject to the providence of man, there certainly can be nodifficulty inbelieving that they are infinitelymore under the control ofthat God who not only understands them perfectly, but made themoriginallythattheymightsubservehispurpose.ItisjusttheperfectionofGod's adjustments that every event, as well as general results, aredeterminedbyhisintention.Eventhehumansoul,intheexerciseoffreeagency, acts according to a law of its own, excluding necessity, but notexcludingcertainty.Thespringsof freeactionarewithin thesoul itself.Andyet,asthesearemodifiedwithoutinterferingwiththelibertyoftheagentbytheinfluenceofothermen,theycertainlycannotliebeyondthecontrol of the Infinite Intelligence who created the soul itself, and hasdeterminedalltheconditionsunderwhichitscharacterhasbeenformedanditsactivitiesexercised.

3. That God ordinarily effects his purposes through means-that is,throughtheagencyofsecondcausessubjecttohiscontrol-isalsoevident-

(1)Fromthefactthatheoriginallygavethemtheirbeingandproperties,andadjustedtheirrelationsintheexecutionoftheseverypurposes.Thesamedesign ispursued in creationand inprovidence.Theinstrumentsfurnished and themethods of procedure inaugurated in creationmust,therefore, be consistently pursued in the subsequent dispensations ofprovidence.

(2) Universal experience and observation teach us the same fact. Inordinaryprovidenceandintheadministrationofasupernaturaleconomyofgrace,inthesphereofmaterialnatureandinthemoralgovernmentofintelligent and responsible agents, in the government of the finishedworldaswefinditandinallthehistoryoftheformationoftheEarthandthe worlds in the past, God universally accomplishes his purposesthroughtheagencyofsecondcauses,adjusted,combined,supported,and

Page 105: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

renderedefficient,byhisomnipresentSpiritforthisveryend.

(3)Asysteminvolvinganestablishedorderofnature,andproceedinginwise adaptation of means to ends, is necessary as a means ofcommunicationbetweentheCreatorandthe intelligentcreation,andtoaccomplishthe intellectualandmoraleducationof the latter.Thusonlycan the divine attributes of wisdom, righteousness, or goodness, beexercisedormanifested;andthusonlycanangelormanunderstandthecharacter,anticipatethewill,orintelligentlyandcooperatewiththeplanofGod.

4. That God possesses the power of effecting his ends immediately,withouttheinterventionofsecondcauses,isself-evident;andthatheattimesathissovereignpleasureexercisesthispower, isamatterofclearandsatisfactoryevidence.

(1) Since God created all second causes and endowed them with theirproperties,andcontinuestoupholdtheminbeing,thattheymightbetheinstruments of hiswill, all their efficiency is derived fromhim, and hemustbe able tododirectlywithout themwhathedoeswith them, andlimit,modify,orsupersedethem,athispleasure.

(2)ThepowerofGoddoes indeedwork inall theordinaryprocessesofnature,andhiswillisexpressedinwhatiscallednaturallaw;butitdoesnotfollowthathiswholepowerisexhaustedinthoseprocesses,norhiswholewill expressed in those laws.God remains infinitely greater thanhisworks,intheexecutionofhiseternal,immutablepurposes,usingthesystem of second causes as his constant instrument after its kind, andmeanwhilemanifestinghistranscendentprerogativesandpowersbythefreeexercisesofhisenergiesandutterancesofhiswill.

(3) Occasional direct exercises of God's power in connection with ageneralsystemofmeansandlawsappeartobenecessary,notonly"inthebeginning"tocreatesecondcausesandinauguratetheiragency,butalsosubsequently inorder tomake to the subjects ofhismoral governmentthe revelation of his free personality, and of his immediate interest intheiraffairs.Atanyratesuchoccasionaldirectactionandrevelationarecertainly necessary for the education of such beings as man is in his

Page 106: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

presentestate.Ithasbeenobjectedthatmiracles,ordirectactsofdivinepower, interfering with the natural action of second causes, areinconsistentwiththe infiniteperfectionsofGod,since it isclaimedthatthey indicate either a vacillation of purpose upon his part, or someinsufficiency in his creation to effect completely the ends he originallyintended it to accomplish. It must be remembered, however, that theeternalandimmutableplanofGodcomprehendedthemiracle fromthebeginningaswell as theordinary courseofnature.Amiracle, althougheffectedbydivinepowerwithoutmeans, is itselfameanstoanendandpartofaplan.Allnaturallawhasitsbirthinthedivinereason,andisanexpressionofwill toeffectapurpose.Inthishighest,all-comprehensivesense of the word,miracles also are according to law-they are fixed intheiroccurrencebyGod'seternalplan,andtheyservedefiniteendsashismeansofcommunicatingwithandeducatingfinitespirits.Theyareinnoproper sense a violation of the order of nature, but only the occasionalandeternallypre-calculatedinterpolationofanewpower,theimmediateenergyofthedivinewill.Theorderofnatureisonlyaninstrumentofthedivinewill, and an instrument used subserviently to that highermoralgovernment in the interests of which miracles are wrought. Thus theorder of nature and miracles, instead of being in conflict, are theintimatelycorrelatedelementsofonecomprehensivesystem.

SECTION 4: THE almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinitegoodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that itextendsitselfeventothefirstfall,andallothersinsofangelsandmen,(14)andthatnotbyabarepermission,(15)butsuchashasjoinedwithita most wise and powerful bounding,(16) and otherwise ordering andgoverningofthem,inamanifolddispensation,tohisownholyends;(17)yetsoasthesinfulnessthereofproceedsonlyfromthecreature,andnotfromGod;who,beingmostholyandrighteous,neitherisnorcanbetheauthororapproverofsin.(18)

(14)Rom.11:32-34;2Sam.24:1;1Chron.21:1;1Kings22:22,23;1Chron.10:4,13,14; 2 Sam.16:10; Acts. 2:23; 4:27,28. (15) Acts 14:16. (16) Ps.76:10; 2 Kings 19:28. (17) Gen. 50:20; Isa. 10:6,7,12. (18) James1:13,14,17;1John2:16.

Thissectionmakesnoattempttoexplainthenatureofthoseprovidential

Page 107: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

actions of God which are concerned in the origin of sin in the moraluniverse,and in thecontrolof thewillfulactionsofhiscreatures intheexecution of his purposes. It simply states the important facts withrespecttotherelationofhisprovidencetothesinsofhiscreatureswhicharerevealedinScripture.Thesepointsare--

1.Godnotonlypermits sinfulacts,buthedirectsandcontrols them tothedeterminationofhisownpurposes.Sinfulactions,likeallothers,aredeclaredinScripturetooccuronlybyGod'spermission,andaccordingtohispurpose, so thatwhatmenwickedlydoGod is said to ordain (Gen.14:4, 5; Ex. 7:13; 14:17; Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:27,28). And he constantlyrestrains and controlsmen in their sins (Ps. 76:10; 2Kings 19:28; Isa.10:15);andoverrulestheirsinsforgood(Acts3:13;Gen.50:20).

2Yetthesinfulnessof theseactions isonlyfromthesinningagent,andGodinnocaseiseithertheauthororapproverofsin.TheprovidenceofGod, instead of causing sin or approving it, is constantly concerned inforbiddingitbypositivelaw,indiscouragingitbythreateningsandactualpunishments,inrestrainingitandinoverrulingitagainstitsownnaturetogood.

SECTION 5: THE most wise, righteous, and gracious God, oftentimesleaves for a season his own children tomanifold temptations, and thecorruptionoftheirownhearts,tochastisethemfortheirformersins,ortomakeknownthemthehiddenstrengthofcorruption,anddeceitfulnessof their hearts, that they may be humbled;(19) and to raise them to amorecloseandconstantdependencefortheirsupportuponhimself,andtomakethemmorewatchfulagainstall futureoccasionsof sin,and forvariousotherjustandholyends.(20)

SECTION 6: AS for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God, as arighteous judge, for former sins, blinds andhardens,(21) from themhenotonlywithholdshisgrace,wherebytheymighthavebeenenlightenedin their understandings and wrought upon in their hearts;(22) butsometimes also withdraws the gifts which they had,(23) and exposesthemtosuchobjectsastheircorruptionmakesoccasionofsin;(24)andwithal,givesthemovertotheirownlusts,thetemptationsoftheworld,andthepowerofSatan:(25)wherebyitcomestopass, thattheyharden

Page 108: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

themselves,evenunderthosemeanswhichGodusesforthesofteningofothers.(26)

SECTION 7: AS the providence of God does, in general, reach to allcreatures;so,afteramostspecialmanner,ittakescareofhisChurch,anddisposesallthingstothegoodthereof.(27)

(19) 2 Chron. 32:25,26,31; 2 Sam. 24:1. (20) 2 Cor. 12:7-9; Ps. 73;77:1,10,12; Mark 14:66, to end; John 21:15-17. (21) Rom. 1:24,26,28;11:7,8.(22)Deut.29:4.(23)Matt.13:12;25:29.(24)Deut.2:30;2Kings8:12,13. (25)Ps.81:11,12;2Thess.2:10-12. (26)Ex.7:3;8:15,32;2Cor.2:15,16;Isa.8:14;1Pet.2:7,8;Isa.6:9,10;Acts28:26,27.(27)1Tim.4:10;Amos9:8,9;Rom.8:28;Isa.43:3-5,14.

WehaveseenthattheprovidentialgovernmentofGod,astheexecutionthroughtimeofhiseternalandimmutablepurpose,formsoneconnectedsystem, and comprehends all created things and all their actions. Inperfectconsistencywiththis,thesesectionsproceedtoteach:

1.ThatthegeneralprovidenceofGod,embracinganddealingwitheverycreature according to its nature, consequently, although one system,embracesseveralsubordinatesystems intimatelyrelatedaspartsofonewhole,yetalsodistinctintheirrespectivemethodsofadministrationandin the immediate ends designed. The principal of these are, theprovidence of God over the material universe; the general moralgovernmentofGodover the intelligentuniverse; themoralgovernmentofGodover thehuman family in general in thisworld; and the specialgraciousdispensationofGod'sprovidencetowardhisChurch.

2. These sections teach also that there is a relation of subordinationsubsistingbetweentheseseveralsystemsofprovidence,asmeanstoendsinthewidersystemwhichcomprehendsthemall.Thustheprovidentialgovernmentofthematerialuniverseissubordinateasameanstoanendto the moral government which God exercises over his intelligentcreatures, for whose residence, instruction, and development, thephysicaluniversewascreated.ThusalsotheprovidentialgovernmentofGodovermankindingeneralissubordinateasameanstoanendtohisgracious providence toward his Church, whereby he gathers it out of

Page 109: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

everypeopleandnation,andmakesallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothosewhoarecalledaccordingtohispurpose(Rom.8:28),andofcourseforthehighestdevelopmentandgloryofthewholebody.Thehistoryofredemption through all its dispensations, Patriarchal, Abrahamic,Mosaic,andChristian, is thekey to thephilosophyofhumanhistory ingeneral. The race is preserved, continents and islands are settled withinhabitants,nationsareelevatedtoempire,philosophyandthepracticalarts, civilization and liberty are advanced, that the Church, the Lamb'sbride,maybeperfectedinallhermembersandadornedforherHusband.

3. The moral government of God over all men, and especially hisgovernmentofhisChurch includesalso,besidesanexternalprovidenceordering theoutwardcircumstancesof individuals, an internal spiritualprovidence,consistingoftheinfluencesofhisSpiritupontheirhearts.As"common grace," this spiritual influence extends to all men withoutexception,thoughinseriousdegreesofpower,restrainingthecorruptionof their nature, and impressing their hearts and consciences with thetruths revealed in the light of nature or of revelation; and it is eitherexercised or judicially withheld by God at his sovereign pleasure. As"efficacious" and "saving grace," this spiritual influence extends only totheelect,andisexerteduponthematsuchtimesandinsuchdegreesasGodhasdeterminedfromthebeginning.

4.Henceinthewayofdisciplinefortheirowngood,tomortifytheirsinsand tostrengthen theirgraces,Godoftenwiselyandgraciously, thoughnever finally, for a season and to a degree, withdraws his spiritualinfluences from his own children, and "leaves them to the manifoldtemptationsandcorruptionsoftheirownhearts."

5. Hence also God often, as a just punishment of their sins, judiciallywithdraws the restraints of his Spirit, and consequently whateversuperficialgiftshispresencemayhaveconferred,fromungodlymen,andthusleavesthemtotheinfluenceoftemptations,theunrestrainedcontroloftheirlusts,andthepowerofSatan.AndhenceitcomestopassthatthetruthsofthegospelandtheordinancesoftheChurch,whichareasavorof life to them towhom they are graciously blessed, become a savor ofdeath and of increased condemnation to them who for their sins havebeenlefttothemselves.

Page 110: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

QUESTIONS

1.HowdoesGodexecutehisdecrees?

2.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstsection?

3.Whatisthesecondtheretaught?

4.Whatisthethird?

5.Whatisthefourth?

6.Whatisthefifth?

7.WhatistherationalisticviewastotherelationwhichGodsustainstotheworld?

8.Whatisthepantheisticviewofthesame?

9. What dangerous statements have been made by some Christiantheologians?

10.Statetheobjectionstotheviewtheyrepresent.

11.Whatseveralpointsareinvolvedinthetrueviewofthismatter?

12.State the evidence thatGod continues toupholdallhis creatures inbeing.

13. State the proof that God exerts a providential control over hiscreaturesandtheiractions.

14.ProvefromScripturethattheprovidentialcontrolofGodreachestothephysical creation ingeneral, and to eachevent inparticular, and tothebrutecreation.

15.Dothesameastothegeneralaffairsofmenandthecircumstancesof

Page 111: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

individuals.

16.Dothesameastothefreeactionsofmen,andtheirsinfulandgoodactions.

17.ProvethattheprovidentialgovernmentofGodistheexecutionofhiseternalpurpose.

18.ProvethatthechiefendofGodinprovidenceisthemanifestationofhisownglory.

19.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthesecondandthirdsections?

20.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

21.Whatisthethird?

22.Whatisthefourth?

23. Prove that the providential control of all things by God is alwayscertainlyefficacious.

24.Provefromtherelationthatprovidencesustainstocreationthatthemanner inwhichGodcontrolsanycreaturemustbe consistentwith itsnature.

25.Thesamefromuniversalexperienceandobservation.

26.Whatgeneralevidenceofsuchcontroldowesee?

27.Isitpossiblethatthefreeactionsofthehumanwillcanbecontrolledwithoutdestroyingtheirfreedom?

28.StatetheevidenceforbelievingthatGodusuallyeffectshispurposesthroughtheuseofmeans.

29.CanyouassignareasonwhyGodshouldadoptsuchasystem?

30.ProvethatGodcaneffecthisendswhenhepleaseswithouttheuseofmeans,bythedirectpowerofhiswill.

Page 112: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

31.WhyshouldweexpectGodattimestoactinthatmanner?

32.OnwhattwogroundshasitbeeninsistedthatitisderogatorytothedivineperfectionstoattributemiraclestoGod?

33.Inwhatsensedomiraclesoccuraccordingtolaw?

34.Showthefallacyoftheaboveobjections.

35. Is itpossible toexplain fully themanner inwhichGodcontrols thesinfulactionsofmen?

36.WhatpointsdotheScripturesmakecertainastotherelationofGodtothesinsofmen?

37.ProvefromScripturethathedoescontrolaccordingtohispurposeallsinfulactions.

38.Provethatherestrainsthemandoverrulesthemforgood.

39.Showthatdivineprovidencecannotbechargedwitheithercausingorapprovingsin.

40.Whatisthefirsttruthtaughtinthefifth,sixthandseventhsections?

41.Whatisthesecondtruththeretaught?

42.Whatisthethird?

43.Whatisthefourth?

44.Whatisthefifth?

-------------

[1]"ReignofLaw,"byDukeofArgyle,chapterii.

Page 113: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterSixOfTheFallofMan,ofSin,andofthePunishment

Thereof

SECTION 1: OUR first parents being seduced by the subtlety andtemptationofSatan,sinnedineatingtheforbiddenfruit.(1)ThistheirsinGod was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit,havingpurposedtoorderittohisownglory.(2)

(1)Gen.3:13;2Cor.11:3.(2)Rom.11:32.

GodhavingbroughtthesoulsofAdamandEveintobeingbyimmediatecreation holy, and with sufficient knowledge as to his will, capable ofobedienceyetfallible,thissectionproceedstoteach:

1.Ourfirstparentssinned.

2.Theparticularsintheycommittedwastheireatingtheforbiddenfruit.

It appears to be God's general plan, and one eminently wise andrighteous, to introduce all the newly-created subjects of moralgovernmentintoastateofprobationforatime,inwhichhemakestheirpermanent character and destiny depend upon their own action. Hecreatesthemholy,yetcapableoffalling.Inthisstatehesubjectsthemtoamoral test for a time. If they stand the test, the reward is that theirmoral characters are confirmed and rendered infallible, and they areintroduced intoan inalienableblessedness forever. If they fail, they arejudiciallyexcludedfromGod'sfavorandcommunionforever,andhencemorallyandeternallydead.Thiscertainlyhasbeenhismethodofdealingwithnewly-createdangelsandmen.Inthecaseofmankindthespecifictest towhichour firstparentsweresubjectedwastheirabstainingfromeatingof the fruitofasingle tree.As thiswasamatter in itselfmorallyindifferent, it was admirably adapted to be a test of their implicitallegiancetoGod,oftheirabsolutefaithandsubmission.

The dreadful sin committed by Adam and Eve seems to hvae beentwofold. Their unbelief induced them to doubt the wisdom of God'sprohibition and the certainty of the divine threatening; and their

Page 114: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

disobediencetoGod'swillmanifestedtheirsinofunbelief.Inrespecttothe origin of sin in this world, there are two questions which menconstantlyask,andwhichitisimpossibletoanswer:

A. How could sinful desires or volitions originate in the soul of moralagentscreatedholylikeAdamandEve?Menexercisechoiceaccordingtotheir prevailing desires and affections. If these are holy, their wills areholy. And the character of their prevailing affections and desires isdeterminedbythemoralstateoftheirsouls.Iftheirsoulsareholy,theseare holy; if their souls are sinful, these are sinful. Christ says, "A goodman, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things;and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things.""Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the treecorrupt, and his fruit corrupt." (Matt. 12:33,35.) But Adam's heart hadbeencreatedholy;howthencouldhisactionbesinful?

All our experience conspires to make the question more difficult. Thesinfulsoulsoffallenmennevercangivebirthtoholyvolitionsuntiltheyare regeneratedbydivinegrace.Theholy spiritsofangelsand glorifiedmeninheavenareforeverremovedfromallliabilitytosinfulaffectionsoractions.Inboththesecasesthestreamcontinuesasthefountain.

Now,althoughwe cannot explainprecisely theoriginof sin in theholysoulofAdam,itisplainthatthedifficultyliesonlyinourignorance.WehavenoneofusexperiencedthesameconditionsoffreeagencyasthosewhichgivecharactertothecaseofAdam.Wehavealwaysbeenunderthebondage of corruption, except insofar as we are momentarily assistedagainstnaturebysupernaturalgrace.Now,inorderthatavolitionshallbeholy,itmustspringfromapositivelyholyaffectionordisposition;andas these are not native to our hearts,we cannot exercise holy volitionswithout grace. But Adam was in a state of probation, holy yet fallible.Saints and angels are holy and infallible, yet their infallibility is notessential totheirnatures,but isasuperaddeddivinegracesustainedbythedirectpowerofGod.Whileholinessmustalwaysbepositive,rootingitself in divine love, it is plain that sinmay originate in defect; not inpositive alienation, but in want of watchfulness-in the temporaryascendancy of the natural and innocent appetites of the body orconstitutional tendencies of the soul over the higher powers of

Page 115: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

conscience.

Theexternal influencesandthesubjectivemotiveswhichpromptedourfirstparentstothisdreadfulsindidnotinthefirstinstanceimplysininthem,butbecametheoccasionofsinuponbeingallowedtooccupytheirminds and to sway their wills in despite of the divine prohibition. Theexternal influences and motives combined a natural appetite for theattractivefruitwithanaturaldesireforknowledge.Butmostimportantly,theywere seducedby the temptationofSatan, aboutwhose fall little isknown,anduntowhomthetrueoriginofsinistobereferred.

B.Theotherelementofmysterywithregardtotheoriginofsinrelatestothe permission of God. This section affirms, 4. That this sin waspermissivelyembracedintheeternalpurposeofGod.

About the factsof thecase therecanbenodoubt. (1)GoddidcertainlyforeknowthatifsuchabeingasAdamwasputinsuchconditionsashewas,hewould sin ashe sinned.Yet, in spite of this certain knowledge,God created that very being andput him in those very conditions; andhaving determined to overrule the sin for good, he sovereignly decreednottointervenetoprevent,andsohemadeitcertainlyfuture.(2)Ontheotherhand,GoddidneithercausenorapproveAdam'ssin.Heforbadeit,and presentedmotiveswhich should have deterred from it.He createdAdamholyandfullycapableofobedience,andwithsufficientknowledgeofhisduty,andthen lefthimalone tohis trial. If itbeaskedwhyGod,who abhors sin, and who benevolently desires the excellence andhappinessofhiscreatures,shouldsovereignlydeterminetopermitsuchafountainofpollution,degradation,andmiserytobeopened,wecanonlysay,withprofoundreverence,"Evenso,Father;forsoitseemedgoodinthysight."

5.ThatGodfromthebeginningdesignedtoorderthesinofAdamtohisowngloryisincludedinwhatwehavealreadyprovedinthechaptersonCreationandProvidence-(1)ThatGodoverrulesthesinsofhiscreaturesfor good. (2)That the chief end of allGod's purposes andworks is themanifestationofhisownglory.

SECTION2:BY this sin they fell from theiroriginal righteousness, and

Page 116: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

communion with God,(3) and so became dead in sin,(4) and whollydefiledinallthefacultiesandpartsofsoulandbody.(5)

(3)Gen.3:6-8;Eccl. 7:29;Rom.3:23. (4)Gen.2:17;Eph.2:1. (5)Titus1:15;Gen.6:5;Jer.17:9;Rom.3:10-18.

Naturally,mandependsupontheprovidentialsustainingpowerofGod;but as a moral and religious being he depends upon the intimate andlovingcommunionofGod'sSpiritforspirituallifeandrightmoralaction.Therefore-

1. By this sin man must have instantly been cut off from this lovingcommunion of the Divine Spirit. This must have been under anyconstitution the natural effect of sin. And under that covenant relationintowhichmanhadbeenintroducedinthegraciousprovidenceofGodathis creation, it was specifically provided that the commission of theforbiddenactshouldbe followedby instantdeath; that is, instantpenalexclusionfromthesourceofallmoralandspiritual life.Seech.7., s.2.Gen.2:17.Therefore-

2. The principle of spiritual life having been withdrawn as thepunishment of that first sin, our first parents must have instantly losttheiroriginalrighteousness;theirallegiancehadbeenviolated,theirfaithbroken,andlovecouldnolongerdominateintheirhearts.Andthus-

3.Theymusthaveatoncebecomedeadinsinsandwhollycorrupt.And4.Thiscorruptionmusthaveextendedtoallthefaculties.Itisnotmeantthat Adam by this one sin became as bad as a man can be, or as hehimselfbecameafterward.Butasdeathattheheartinvolvesdeathinallthemembers,sothefavorandcommunionofGodbeinglost,(1)Originalrighteousness, the necessary principle of obedience, is lost. (2) Adam'sapostasy from God is complete. God demands perfect obedience, andAdam is now a rebel. (3) A schism was introduced into his soul.Conscience uttered its condemning voice. This leads to fear, distrust,prevarication, and an endless series of sins. (4) Thus his entire naturebecame depraved. The will being at war with the conscience, theunderstanding became darkened, the passions roused, the affectionsalienated,theconsciencecallousedordeceitful,theappetitesofthebody

Page 117: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

inordinate,anditsmembersinstrumentsofunrighteousness.

SECTION3:THEYbeingtherootofallmankind,theguiltofthissinwasimputed,(6)andthesamedeathinsinandcorruptednatureconveyedtoalltheirposterity,descendingfromthembyordinarygenerations.(7)

SECTION 4: FROM this original corruption, whereby we are utterlyindisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good,(8) and whollyinclinedtoallevil,(9)doproceedallactualtransgressions.(10)

(6) Gen. 1:27,28; 2:16,17; Acts 17:26; Rom. 5:12, 15-19; 1 Cor.15:21,22,45,49.(7)Ps.51:5;Gen.5:3;Job14:4;15:14.(8)Rom.5:6;8:7;7:18;Col.1:21.(9)Gen.6:5;8:21;Rom.3:10-12.(10)James1:14,15;Eph.2:2,3;Matt.15:19.

1.Adamwasboththenaturalandfederalheadofallmankind,Christofcourseexcepted.

ThenatureandprovisionsofthatcovenantwhichGodmadewithAdamwillbeconsidered in itsappropriateplace,ch.8:, s.2.Thepointwhichdemandsourattentionhereis,thatinmakingthatcovenantwithAdam,Godconstitutedhimandtreatedwithhimasthemoralrepresentativeofall his natural descendants. This is very explicitly taught in ourStandards.Conf. Faith, ch. 7:, s. 2: "The first covenantmadewithmanwasacovenantofworks,whereinlifewaspromisedtoAdam,andinhimto his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience." L.Cat.,q.22:"ThecovenantbeingmadewithAdamasapublicperson,notforhimselfonly,butforhisposterity,allmankind,descendingfromhimby ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his firsttransgression."S.Cat.,q.16:"ThecovenantbeingmadewithAdam,notonlyforhimself,butforhisposterity,allmankind,descendingfromhimby ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his firsttransgression."

Aswehaveseen,itisGod'sgeneralmethodofdealingwithnewly-createdmoralagentstocreatethemholy,yetcapableoffalling,andthentoputthemon trial for a time,making their confirmedandpermanentmoralcharacteranddestinytodependupontheirownaction.Inthecaseofthe

Page 118: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

angels,whowereseverallycreatedindependentindividuals,theyappeartohavestoodtheirtrialseverally,eachinhisownperson.Somefell,andsomewere confirmed in holiness and blessedness. But in the case of aracetobepropagatedinaseries,eachindividualtocomeintoexistencean unintelligent infant, thence to develop gradually intomoral agency,like that of mankind, it is obvious that one of three plans must beadopted:(1)Thewholeracemustbeconfirmedinholinessandhappinesswithoutanyprobation.(2)Eachindividualmuststandhisownprobationwhilegropinghiswayfrominfancyintochildhood.(3)Orthewholeracemusthavetheirtrialintheirnaturalheadandroot,Adam.Wearenotinaconditiontojudgeoftheproprietyofthefirstoftheseplans,butwecaneasily see that the third is incomparablymore rational, righteous, andmercifulthanthesecond.

Asamatterof fact,Goddidmakeour characteranddestiny todependupontheconductofAdaminhisprobation.Thiswasright-(1)Because,assovereignCreator,and infinitelywise,righteous,andmercifulGuardianoftheinterestsofallhiscreatures,itseemedrightinhiseyes.(2)Becauseitwasmoretoouradvantagethananyotherplanthatcanbeimagined.Adamwasmostadvantageouslyconstitutedandcircumstanced inorderthatheshouldstandthetrialsafely.Incalculablebenefitsaswellasrisksweresuspendeduponhisaction.Ifhehadmaintainedhisintegrityforalimited period, all his race would have been born into an indefeasibleinheritanceofglory.(3)BecausethecovenantheadshipofAdamispartofagloriousconstitutionwhichculminates in thecovenantheadshipofChrist.ThatAdamwas,asourStandardssay,"apublicperson,"andthatthe covenant was made with him "not for himself only, but for hisposterity,"isprovedfromthefacts-

(1)Thathewascalledbyagenericname,Adam-theMan.

(2)ThateverythingthatGodcommanded,promised,orthreatenedhimrelated to his descendants as much as to himself personally. Thus,"obedience," "a cursed earth," "the reign of death," "painful child-bearing,"andthesubsequentpromiseofredemptionthroughtheSeedofthewoman,werespokenwithreferencetousasmuchaswithreferencetoourfirstparents.

Page 119: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(3)As amatter of fact, the very penalty denounced and executed uponAdamhasbeenexecuteduponallofhisdescendantsfrombirthupward.Allarebornspirituallydead,"bynaturechildrenofwrath."Also,fromthefactthat-

2.Theguiltofthatsinisimputedtoallhisdescendants,andthepenaltyexecuteduponthemattheirbirth.

By the word "guilt" is meant, not the personal disposition whichpromptedtheact,northepersonalmoralpollutionwhichresultedfromit,butsimplythejustliabilitytothepunishmentwhichthatsindeserved.

Bytheterm"impute"ismeanttolaytothechargeorcreditofanyoneasa ground of judicial punishment or justification. This is the sense inwhichthephrase"toimputesin"or"righteousness"isusedintheBible."DaviddescribeththeblessednessofthemanuntowhomGodimputethrighteousnesswithoutworks,...towhomtheLordwillnotimputesin....Faithwas imputedtoAbrahamforrighteousness."(Rom.4:3-9.)"Godwas in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing theirtrespassesuntothem."(2Cor.5:19.)

Our Standards expressly affirm that the "guilt," or just liability to thepenalty,ofAdam'sapostatizingactisbyGod"imputed,"orjudiciallylaidtothechargeofeachofhisnaturaldescendants.Conf.Faith,ch.6.,s.3:"Thissinwasimputed...toalltheirposterity."InL.q.25,andS.Cat.,q.18,"thesinfulnessofthatestateintowhichthefallbroughtmankind"isdeclaredtoincludeeachofthefollowingelements:

"(1)TheguiltofAdam'sfirstsin;(2)Thewantoforiginalrighteousness;(3)Thecorruptionofhiswholenature,whichiscommonlycalledoriginalsin; togetherwithall actual transgressionswhichproceed from it." Thereason which our Standards give for this judicial charging thepunishablenessofAdam'sfirstsintoallhisposterity is, thattheyreally"sinned inhim inhis first transgression" (L.Cat., q. 22;S.Cat.,q. 16);sinceheactedas"apublicperson,"andthecovenantwasmadewithhim"notforhimselfonly,butforhisposterity"(L.Cat.,q.22;S.Cat.,q.16).Thatis,Adam,byadivineconstitution,sorepresentedandactedforallhisposteritythattheyarefairlyresponsibleforhisaction,andareworthy

Page 120: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ofpunishmentonaccountof it. Since theirdestiny, aswell ashis own,wassuspendeduponAdam'saction,sincetheywerejustlytohavepartinhisrewardifhewasfaithful,sothey justlyhavepart inhispunishmentforhisunfaithfulness.

TheArticlesoftheSynodofDortaffirmthatmoraldepravityisinflicteduponallthedescendantsofAdamatbirth"bythejustjudgmentofGod."Ch. 3., s. 2. This is also explicitly taught in Scripture. Paul teaches, inRom. 5:12-21, (1) That the law of death, spiritual and physical, underwhichweareborn, isa consequentofAdam'spublicdisobedience;and(2)Thatitisa"judgment,"a"condemnation"-thatis,apenalconsequentofAdam'ssin:"Thereforeasbytheoffenceofone judgmentcameuponallmentocondemnation."(3)ThatthepunishmentofAdam'ssincomesuponusuponthesameprincipleuponwhichtherighteousnessofChristischargedtotheaccountof thosewhobelieveonhim:"Thereforeasbytheoffenceofonejudgmentcameuponallmentocondemnation;evensoby the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men untojustificationof life."But the righteousness ofChrist is imputedwithoutworks (Rom. 4:6), before, and as the necessary condition of, gooddispositions or actions upon our part. So the guilt of Adam's sin isimputedtohisposteritywithoutpersonalworksoftheirown,before,andas the cause of, their loss of original righteousness and acquisition oforiginal sin. The only Sin of Adam which the Confession says was"imputed" to his descendants, and the Sin of his which they assert we"sinnedinhim,"washisfirstsinorapostatizingact.Themanifestreasonofthis isthatherepresentedus,andweareresponsibleforhimonlyinhistrialforcharacteranddestiny.Hisfirstsin,byincurringthepenalty,necessarily and instantly closed his probation and ours, and heimmediatelybecameaprivateperson.

ThepenaltydenounceduponAdamand thosewhomhe represented inhistrialwasthejudicialwithdrawmentofthelife-givinginfluencesoftheHoly Ghost, and the inevitable consequent moral and physical death.Henceeverynewly-createdsoulcomesintoexistencejudiciallyexcludedfromthelife-givinginfluencesoftheHolySpirit,andhencemorallyandspiritually dead. Other actual sins and miseries in time occur as thenaturalconsequenceofthisbirth-punishment.ButtheScripturesandour

Page 121: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

own consciousness also affirm that these actual transgressions are ourownpersonalsins,andthatallthetemporalandeternalpunishmentswesufferareonaccountofthem.

3.Ithencefollows,thatiftheguiltofAdam'sapostasyischargedtoallhisnatural descendants, and the Holy Spirit consequently judiciallywithdrawn from them at their birth, the samemoral corruption whichensued from the samecause in thecaseofour firstparentsmust, fromtheir birth, follow in their descendants also.Of this "corrupted nature"thissectionproceedstosay-

4.Thatby it "weareutterly indisposed,disabled,andmadeoppositetoallgood,andwhollyinclinedtoallevil";and,-

5. "From this original corruption" of nature "proceed all actualtransgressions." It is here taught (1) That all men sin from thecommencement of moral agency. (2) That back of this their nature ismorallycorrupt, indisposedtoallgood,andinclinedtoallevil.(3)Thatthismoralcorruptionissoradicalandinveteratethatmenarebynature"disabled"with respect to rightmoral action. (4) That this condition isinnatefrombirthandbynaturethisrepresentationagreeswithuniversalexperience. All the children of men, of all ages, nations, andcircumstances, and how ever educated, invariably sin as soon as theybecome capable of moral action. A universal fact must have a causeuniversallypresent.Thiscanonlybefound in thecommondepravityofournature.

(2)With all the teachings of Scripture. (a) It declares that allmen aresinners. (Rom. 1, 2, and 3:1-19.) (b) That sinful actions proceed fromsinful hearts or dispositions. (Matt. 15:19; Luke 6:43-45.) (c) That thedispositionwhichprompts to sinful action is "sin," amoral corruption.(Rom.6:12,14,17;7:5-17;Gal.5:17,24;Eph.4:18,19.)

(d)Thatthiscorruptioninvolvesmoralandspiritualblindnessofmind,aswellashardnessofheartandvileaffections.(1Cor.2:14,15;Eph.4:18.)(e) That thismoral corruption and prevailing tendency to sin is in ournature frombirth. (Ps. 51:5;Eph. 2:3; John3:6.) (f) Thatmen in theirnatural state are "dead" in trespasses and sins. (Eph. 2:1; John 3:4,5.)

Page 122: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

And (g) That consequently they can be restored by no "change ofpurpose"nor"moralreformation"upontheirpart,butonlybyanactofalmighty power called "a new birth" "a new creation," "a begetting," "aquickeningfromthedead."(Eph.4:24,2:5,10;John3:3;1John5:18.)

What the Confession teaches of man's sinful inability to do right, inconsequenceof thedepravityofhisnature,willbeconsideredunder itsappropriatehead,inChapter9.

SECTION5:THIScorruptionofnature,duringthislife,remaininthosethatareregenerated;(11)andalthoughitbethroughChristpardonedandmortified, yet both itself, and all the motions thereof, are truly andproperlysin.(12)

SECTION6:EVERYsin,bothoriginalandactual.beingatransgressionoftherighteouslawofGod,andcontrarythereunto,(13)doth,initsownnature,bringguiltuponthesinner,(14)wherebyheisboundovertothewrathofGod,(15)andcurseofthelaw,(16)andsomadesubjecttodeath,(17)withallmiseriesspiritual,(18)temporal,(19)andeternal.(20)

(11)1John1:8,10;Rom.7:14,17,18,23;James3:2;Prov.20:9;Eccl.7:20.(12)Rom.7:5,7,8,25;Gal.5:17. (13)1John3:4. (14)Rom.2:15;3:9,19.(15)Eph.2:3. (16)Gal. 3:10. (17)Rom.6:23. (18)Eph.4:18. (19)Rom.8:20;Lam.3:39.(20)Matt.25:41;2Thess.1:9.

Thesesectionsspeakof thecorruption that remains in the regenerated,andof theguiltor just liability topunishmentwhichattaches toall sin,andofthepunishmentsGodinflictsuponit.

I.Ofthefirst,itistaught-

1.Originalsin,orinnatemoralcorruption,remains intheregenerateaslongastheylive.

2.ThatitispardonedthroughthemeritsofChrist.

3.ThatitisgraduallybroughtintosubjectionandmortifiedbytheworkoftheHolySpiritinsanctification.

Page 123: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

4.Thatneverthelessallthatremainsofit,andallthefeelingsandactionstowhichitprompts,aretrulyofthenatureofsin.

AllofthesepointswillbemoreappropriatelytreatedundertheheadsofJustification,Conf. Faith, ch. 11.; and of Sanctification, Conf. Faith, ch.13.

II.Ofthesecond,itistaught-

1.Originalsin-thatis,thenaturecorrupttendenciesandaffectionsofthesoul-istrulyaviolationofGod'slawasactualtransgression.

TheCatechisms.(L.Cat.,q.24;S.Cat.,q.14)definesintobe"anywantofconformityunto,ortransgressionof,thelawofGod."

Thiscorrespondsexactlywithwhattheapostleteaches(1John3:4):"Sinis anouia "-any discrepancy of the creature or his acts with God's law.Thisisevident-

(1) Because from its very essence the moral law demands absoluteperfection of character and disposition as well as action. Whatever isrightisessentiallyobligatory;whateveriswrongisessentiallyworthyofcondemnation.Godrequiresus tobeholyaswellas toact rightly.Godproclaims himself as "he which searcheth the reins and hearts." (Rev.2:23.)

(2)ThenativecorrupttendencieswhichconstituteoriginalsinarecalledsininScripture.Sinanditslustsaresaidto"reign"inourmortalbodies;sinissaidtohave"dominion";theunregeneratearecalled"theservantsofsin."(Rom.6:12-17;7:5-17;Gal.5:17,24;Eph.4:18,19.)

(3)God condemnsmen for their corrupt natural dispositions, for theirhardnessofheart,spiritualblindnessofmind.(Mark16:14;Eph.2:3.)

(4)Inallgenuineconvictionofsin,thegreatburdenofpollutionandguiltis felt to consist not in what we have done, but in what we are-ourpermanent moral condition rather than our actual transgressions. Thegreat cry is to be forgiven and delivered from "the wicked heart ofunbelief," "deadness to divine things, alienation from God as a

Page 124: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

permanenthabitofsoul.""OwretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath?"(Rom.7:24;Ps.51:5,6.)

2. It hence necessarily follows that original sin, as well as actualtransgressions, deserves the curse of the law. Everything which iscondemnedby the law isunder itscurse.This isevidentFromwhatwelearnedofthejusticeofGodinch.2.,ss.1,2.(2)Fromthefactthatitistheuniversal judgmentofmen that sin is intrinsically ill-desert-thatallthatoughtnottobeisworthyofcondemnation.(3)FromthefactthattheHolyGhost,inconvincingmenofsin,alwayslikewiseconvincesthemofajudgment.(John16:8.) (4)Menare"bynaturechildrenofwrath."Eph.2:3.(5)EveninfantsareredeemedbyChrist.Andintheircase,asinallothers,heredeemedthemfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforthem.(Gal.3:13.)

3.Consequently,thesinnerguiltyoforiginalandofactualtransgressionsis, unless grace intervene, made subject to death, including temporal,spiritual,andeternalmiseries.

Thetemporalmiseriesindicteduponmen,inthejustdispleasureofGodfor their sin,aresummarily set forth in theLargerCatechism,q.28,as"thecurseofGoduponthecreaturesforoursakes,andallotherevilsthatbefall us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments;together with death itself." This, of course, applies only to the stillunbelieving,unjustifiedsinner;forallthetribulationswhicharesufferedby the justified believer in this life are chastisements, designed for hisbenefit, and expressive of his heavenly Father's love-not penal evils,expressiveofhiswrathandunsatisfiedjustice.

The spiritualmiserieswhich sin brings upon the unforgiven in this lifeareset forth"asblindnessofmind,areprobatesense,strongdelusions,hardnessofheart,horrorofconscience,andvileaffections.")Eph.4:18;Rom. 1:28; 2 Thess. 2:11; Rom. 2:5; Isa. 33:14; Gen. 4:13;Matt. 27:4;Rom.1:26;L.Cat.,q.28.)

The eternalmiserieswhich are consequent uponunforgiven sin are setforth as "everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God,andmost grievous torments in soul and body,without intermission, in

Page 125: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

hell-fireforever."(2Thess.1:9;Mark9:43,44,46,48;Luke16:24.)

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstsection?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.WhatappearstobeGod'sgeneralplanofdealingwithallnew-createdmoralagents?

7.Withwhattwoordersofbeingshashesodealt?

8. What was made the "test" in the case of man? and why was itadmirablyfittedforthatpurpose?

9.Whatappearstohavebeenthenatureofthesincommittedbyourfirstparents?

10.Whatisthefirstelementofmysteryinvolvedinthe"originofsin"?

11.Whyisitdifficulttoconceivehowaholybeingcanbegintosin?

12.InwhatrespectsdidAdam'sstateasamoralagentdifferfromours?

13.Whycannotasinfulagentoriginateaholyvolition?

14.Issininitsoriginapositivedispositionoradefect?

15.Whatappeartohavebeenthemotivesinfluencingourfirstparents?

16.Towhoseactionisthetrueoriginofsintobereferred?

Page 126: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

17.Whatisthesecondelementofmysteryintheoriginofsin?

18. Prove that Adam's sin was permissively embraced in the divinedecrees.

19.ProvethatGoddidneithercausenorapproveit.

20.ProvethatGodpurposedtoorderitforhisownglory.

21.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthesecondsection?

22.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

23.Whatisthethird?

24.Whatisthefourth?

25.Uponwhatdoesthehumansouldependforspirituallife?

26. Show that the life-sustaining influences of the Holy Spirit wereimmediatelywithdrawninpunishmentofsin.

27.Whatwastheimmediateconsequenceofthatwithdrawal?

28. To what extent was the moral and spiritual character of our firstparentsaffected?

29.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthethirdandfourthsections?

30.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

31.Whatisthethird?

32.Whatisthefourth?

33.Whatisthefifth?

34.InwhatsectionsandinwhatwordsdoourStandardsexplicitlyteachthatinthecovenantofworksAdamrepresentedallhisdescendants?

Page 127: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

35.Whatthreeplanswerepossiblewithregardtothemoralprobationoftheindividualmemberofthehumanfamily?

36. Showwhy the plan of giving us our probation in Adam'swas bothwiseandbenevolent.

37.ProvethefactthatAdamwasourfederalrepresentative.

38. What is the precise sense in which our Standards use the term"guilt"?

39.Inwhatsensedotheusetheterm"toimpute"?

40.InwhatsectionsandinwhatwordsdoourStandardsaffirmthattheguiltofAdam'sfirstsinischargedtotheaccountofhischildren?

41.Whatreasondotheyassignforthisimputationofhissintous?

42.ProvefromtheScripturesthatAdam'ssinissoimputed.

43.WhyisAdam'sfirstsinaloneimputed?

44.Howisthatsinpunishedinus?

45.Whatisthenecessaryeffectofthatpunishment?

46.Whatdothesesectionsteachastothemoralstateofmanbynature?

47.Whataretheseveralpointsinvolvedintheirteaching?

48. Prove that the doctrine here taught agrees with the universalexperienceofmen.

49.StateandprovetheseveralpointstaughtinScriptureastothenature,extentandtimeofcommencementofhumandepravity.

50.Whatsubjectsaretreatedofinthefifthandsixthsections?

51.What is taughtas to thecontinuanceandcharacterof corruption intheregenerate?

Page 128: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

52.ProvethattheinnateandpermanenttendencyofthesoultosinisastrulyaviolationofGod'slawasactualtransgression.

53. Prove that this "tendency to sin" and actual transgression are alikeworthyofpunishment.

54.Whattemporalmiseriesareinflictedbecauseofsin?

55.Whatrelationdotemporalafflictionssustaintothejustifiedbeliever?

56.Whatspiritualmiseriesareinflictedbecauseofsin?

57.Whateternalmiseriesareinflictedonthesameaccount?

ChapterSevenOfGod'sCovenantWithMan

SECTION1:THEdistancebetweenGodandthecreatureissogreat,thatalthough reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as theirCreator,yettheycouldneverhaveanyfruitionofhimastheirblessednessandreward,butbysomevoluntarycondescensiononGod'spart,whichhehasbeenpleasedtoexpressbywayofcovenant.(1)

SECTION2-THEfirstcovenantmadewithmanwasacovenantofworks,(2)wherein lifewas promised toAdam, and in him to his posterity,(3)uponconditionofperfectandpersonalobedience.(4)

(1)Isa.40:13-17;Job9:32,33;1Sam.2:25;Ps.113:5,6;100:2,3;Job22:2,3;35:7,8;Luke17:10;Acts17:24,25.(2)Gal.2:12.(3)Rom.10:5;5:12-20.(4)Gen.2:17;Gal.3:10.

HerewecometothedutywhichanintelligentcreatureowesitsCreator,that it isessentialandinalienableofthecreature'sbeing.Moreover, theenjoymentofthecreatorbythecreatureiswhollyamatterofsovereigngrace,manifest tomanthroughtheconditionalpromises (covenants)ofGod-thefirstofwhichconcernedAdam,whereinthepromisewaslifeand

Page 129: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theconditionperfect,personalobedience.

1. The duty which an intelligent creature owes to its Creator isinalienable, and springs necessarily,-(1) From the absolute, imperativeobligation which is of the essence of all that is morally right-whichexercisesauthorityover thewill,butdoesnot receiveauthority from it;and(2)Fromtherelationofdependenceandobligation involved in theveryfactofbeingcreated.Tobeacreated,intelligent,moralagent,istobeunderalltheobligationofobeyingthewillandoflivingforthegloryoftheabsoluteOwnerandGovernor.

2. The very act of creation brings the creature under obligation to theCreator, but it cannot bring theCreator into obligation to the creature.Creationitself,beingasignalactofgrace,cannotendowthebeneficiarywithaclaimformoregrace.IfGod,forinstance,hascreatedamanwithaneye, itmaybeeminently consistentwith thedivineattributes, andagroundoffairanticipation,thatatsometimehewhohasgiveneyeswillalsogivelight;but,surely,thecreationofthefirstcanlaythefoundationofnorightuponthepartofmanforthegiftofthesecond.And,ofcourse,far lesscan the fact that in creationGodendowedmenwitha religiousnaturelaythefoundationofanyrightontheirpartfortheinfinitelymoreprecious gift of the personal communications of his own ineffable loveandgrace.Godcannotbeboundtotakeallcreaturesnaturallycapableofit into the intimacies ofhis own society. If hedoes so, it is amatter ofinfinitecondescensionandsovereignwill.

3. In thecaseofmenandangels,Godhasbeenpleasedtopromisethistranscendentbenefituponcertainconditions;whichconditionalpromiseiscalledacovenant.TherecanbenodoubtthatthisamazinggiftofGod'spersonalloveandlife-givingsocietyhadbeenofferedtoangels,andatthebeginning was offered to the first human pair, upon conditions. Someobject that the conditionalpromisemade toAdam in the garden is notexplicitlycalledacovenant,andthatitdoesnotpossessalltheessentialelementsofacovenant,since itwasaconstitutionsovereignlyordainedbytheCreatorwithoutconsultingthewillofthecreature.Itisasufficientanswer to these objections-(1) That although Adam's will was notconsulted, yet his will was unquestionably cordially consenting to thisdivineconstitutionandall the terms thereof, andhence the transaction

Page 130: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

did embrace all the elements of a covenant. (2) That instances ofanalogous transactions between God and men are expressly styledcovenantsintheBible.IfGod'stransactionswithNoah(Gen.9:11,12)andwith Abraham (Gen. 17:1-21) were covenants, then was his transactionwithAdaminthegardenacovenant.

The analysis of a covenant always gives the following elements: (a) Itsparties.(b)Itspromise.(c)Itsconditions.(d)Itspenalty.Astoitsparties,ourStandardsteach-

InthefirstcovenantthatconcernedmankindGoddealtwithAdamastherepresentativeofallhisdescendants.Theparties,therefore,areGodandAdam, the latterrepresenting thehumanrace.ThatAdamdidsoactasthe representative of his descendants, in such a sense that they wereequallyinterestedwithhimselfinallthemeritorthedemerit,therewardorthepenalty,attachingtohisactionduringtheperiodofprobation,hasalready been proved to be the doctrine both of our Standards and ofScripture.(Ch.6.,ss.3,4.)Astothefurthernatureofthiscovenant,ourStandards teach-The promise of it was life, the condition of it perfectobedience,andthepenaltyofitdeath.(L.Cat.,q.20;S.Cat.,q.12.)

This covenant is variously styled, from one or other of these severalelements. Thus, it is called the "covenant of works," because perfectobediencewas its condition, and to distinguish it from the covenant ofgrace,whichrestsoursalvationonadifferentbasisaltogether.Itisalsocalled the "covenant of life," because lifewaspromised on condition oftheobedience. It is also called a "legal covenant," because it demandedthe literal fulfillmentof the claimsof themoral lawas the conditionofGod'sfavor.Thiscovenantwasalsoinitsessenceacovenantofgrace,inthatitgraciouslypromisedlifeinthesocietyofGodasthefreely-grantedrewardofanobediencealreadyunconditionallydue.Nevertheless itwasa covenant of works and of law with respect to its demands andconditions.

(1) That the promise of the covenant was life is proved-(a) From thenature of the penalty, which is recorded in terms. If disobediencewaslinkedtodeath,obediencemusthavebeenlinkedtolife.(b)It is taughtexpressly inmany passages of Scripture. Paul says, Rom. 10:5, "Moses

Page 131: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

describestherighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,Thatthemanwhichdoesthosethingsshalllivebythem."(Matt.19:16,17;Gal.3:12;Lev.18:5;Neh.9:29.)

Thatthelifepromisedwasnotmerecontinuanceofexistenceisplain-(a)From the fact that thedeath threatenedwasnot themereextinctionofexistence.Adamexperiencedthatdeaththeverydayheatetheforbiddenfruit.Thedeath threatenedwasexclusion fromthecommunionofGod.Thelifepromised,therefore,mustconsistinthedivinefellowshipandtheexcellence and happiness thence resulting. (b) From the fact thatmereexistence was not in jeopardy. It is the character, not the fact, ofcontinuedexistencewhichGod suspendeduponobedience. (c)Becausethe terms "life" and "death" are used in the Scriptures constantly todefinetwooppositespiritualconditions,whichdependupontherelationof the soul toGod. (John5:24;6:4;Rom.6:23; 11:15;Eph.2:1-3; 5:14;Rev.3:1.)

(2)Thattheconditionofthecovenantwasperfectobedienceisplainfromthefact-(a)Thatthedivinelawcandemandnoless.Itisoftheessenceofall that is right that it is obligatory. James says, that "whosoever shallkeepthewholelaw,andyetoffendinonepoint,heisguiltyofall."James2:10;Gal.3:10;Deut.27:26.(b)Thatthecommandnottoeatofthefruitof the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, relating to a thingindifferentinitself,wasplainlydesignedtobeanakedtestofobedience,absoluteandwithoutlimit.

(3)Thatthepenaltyofthiscovenantwasdeathisdistinctlystated:"Inthedaythoueatestthereof,dyingthoushaltdie."Gen.3:17.Thisdenotedamost lamentable state of existence, physical and moral, and not thecessationof existence or thedissolutionof theunion between soul andbody, because-(a) It took effect in our first parents hundreds of yearsbeforethedissolutionofthatunion.(b)BecausetheScripturesconstantlydescribe themoralandspiritualcondition intowhich theirdescendantsareborn,andfromwhichtheyaredeliveredbyChrist,asastateofdeath.(Rev.3:1;Eph.2:1-5;5:14;John5:24.)

This death is a condition of increasing sin and misery, resulting fromexcision from theonly source of life. It involves the entire person, soul

Page 132: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

andbody,andcontinuesaslongasthecausecontinues.

SECTION 3:MAN by his fall havingmade himself incapable of life bythat covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second,(5) commonlycalled the covenant of grace: whereby he freely offers unto sinners lifeand salvationbyJesusChrist, requiringof them faith inhim, that theymaybesaved;(6)andpromisingtogiveuntoallthosethatareordaineduntolifehisHolySpirit,tomakethemwillingandabletobelieve.(7)

SECTION 4: THIS covenant of grace is frequently set forth in theScripturebythenameofatestament, inreferencetothedeathofJesusChrist the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all thingsbelongingtoit,thereinbequeathed.(8)

(5)Gal.3:21;Rom.8:3;3:20,21;Gen.3:15;Isa.42:6.(6)Mark16:15,16;John3:16;Rom.10:6,9;Gal.3:11. (7)Ezek.36:26,27;John6:44,45.(8)Heb.9:15-17;7:22;Luke22:20;1Cor.11:25.

SinceAdamforfeitedforhimselfandhisentireracetheoriginalpromiseoflifeupontheconditionofperfectobedience,andincurredthepenaltyofdeathattachedtodisobedience,itfollowsthat,iftheoldconstitutionisleftwithoutsupplementormodification,manislost.Ifmankindistobesaved,theremustbeanewandgraciousinterventiononthepartofGod.AndifGodintervenestosavemen,itmustbeuponadefiniteplan,andupon certain definitely proclaimed and accurately fulfilled conditions.Thatis,anewcovenantmustbe introduced,rendering lifeattainabletothosewhoare tobe savedonconditionsdifferent fromthoseoffered intheprecedingconstitution.Thequestion,then,relatestowhatisrevealedintheScripturesastothepartiestowhomthepromiseismade,andtheconditionsuponwhichitissuspended.

TheArminian view is, thatAdamhaving lost thepromiseand incurredthepenaltyof thecovenantwhichdemandedperfectobedience,Christ'sdeathhavingmadeitconsistentwiththeclaimsofabsolutejustice,GodforChrist'ssakeintroducesanewcovenant,styledthecovenantofgrace,offeringtoallmenindividuallytheeternallifeforfeitedbyAdamonthelowered and graciously possible condition of faith and evangelicalobedience. According to this view, the new covenant is just asmuch a

Page 133: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

covenant of works as the old one was; the only difference is that theworksdemandedarefarlessdifficult,andwearegraciouslyaidedinourendeavors to accomplish them. According to this view, also, faith andevangelicalobediencesecureeternallifeinthenewcovenantinthesamewaythatperfectobediencedidintheoldcovenant.

This view is plainly inconsistent with the nature of the gospel. Themethod of salvation presented in the gospel is no compromise ofprinciple, no lowering of terms. Christ fulfills the old legal covenantabsolutely;andthen,onthefoundationofwhathehasdone,weexercisefaith or trust, and through that trust we are made sharers in hisrighteousness and beneficiaries of his grace. Faith is not a workwhichChristcondescendsinthegospeltoacceptinsteadofperfectobedienceasthegroundofsalvation-it isonlythehandwherebyweclaspthepersonandworkofourRedeemer,whichisthetruegroundofsalvation.

TheCalvinistview,therefore,is,thatGodhavingdeterminedtosavetheelect out of themass of the race fallen in Adam, appointed his Son tobecomeincarnateinournature;andastheChrist,orGod-manMediator,he appointed him to be the second Adam and representative head ofredeemedhumanity;andassuchentered intoacovenantwithhimandwithhisseedinhim.InthiscovenanttheMediatorassumesinbehalfofhiselectseedthebrokenconditionsoftheoldcovenantofworkspreciselyasAdamleftthem.Adamhadfailedtoobey,andthereforeforfeitedlife;hehadsinned,andthereforeincurredtheendlesspenaltyofdeath.Christthereforesufferedthepenalty,andextinguishedinbehalfofallwhomherepresented the claims of the old covenant; and at the same time herendered a perfect vicarious obedience, which was the very conditionuponwhicheternallifehadbeenoriginallyoffered.AllthisChristdoesasaprincipalpartywithGodtothecovenant,inactingastherepresentativeofhisownpeople.

Subsequently, in the administration and gracious application of thiscovenant,ChristtheMediatorofferstheblessingssecuredbyittoallmenon the condition of faith-that is, he bids all men to lay hold of theseblessingsbytheinstrumentalityoffaith,andhepromisesthatiftheydosotheyshallcertainlyenjoythem;andhe,asthemediatorialSuretyofhispeople,insuresforthemthattheirfaithandobedienceshallnotfail.

Page 134: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

For thesakeofsimplicity,someCalvinist theologianshaveset forth thedivinemethodofhumanredemptionasembracedintwocovenantsThefirst,styledthe"covenantofredemption,"formedineternitybetweentheFatherandChristasprincipal,providingforthesalvationoftheelect;thesecond,styledthe"covenantofgrace,"wherein life isofferedtoallmenontheconditionoffaith,andsecuredtotheelectthroughtheagencyofHimwho,as"suretyofthenewcovenant,"insuresthefulfillmentoftheconditionintheircase.

Our Standards say nothing of two covenants. They do notmention thecovenant of redemption as distinct from the covenant of grace. Butevidentlytheseveralpassageswhichtreatofthissubject(Conf.Faith,ch.7.,s.3;L.Cat.,q.31;S.Cat.,q.20)assumethatthereisbutonecovenant,contracted by Christ in behalf of the elect with God in eternity, andadministered by him to the elect in the offers and ordinances of thegospelandinthegraciousinfluencesofhisSpirit.TheLargerCatechismintheplacereferredtoteacheshowthecovenantofgracewascontractedwith Christ for his people. The Confession of Faith in these sectionsteacheshowthatsamecovenantisadministeredbyChristtohispeople.

The doctrine of our Standards and of Scripture may be stated in thefollowingpropositions:

1. At the basis of human redemption there is an eternal covenant orpersonal counsel between the Father, representing the entireGodhead,andtheSon,who is toassume in the fullnessof timeahumanelementinto his person, and to represent all his elect as their Mediator andSurety.TheScripturesmakeitveryplainthattheFatherandtheSonhadadefiniteunderstanding (a) as towhowere tobe saved, (b) as towhatChrist must do in order to save them, (c) as to how their personalsalvation was to be accomplished, (d) as to all the blessings andadvantages involved in their salvation, and (e) as to certain officialrewards which were to accrue to the Mediator in consequence of hisobedience.

(1) The Scriptures expressly declare that the Father has promised theMediatorthesalvationofhisseedonconditionof"thetravailofhissoul."

Page 135: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(Isa.53:10,11;13:6,7;Ps.89:3,4.)

(2) Christ makes constant reference to a previous commission he hadreceived of his Father (John 10:18; Luke 22:29), and claims a rewardconditioneduponthefulfillmentofthatcommission.(John17:4,5.)

(3)ChristasMediatorconstantlyassertsthathispeopleandhisexpectedgloryaregivenhimasarewardbyhisFather.(John17:2,24.)

2.Thepromiseofthiscovenantwas-(1)AllneedfulpreparationofChristfor his work. (Heb. 10:5; Isa. 13:1-7.) (2) Support in his work. (Luke22:43.) (3) A glorious reward (a) In his own Theanthropic person asMediator. (John 5:22; Ps. 110:1.) (b) In committing to his hand theuniversal administration of all the precious graces and blessings of thecovenant. (Matt. 28:18; John 1:12; 7:39; 17:2; Acts 2:33.) (c) In thesalvation of the elect, including all general and special provisions ofgrace, such as regeneration, justification, sanctification, perseverance,andglory.(Titus3:5,6;Jer.31:33;32:40;Isa.35:10;53:10,11.)

3. The condition of this covenant was-(1) That he should be born of awoman,madeunderthelaw.(Gal.4:4,5.)(2)Thatheshouldassumeanddischarge, in behalf of his elect, all thebroken conditions and incurredliabilities of the covenant of works (Matt. 5:17,18),-(a) rendering thatperfect obedience which is the condition of the promise of the oldcovenant (Ps. 40:8; Isa. 13:21; John 8:29; 9:4,5; Matt. 19:17), and (b)suffering the penalty of death incurred by the breaking of the oldcovenant,(Isa.53:;2Cor.5:21;Gal.3:13;Eph.5:2.)

4.Christ, asmediatorialKing, administers tohis people thebenefits ofhiscovenant;andbyhisprovidence,hisWord,andhisSpirit,hecausesthem tobecomeseverally recipientsof theseblessings, according to hiswill. These benefits he offers to all men in the gospel. He promises togrant them on the condition they are received. In the case of his ownpeople,heworksfaithinthem,andastheirSuretyengagesforthemandmakesgoodallthatissuspendeduponorconveyedthroughtheiragency.InthewholesphereofourexperienceeveryChristiandutyisaChristiangrace;forwecanfulfilltheconditionsofrepentanceandfaithonlyasitisgiven to us by our Surety. All Christian graces also involve Christian

Page 136: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

duties. So that Christ at once purchases salvation for us, and appliessalvation tous; commandsus todo, andworks inus toobey; offersusgraceandeternallifeonconditions,andgivesustheconditionsandthegrace and the eternal life.What he gives us he expects us to exercise.Whathedemandsofusheatoncegivesus.ViewedonGod'sside, faithand repentance are the gifts of the Son. Viewed on our side, they aredutiesandgraciousexperiences, the first symptomsof salvationbegun-instruments wherewith further grace may be attained. Viewed inconnectionwiththecovenantofgrace,theyareelementsofthepromiseoftheFathertotheSon,conditioneduponhismediatorialwork.Viewedin relation to salvation, they are indices of its commencement andconditionssinequanonofitscompletion.

The present administration of this covenant by Christ, in one aspect,evidently bears a near analogy to a testament or will executed onlyconsequent upon the death of the testator. And so in one passage ourtranslators were correct in so translating the word diaqhkh . (Heb.9:16,17.) But since Christ is an ever-living and constantly-actingMediator, the same yesterday, today, and forever, this word, whichexpresseshispresentadministration,shouldineveryotherinstancehavebeen translated "dispensation," instead of "testament." (2 Cor. 3:6,14;Gal.3:15;Heb.7:22;12:24;13:20.)

SECTION5:THIScovenantwasdifferentlyadministered in the timeofthe law, and in the time of the gospel;(9) under the law it wasadministered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, thepaschallamb,andothertypesandordinancesdeliveredtothepeopleoftheJews,all foresignifyingChristtocome,(10)whichwereforthattimesufficientandefficacious,throughtheoperationoftheSpirit,toinstructandbuilduptheelectinfaithinthepromisedMessiah,(11)bywhomtheyhad full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the OldTestament.(12)

SECTION 6: UNDER the gospel, when Christ the substance(13) wasexhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are, thepreaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments ofBaptismandtheLord'sSupper;(14)which,thoughfewerinnumber,andadministeredwithmoresimplicityandlessoutwardglory,yetinthemit

Page 137: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

isheldforth inmore fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy,(15) to allnations, both Jews andGentiles;(16) and is called theNew Testament.(17) There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace differing insubstance,butoneandthesameundervariousdispensations.(18)

(9)2Cor.3:6-9.(10)Heb.8:,9:,10:;Rom.4:11;Col.2:11,12;1Cor.5:7.(11)1Cor.10:1-4;Heb.11:13;John8:56.(12)Gal.3:7-9,14.(13)Col.2:17.(14)Matt. 28:19,20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25. (15)Heb. 12:22-27; Jer. 31:33,34.(16)Matt. 28:19; Eph. 2:15-19. (17) Luke 22:20. (18)Gal. 3:14,16; Acts15:11;Rom.3:21-23,30;Ps.32:1;Rom.4:3,6,16,17,23,24;Heb.13:8.

Thesesections teachusconcerningthecovenantofgraceas ithasbeenmanifestinboththeoldandnewdispensations.

1. The Covenant adminstered has from the beginning remained in allessential repsects the same, in spiteof all outward changes in itsmodeandadminsitration. (1)Christwas theSaviorofmenbeforehis advent,and he saved them on the same principles then as now. He was "theLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld,"(Rev.13:8);"apropitiationfor the sins thatarepast," (Rom.3:25;Heb.9:15).Hewaspromised toAdamandtoAbrahamastheSavioroftheworld.(Gen.3:15;17:7);22:18.He was symbolically exhibited and typically prophesied by all theceremonial and especially by the sacrificial system of the temple. (Col.2:17;Heb.10:1-10.)HewasespeciallywitnessedtoastheSaviorfromsinbyalltheprophets.(Acts10:43.)(2)Faithwastheconditionofsalvationunder the old dispensation in the same sense it is now. (Heb. 2:4; Ps.2:12.) TheOld Testament believers are set up for an example to thosewhoarecalledtoexercisefaithundertheNewTestament.(Rom.4:;Heb.11:) (3) The same gracious promises of spiritual grace and eternalblessedness were administered then as now. (Compare Gen. 17:7 withMatt.22:32;andGen.22:18withGal.3:16.See,also,Isa.43:25;Ps.16:;51:;73:24-26;Ezek.36:27;Job19:25-27;Dan.12:2,3.)

2. Under the old dispensatio the covenant of grace was administeredchiefly by types and symbolic ordinances, signifying beforehand thecoming of Christ, and thus administration was almost exclusivelyconfined to the Jewish nation with consstantly increasing fulness andclearness- (1) From Adam to Abraham, in the promise to the woman

Page 138: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(Gen.3:15); the institutionofbloodysacrifices;and theconstantvisibleappearanceandaudible converse of Jehovahwith his people. (2) FromAbraham toMoses, themoredefinite promise given toAbraham (Gen.17:7; 22:18), in the Church separated from the world, embraced in aspecial covenant, and sealed with the sacrament of Circumcision. (3)FromMosestoChrist,thesimpleprimitiveriteofsacrificedevelopedintotheelaborateceremonialandsignificantsymbolismofthetempleservice,thecovenantenrichedwithnewpromises,theChurchseparatedfromtheworldbynewbarriers, and sealedwith the additional sacrament of thePassover.

3.Thepresentdispensationofthecovenantissuperiortotheformerone-(1)BecausewhileitwasformerlyadministeredbyMoses,aservant,itisnow administered visibly and immediately by Christ, a son in his ownhouse.Heb.3:5,6. (2)The truthwas thenpartlyhid,partly revealed, inthe types and symbols; now it is revealed in clear history and didacticteaching. (3) That revelation has been vastly increased, as well asrenderedmoreclear,bytheincarnationofChristandthemissionoftheHolyGhost. (4)Thatdispensationwas so encumberedwith ceremoniesas to be comparatively carnal; the present dispensation is spiritual. (5)That was confined to one people: the present dispensation,disembarrassed from all national organizations, embraces the wholeEarth.(6)Thatmethodofadministrationwaspreparatory:thepresentisfinal,asfarasthepresentorderoftheworldisconcerned.Itwillgivewayonly to that eternal administration of the covenant which shall beexecutedbytheLambinthenewheavensandthenewearth,whenthereshall"begatheredtogetherinoneallthingsinChrist,bothwhichareinheaven, andwhichareonearth." (Eph. 1:10.)More than this isnot yetmadeknown.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstandsecondsections?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

Page 139: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.ProvethatthedutywhichanintelligentcreatureowestoitsCreatorisessentialandinalienable.

7.ProvethattheenjoymentoftheCreatorbythecreatureisnotanaturalright,butagraciousprivilege.

8.What arrangement didGod in the beginningmakewithmen in thisrespect?

9.Provethatthisarrangementisproperlycalledacovenant.

10.Whataretheseveralelementsofacovenant?

11.Whowerethepartiestotheoriginalcovenant?

12.Howisthiscovenantvariouslystyled?

13.Provethatthepromiseofthecovenantwaslife.

14.Whatwasinvolvedinthelifepromised?

15.Provethelastanswer.

16.Whatwastheconditionofthecovenant?andproveit.

17.Whatwasitspenalty?andproveit.

18.IfGodpurposestosavefallenmen,whatiscertaintocharacterizehismethodofdoingso?

19.WhatistheArminianviewastotheconditionsuponwhichsalvationisofferedtofallenmen?

20.Statethefatalobjectionstothatview.

Page 140: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

21.WhatistheCalvinisticviewoftheconditionofhumansalvation?

22.WhatdistinctiondosomeCalvinistsmakebetweenthe"covenantofredemption"andthe"covenantofgrace"?

23. Inwhat sectionand inwhatwords is thedoctrineofourStandardsuponthispointstated?

24.WhatisthepointchieflysetforthbyLC31,andwhatpointischieflysetforthbytheWCF7.3,andSC20?

25.OnwhatpointsisitevidentthattheFatherandtheSonhadadefiniteunderstanding?

26. Prove from Scripture that there was such a covenant between theFatherandtheSon.

27.ShowfromScripturewhatwasthepromiseofthatcovenant.

28.ShowfromScripturewhatwereitsconditions.

29.Whatrelationdoes thecovenantofgracesustain to thecovenantofworks?

30.Bywhomisthecovenantofgraceadministered?

31.HowdoesChristadministeritsblessingstohispeople?

32.Whereandwhyishispresentadministrationlikenedtoatestament?

33.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefifthandsixthsections?

34.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

35.Whatisthethird?

36. Prove that the covenant of grace is essentially the same under allchangesofadministration.

37.HowwasitadministeredundertheOldTestamentdispensation?

Page 141: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

38. In what respects does the new differ from and excel the olddispensation?

ChapterEightOfChristTheMediator

SECTION1:ITpleasedGod,inhiseternalpurpose,tochooseandordaintheLordJesus,hisonlybegottenSon, tobe theMediatorbetweenGodandman;(1)theProphet,(2)Priest,(3)andKing;(4)theHeadandSaviorof his Church;(5) the Heir of all things;(6) and Judge of the world:(7)untowhomhedidfromalleternitygiveapeopletobehisseed,(8)andtobebyhimintimeredeemed,called,justified,sanctified,andglorified.(9)

(1)Isa.42:1;1Pet.1:19,20;John3:16;1Tim.2:5.(2)Acts3:22.(3)Heb.5:5,6.(4)Ps.2:6;Luke1:33.(5)Eph.5:23.(6)Heb.1:2.(7)Acts17:31.(8)John17:6;Ps.22:30;Isa.53:10.(9)1Tim.2:6;Isa.55:4,5;1Cor.1:30.

Havingalreadyestablished thedoctrineofGod's sovereignelectionandthe doctrine of the covenant of grace between the Father andHis Son,this section teaches that Christ as mediator is both God and man,exercising His authority as prophet, priest, and king. Moreover, He isHead and Savior of His Church, Heir of all things, and Judge of theworld.1.Amediatorisonewhointervenesbetweencontestingpartiesforthe sake of making reconciliation. The term is sometimes applied toindependent anddisinterestedparties called in to arbitrate a difficulty;sometimestoadependentmessengeroragentofoneofthepartiestothecontest employed to carry overtures to the other party. In this senseMoseswasamediatorbetweenGodandthepeopleofIsrael. (Deut.5:5;Gal. 3:19.) Sometimes it is applied to an intercessor employed by theweakerpartytoinfluencethestronger.

The Scriptures apply the term, in a higher sense than any of these, toChrist.TheyteachthatheintervenesbetweenGodandman,notmerelyto sue for peace and to persuade to it, but, armedwith plenipotentiarypower, efficiently tomake peace and to do all that is necessary to thatend.

Page 142: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

The things necessary in order to this great end fall into two classes-(1)ThosethatrespectGod,and(2)Thosethatrespectmen.

(1)AsitrespectsGod,itisabsolutelynecessary,inordertoreconciliation,that the Mediator should propitiate the just displeasure of God byexpiatingtheguiltofsin,andthatheshouldsupplicateinourbehalf,andthat he should actually introduce our persons and services to theacceptanceoftheFather.

(2)Asitrespectsmen,itisabsolutelynecessarythattheMediatorshouldrevealtothemthetruthconcerningGodandtheirrelationstohim,andtheconditionsofacceptableservice;thatheshouldpersuadeandenablethem to receive and obey the truth so revealed; and that he should sodirect and sustain them, and so control all the outward influences towhich they are subjected, that their deliverance from sin and from thepowersofanevilworldshallbeperfected.

2.Hence themediatorial office involves all the three great functions ofprophet, priest, and king; and Christ discharged them all, both in hisestateofhumiliationandexaltation.Thesearenot threedistinctofficesmeetingaccidentallyinoneoffice,butthreefunctionsinheringessentiallyintheoneofficeofmediator.Andtheyeachsobelongtotheveryessenceof the office that the quality peculiar to each gives character to everymediatorial action.Whenhe teaches, he is always a priestly and kinglyprophet.Whenheoffers sacrificeor intercession for sin,he is alwaysapropheticalandroyalpriest.

(1)ChristisaProphet.Aprophetisaspokesman;onesentfromGodtomantomakeknownthedivinewill.InthissenseMosesandallinspiredmen were prophets. But Christ was the personal "Word of God"incarnate,hewhohadeternallybeen"in thebosomof theFather,"and"known the Father"; and consequently as Mediatorial Prophet is thatoriginal fountain of revelation of which all other prophets are thestreams.HeistheProphetofallprophets,theTeacherofallteachers.

"Heexecutestheofficeofaprophet,inhisrevealingtotheChurch,inallages,byhisSpiritandWord,indiverswaysofadministration,thewholewillofGod, inall thingsconcerning theiredificationandsalvation." (L.

Page 143: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Cat.,q.43.)Thatthisrepresentationistrue isprovedfromthefact thattheScriptures-(a)Explicitlycallhimaprophet.(CompareDeut.18:15,18andActs3:22;7:37;Heb.1:2.)(b)Teachthatheexecutedthefunctionsofa prophet before his incarnation. (Isa. 9:6;Mal. 3:1; Job 33:23; 1 Pet.1:11.) (c) Teach that he executes the office of a prophet since hisincarnation.(Matt.11:27;John3:2;6:68;Rev.7:17;21:3.)

(2)Christ is aPriest.Apriest is (a)one taken fromamongmen, (b) toappear inthepresenceofGodandtotreat inbehalfofmen;and(c), inorderthereto,tomakepropitiationandintercession.Itisdeclaredtobeessential to the priest-(a) That he be a man chosen to represent menbefore God. Aaron always bore before the Lord for a memorial abreastplatewith the names of all the tribes of Israel engraved upon it.(Ex.28:9,12,21,29.)(b)HemustbechosenofGod,ashisspecialelectionandproperty.(Num.16:5;Heb.5:4.)(c)HemustbeholyandconsecratedtotheLord. (Lev.21:6-8;Ex.39:30,31;Ps.106:16.) (d)Hemusthavearight both to draw near to Jehovah and to bring near-i.e., to offersacrifices and intercessions. (Lev. 16:3-15.) (e) He must have anacceptable sacrifice to offer. (Heb. 8:3.) Christ is in this sense a truepriest,andheexecutesthisoffice"inhisonceofferinghimselfasacrificewithoutspottoGod,tobeareconciliationforthesinsofhispeople;andinmakingcontinual intercession for them." (L.Cat.,q.44.)That this istrue is proved from the fact that the Scriptures declare-(a) That Christpossessed all the characteristicmarks andqualifications of a priest.Hebecameamanforthispurpose.(Heb.2:I6;4:15.)HewaschosenofGod,as was Aaron. (Heb. 5:5,6.) He was perfectly holy, and had right ofimmediateapproach to theFather.Heb.8:6. (b)He isdeclared tobeapriest in the Old Testament. The entire order of priests and theceremonialofsacrificeweretypicalofhim.{Zech.6:13;Isa.53:10;Dan.9:24,25.) (c)TheGospelhistorydeclares thatheactuallydischarged allthefunctionsofapriest.Hehasmadepropitiationbyasacrificialbearingofthepenaltyduetosin.(Eph.5:2;Heb.9:26;1John2:2.)Hehasmadeintercession,andheeverlivestointercede.(Rom.8:34;Heb.7:25.)TheworkofChristwas the substance ofwhich the entire ceremonial of thetemplewastheshadow.(Col.2:17.)

Hispriesthood is saidnot tohavebeenof theorderofAaron, because,

Page 144: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

although Aaron and his priesthood were types of Christ. and existedsimply for the purpose of showing forth his work, yet they wereinadequate to represent him fully and in all relations. They wereinadequate chiefly-(a) With respect to the incomparable dignity andexcellence of his person. (John 1:1-4,14.) (b) The infinite value of hissacrifice. (Heb. 10:1-14.) (c) The manner of their consecration. (Heb.7:20-22.)(d)Theywereconstantlysucceedingeachother,asdyingmen.(Heb. 7:23,24.) (e) He was a minister of a greater and more perfecttabernacle.(Heb.9:11,24.)(f)Theyweremerepriests-hewasaroyalandpropheticalpriest.(Zech.6:13;Rom.8:34;Heb.8:1,2.)

HispriesthoodissaidtohavebeenoftheorderofMelchizedek,because-(a)Likehimhewasaroyalpriest.(b)Likehim,hehadnopredecessorsorsuccessorsinoffice.Hewastheonlyoneofhisline.(c)Becausehewasaneternalpriest:"Thouartapriestforever,oftheorderofMelchizedek."(Heb.7:17.)

(3) Christ is sovereignHead over all things to his Church. (Eph. 1:22;4:15;Col.1:18;2:19.)Heexecutestheofficeofaking-(a)Incallingoutofthe world a people to himself, and giving them offices, laws, anddiscipline, by which he visibly governs them; (b) In bestowing savinggraceuponhiselect,rewardingtheirobedienceandcorrectingthemfortheir sins, and preserving and supporting them under all theirtemptations and sufferings; (c) In restraining and overcoming all theirenemies,andpowerfully ordering all things forhis ownglory and theirgood; andalso (d) In takingvengeanceon the rest,whoknownotGodandobeynotthegospel.

ThislordshipdiffersfromthatwhichbelongsessentiallytotheGodhead-(a)BecauseitisgiventohimbytheFatherastherewardofhisobedienceandsuffering.Phil.2:6-11.(b)Theobjectanddesignof thismediatorialkingship has special reference to the upbuilding and glory of theredeemedChurch. (Eph. 1:22,23.) (c) The dignity and authority belongnot to his deity abstractly, but to his entire person as God-man. Thispower and lordship Christ already possesses, and it extends over allcreaturesinallworlds.(Matt.28:18;Eph.1:17-23;Phil.2:9-11;Jer.23:5;Isa. 9:6; Ps. 2:6; Acts 2:29-36.) And of this kingdom there shall be noend.(Dan.2:44;Isa.9:7.)

Page 145: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ThusChristhasbeenshown,asMediator,tobe-

3.HeadandSaviorofhisChurch,andHeirofallthings;thatis,sovereignruleranddisposerofall things throughoutallworlds. (Eph. 1:10.)ThatelementofChrist'sdominionwhichshallbeexercisedinhisjudgingmenandangelsattheendwillbeconsideredunderchapter33.

SECTION 2: THE Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, beingveryandeternalGod,ofonesubstance,andequalwith theFather,did,when the fullness of time was come, take upon himman's nature,(10)with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yetwithoutsin;(11)beingconceivedby thepowerof theHolyGhost, in thewomboftheVirginMaryofhersubstance.(12)Sothattwowhole,perfect,and distinct natures, the Godhead and themanhood, were inseparablyjoined together in one person, without conversion, composition, orconfusion.(13)Whichperson is veryGodandveryman, yet oneChrist,theonlyMediatorbetweenGodandman.(14)

(10) John 1:1,14; 1 John 5:20; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4. (11) Heb. 2:14,16,17;4:15.(12)Luke1:27,31,35;Gal.4:4.(13)Luke1:35;Col.2:9;Rom.9:5;1Pet.3:18;1Tim.3:16.(14)Rom.1:3,4;1Tim.2:5.

The subject of this section is the constitution of the person of theMediatorastheGod-man.Havingproven(ch.2.,s.3)thatJesusChrististheoneGod;thesecondpersonoftheTrinity,ofonesubstanceandequalwith the Father, this section further dwells on the perssonality andnaturesofChrist.

The most ancient and universally accepted statement of the ChurchdoctrineastothepersonofChrististhatwhichwasformedbythefourthGeneralCouncil, consistingof "sixhundredand thirtyholyandblessedfathers,"whowereconvenedinChalcedonA.D.451:"We,then,followingtheholyFathers,allwithoneconsent,teachmentoconfessoneandthesameSon,ourLordJesusChrist;thesameperfectinGodhead,andalsoperfect inmanhood; trulyGodand trulyman,of a reasonable soul andbody; consubstantial with the Father according to the Godhead, andconsubstantialwithusaccordingtothemanhood;inallthingslikeunto

Page 146: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

uswithout sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to theGodhead,and in these latterdays, forusand forour salvation,bornofMary,theVirginMotherofGod,accordingtothemanhood;oneandthesame Christ, Son, Lord, Only Begotten, to be acknowledged in twonatures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably, thedistinctionof natures beingbynomeans taken awayby theunion, butratherthepropertyofeachnaturebeingpreservedandconcurringinonePerson andoneSubstance, not parted or divided into twopersons,butoneandthesameSonandOnlybegotten,GodtheWord,theLordJesusChrist,astheprophetshavefromthebeginningdeclaredconcerninghim,andtheLordJesusChristhimselfhastaughtus,andthecreedoftheholyFathershasdeliveredtous."-

1. Jesus of Nazareth was a true man, possessing all the essentialpropertiesofhumanity,conceivedbythepoweroftheHolyGhostinthewomboftheVirginMary,ofhersubstanceThisincludestwoconstituentpropositions-(1) JesusChrist vas a true andproperman, possessing allthe essential properties of humanity. He is constantly andcharacteristicallycalledtheManChristJesus,andtheSonofMan.(Matt.8:20; 1 Tim. 2:5.) He had a true body, for he ate, drank, slept, andincreased in stature. (Luke 2:52.) Through his whole life he was in allpublicandprivateassociationrecognizedasatrueman.Hediedinagonyonthecross,wasburied,roseagain,andprovedhisidentitybyphysicalsigns. (Luke 24:36-44.) He had a reasonable soul, for he increased inwisdom, loved, sympathized,weptandshrank fromsufferingasaman.(John11:33-35;Matt.26:36-46.)(2)ThehumannatureofJesusisnotanindependentcreationmerely.Likeours,but itwasgeneratedoutof thecommonlifeofourrace,oftheverysubstanceoftheVirginMary,bythepoweroftheHolyGhost.Theangelsdonotconstitutearaceproducedbygeneration, but only a collection of individuals. This distinction isemphasizedwhenitisdeclaredofChrist,"Hetooknotonhimthenatureofangels;buthetookonhimtheseedofAbraham."(Heb.2:16.)HeistheseedofEve(Gen.3:15);theseedofDavid(Rom.1:3.)Hewasmadeofawoman(Gal.4:4);conceivedbyherinherwomb(Luke1:31;2:5-7).

2. That Jesus, although tempted in all points like as we are, was yetabsolutely without sin, is expressly declared in Scripture. (Heb. 4:15.)

Page 147: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Peter testifiesofhimthat"hedidnosin,neitherwasguile foundinhismouth."(1Pet.2:22.)Johntestifiesthat"inhimisnosin."(1John3:5;Heb. 7:26; Luke 1:35.) The same is evident from the origin andconstitutionofhispersonastheIncarnateWord;fromthenatureoftheworkhecametoperformasthedelivererofmenfromsin;andfromtherecordofhisholylifepreservedbytheevangelists,whichremains,intheconstrainedacknowledgmentsofinfidelsaswellasthefaithofChristians,thegreatmoralmiracleofallages.

3.ThathewasnolessveryGod,theeternalSonoftheFather,hasbeenalreadyproven.Ch.2.,s.3.

4. That, nevertheless, this God and this man is one single person, isprovenineverywaythatsuchatruthcanbeverified.(1)Inalltherecordofhislifethereisnowordspokenofhim,noactionperformedbyhim,noattribute predicated of him, that suggests the idea that he is not onesingle,indivisibleperson.(2)Thepersonalpronounsarealwaysusedbyhimandappliedtohimasifhewereasingleperson.Ofthesamesubjectand in the same connection divine attributes and actions and humanattributes and actions are predicated. (3) To make the matter morecertainandevident,therearepassagesinwhichthepersonisdesignatedby a title proper to his divine nature, while the attribute or actionpredicated of him is proper to his human nature; e.g., "The Church ofGod, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28);"CrucifiedtheLordofglory"(1Cor.2:8.)(4)Thereareotherpassagesinwhich the person is designated by a title proper to the human nature,while the attribute or action predicated of it is proper to the divinenature:"TheSonofman,who is inheave," (John3:13);"IfYeshallseetheSonofmanascendupwherehewasbefore" (John6:62). (5)Thereareotherpassagesinwhichdivineandhumanattributesandactionsareindiscriminatelypredicatedofthesameperson:"Whohath...translatedus into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemptionthroughhisblood,eventhe forgivenessofsins:who is the imageof theinvisibleGod,thefirstbornofeverycreature...andhavingmadepeacethroughthebloodofhiscross,"etc.(Col.1:13-20;Heb.1:3.)

5.Thispersonality isthatoftheeternalSonofGod,whointimetookahumansoulandbodyintopersonalunionwithhimself.Thisremarkable

Page 148: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

persondidnotbegintoexist,andthereforewasnotconstituted,whenhewasconceivedinthewomboftheVirgin."BeforeAbrahamwas,Iam,"hesays.(John8:58.)"TheWordwasmadeflesh."(John1:14.)"GodsenthisonlybegottenSonintotheworld."(1John4:9.)TheSonwas"madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw."(Gal.4:4.)"Forasmuchasthechildrenarepartakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of thesame." (Heb. 2:14; Phil. 2:6-11.) Hence it is evident that the person ofChrist isdivine,andnothuman-eternal,andnot formedintime.But intimethiseternaldivinepersontookahumannature(soulandbody)intoits personality. Just as the body, with its wonderful constitution oforgans,nerves,senses,andpassions,hasnopersonalityof itsown,but,duringitsentirelifeinthewomb,growsintothepersonalityofthesoul;so the human nature of Christ never for an instant had a separatepersonalexistenceofitsown,but,fromtheinstantofitsconception,grewinto the eternal personality of the Son of God. There are in Christ,therefore, two natures, but one person; a human as well as a divinenature, but only a divine person. His humanity began to exist in thewomboftheVirgin,buthispersonexistedfrometernity.Hisdivinity ispersonal,hishumanityimpersonal,andhisdivinenatureandhishumannatureoneperson.

6.Althoughbutoneperson,thedivineandhumannaturesinChristarenotmixedorconfusedinone,butremaintwopureanddistinctnatures,divineandhuman,constitutingonepersonforever.

It is impossible forus toexplainphilosophicallyhowtwoself-consciousintelligences, how two self-determined free agents, can constitute oneperson; yet this is theprecise characterof thephenomenon revealed inthehistoryofJesus.Inordertosimplifythematter,someerroristshavesupposedthatinthepersonofChristtherewasnohumansoul,butthathis divine spirit took the place of the human soul in his human body.Othershavesofarseparatedthetwonaturesastomakehimtwopersons-aGodandaman intimatelyunited.Othershavesopressed thenaturestogetherthatneitherpuredivinitynorpurehumanity is left,butanewnature resulting from the mixing of both. That Christ's two naturesremainseparateandunconfused,isself-evident.TheverypointprovedinScripture is that Christ always continued a trueGod and trueman-not

Page 149: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

something else between the two. The essential properties of divinitycannotbecommunicatedtohumanity-thatis,humanitycannotbemadetobeinfinite,self-eternal,andabsolutelyperfect;because,ifitpossessedthese,itwouldceasetobehuman;andbecauseevenGodhimselfcannotcreatedivinity,andthereforecannotmakehumanitydivine.ThesameistruewithrespecttoChrist'sdivinity.Ifthatshouldtakeonthelimitationsof humanity, it would cease to be divine, and even God is not able todestroydivinity.Hence,sinceChristisbothGodandman,itfollowsthathe cannot be a mixture of both, which is neither. Hence, while theScriptures constantly affirm (as we have seen) of the one personwhatsoeveristrue,withoutexception,ofeithernature,theyneveraffirmofeithernaturethatwhichbelongs to theother. It is said thatGod-i.e.,thepersonwhoisaGod-gavehisbloodforhisChurch;butitisneversaidthathisdivinitydied,orthathishumanitycamedownfromheaven.

SECTION 3: THE Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to thedivine,wassanctifiedandanointedwiththeHolySpiritabovemeasure;(15) having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;(16) inwhomitpleasedtheFatherthatallfullnessshoulddwell;(17)totheend,thatbeingholy,harmless,undefiled,and fullofgraceand truth,(18)hemight be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of aMediator andSurety.(19) Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereuntocalledbyhisFather;(20)whoputallpowerandjudgmentintohishand,andgavehimcommandmenttoexecutethesame.(21)

SECTION 4: THIS office the Lord Jesus didmost willingly undertake;(22)whichthathemightdischargehewasmadeunderthelaw,(23)anddidperfectly fulfill it;(24)enduredmostgrievous torments immediatelyin his soul,(25) and most painful sufferings in his body;(26) wascrucified, and died;(27) was buried, and remained under the power ofdeath, yet saw no corruption(28) On the third day he arose from thedead,(29)withthesamebodyinwhichhesuffered;(30)withwhichalsoheascendedintoheaven,andtheresittethattherighthandofhisFather,(31)makingintercession;(32)andshallreturntojudgemenandangelsattheendoftheworld.(33)

(15)Ps.45:7;John3:34.(16)Col.2:3.(17)Col.1:19.(18)Heb.7:26,John1:14. (19) Acts 10:38; Heb. 12:24; 7:22. (20) Heb. 5:4,5. (21) John

Page 150: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5:22,27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36. (22) Ps. 40:7,8; Heb. 10:5-10; John10:18;Phil.2:8.(23)Gal.4:4.(24)Matt.3:15;5:17.(25)Matt.26:37,38;Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46. (26) Matt. 26 , 27. (27) Phil. 2:8. (28) Acts2:23,24,27;Acts13:37;Rom.6:9.(29)1Cor.15:3-5.(30)John20:25,27.(31)Mark16:19.(32)Rom.14:9,10;Heb.9:24;7:25.(33)Rom.14:9,10;Acts1:11:10:42;Matt.13:40-42;Jude6;2Pet.2:4.

Now these sectionsproceed to addres the effect of Christ's hypostaticalunionuponhishumannature;HisuniquefunctionasMediatorialGod-Man,havingbeenvoluntarilyappointedtothisofficebytheFather;HisdischargingofMediatorialfunctionsinhumiliationandinexaltation.

1.TheeffectofthishypostaticalunionuponthehumannatureofChristwasnottodeify it,since,aswesawabove,thehumannatureaswellasthedivinenatureremainspure,separate,andunchanged,afterasbefore.Buttheeffectofthisunionwas-(1)ToexaltthehumannatureofChristtoadegreeofdignityandhonorgreatlybeyondthatattainedbyanyothercreature. (2) To fill it with a perfection of intellectual and moralexcellence beyond that of any other creature. The Father gave not theSpiritbymeasureuntohim. (John3:34.) "Itpleased theFather that inhim should all fullness dwell." (Col. 1: l9.) His person, therefore,possessed all the properties belonging to absolute divinity, and an all-perfect and incomparably exalted manhood, and was thoroughlyfurnishedtoexecutetheofficeofMediatorandSurety.

2.Hence ChristwasMediator, and discharged all the functions of thatoffice, not asGod, nor asman, but asGod-man. As this point ismoredirectly called up by the seventh section of this chapter, it will beconsideredinthatplace.

3.ThatChristwas appointed to this officeby theFather, andacts in ituponanauthorityderivedfromtheFather,isveryprominentlyaswellasclearly set forth in Scripture: "And no man takes this honour untohimself,buthethatiscalledofGod,aswasAaron.SoalsoChristglorifiednothimself tobemadeanhighpriest;but . . .hewascalledofGodanhigh priest after the order of Melchizedek." (Heb. 5:4-10.) Christconstantlyaffirmsthathewas"sentbytheFather"; thattheFatherhadgivenhim"acommandment";thatthe"works"whichheperformedand

Page 151: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

the"words"whichhespokewerenothis,buttheFather'sthatsenthim."Icanofmineownselfdonothing:asIhearIjudge:andmyjudgmentisjust;becauseIseeknotmineownwill,but thewillof theFatherwhichhathsentme."(John5:30.)"Jesusansweredthemandsaid,Mydoctrineisnotmine,buthisthatsentme."(John7:16.)"Ifyelovedme,yewouldrejoice,becauseIsaid,IgountotheFather;formyFatherisgreaterthanI."(John14:24,28,31;10:18;12:49;4:34.)

TheEternalWordisofthesameidenticalsubstancewithandequaltotheFatherinpowerandglory.ButtheGod-man,inhisofficialrelationsandworks, is officially, and as far as concerns these relations and actionsalone, inferior to the Father-sent by his authority, acting for him,returningandaccountingtohim.

4. That nevertheless Christ took this office and all it involved uponhimselfvoluntarilyisveryevident-(1)Becauseotherwise,beingabsoluteGod,itcouldneverhavebeenimposeduponhim.(2)Becauseotherwisehisobedienceandsufferingcouldnothavevicariouslyavailedforus.(3)Because otherwise the execution of the lawuponhimwouldhave beenoutrageouslyunjust.(4)Becauseitisexpresslydeclared.Speakingofhislife,hesaid,"Nomantakesitfromme,butIlayitdownofmyself.IhavepowertolayitdownandIhavepowertotakeitagain."(John10:18.)Themotive which impelled him to the self-sacrificing undertaking was apersonal loveforhispeople"whichpassesknowledge."(Gal.2:20;Eph.3:19;5:2.)

5.Christdischargedthefunctionsofthemediatorialofficeinhisestateofhumiliation,whichconsists-

(1) In his being born, and that in a low condition. It is evident thatnothingcouldbeaddedtothedivineperfectionsbytheassumptionofahumannatureintoapersonalrelation.Ontheotherhandit isanactofinfinite condescension on the part of the Godhead of Jesus, and oftranscendent and permanent benefit to the whole intelligent creation,thatall the fullness of theGodhead shouldbe contained inhimbodily,andsorevealedunderthelimitationsofafinitenature.ForitisonlythusthattheInfinitecanbe"seenandknown,""tastedandhandled,"andthatof"hisfullness"wemayallreceive,and"graceforgrace"(John1:16,18;1

Page 152: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

John1:1.)

(2)Inhisbeingmadeunderthelaw,andrenderingperfectobediencetoit.Thelawlaysitsclaimsnotuponnatures,butuponpersons.ThepersonofChristwaseternalanddivine.Personally,therefore,hewasthenorm,theAuthorandLordofthelaw,hisdivineperfectionsbeingthenecessaryandsupremeLawtohimselfandtotheuniversehehadmade.Thereforeheowednothingtothelaw,sincethelawwasconformedtohim,nothetothelaw.

But,aswehaveseen,chap.7.,s.3,inthecovenantofgracetheMediatorassumes in behalf of his elect seed the broken conditions of the oldcovenant of works precisely as Adam left them. In that covenantpunishmentwasconditionedupondisobedience,andlifeandblessednessupon obedience. Therefore it was necessary that the "second Adam"should render vicarious obedience in order to secure forhis people thepromisedreward,aswellasthatheshouldsufferthepenaltyinordertosecure for them the remission of sins. By Christ's suffering (passiveobedience), our Confession teaches, he purchases for us reconciliation;while by his fulfilling the precepts of the law (active obedience) hepurchases forus"aneverlasting inheritance in thekingdomofheaven."Chap.8.,s.5.Christ,therefore,was"madeunderthelaw"(Gal.4:4,5),(a)Not as a rule of righteousness, but as a condition of blessedness, "toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons."(b)Notforhimself,butofficiallyasourrepresentative.(c)Hiswholeobedienceof that lawwasvicarious-insteadofourobedienceandforoursakes. "By theobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous."(Rom.5:19.)

(3)His undergoing themiseries of this life, thewrath of God, and thecurseddeathofthecross.Christwastherepresentativeofhispeople,andallhisobedienceandsufferingwasvicarious,fromhisbirthuntilall theconditionsofthecovenantoflifewerefulfilled.Allhisearthlycareerwasinoneaspectsuffering,inanotheraspectobedience.Assuffering,itwasavicarious endurance of the penalty of sin. As obedience, it was thedischarge in the stead and behalf of his people of that condition uponwhich their eternal inheritance is suspended. The two were neverseparated in fact. They are only the two legal aspects presented by the

Page 153: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

same life of suffering obedience. The essence of the penalty vicariouslyborne by Christ was "the wrath of God." The incidents of it were "themiseriesof this life."Theculminationof itwas"thecurseddeathof thecross,"(Gen.2:17;Heb.9:22.)

(4) Inhis beingburied, and continuingunder thepower of death for atime.IntheCreedcommonlycalledtheApostles'Creed,andadoptedbyalltheChurches,thislaststageofthehumiliationofChristisexpressedbythephrase,"Hedescendedintohell"(Hades,theinvisibleworld).ThismeanspreciselywhatourConfessionaffirms,thatwhilethebodyofJesusremainedburiedinthesepulcherhissoulremainedtemporarilydivorcedfromitintheunseenworldofspirits.

Some(asPearsonontheCreed,pp.333-371)haveheldthatasChristdiedvicariously as a sinner, so, in order to fulfill the law of death, his soulwenttemporarilytotheplacewherethesoulsofthosewhodie fortheirownsinsdietheseconddeathforever.

TheLutheransteachthatthedescentoftheGod-manintohell, inordertotriumphoverSatanandhisangelsintheverycitadelofhiskingdom,wasthefirststepinhisexaltation.(Form.OfConcord,part2.,chap.9.)

TheRomaniststeachthatChristwent,whilehisbodywasinthegrave,tothat department ofHades (invisibleworld)which they call the LimbusPatrum,where thebelieversunder theolddispensationweregathered,topreachthegospeltothem,andtotakethemwithhimtotheheavenhehadpreparedforthem.(Cat.oftheCoun.ofTrent,part1.,art.5.)

6.Heexecutedthefunctionsofhismediatorialofficealsoinhisestateofexaltation,whichconsisted-

Inhisrisingfromthedeadonthethirdday.Thefactofhisresurrectionisproved. (a) Predicted in the Old Testament. (Compare Ps. 16:10; Acts2:24-31.)(b)Christhimselfpredictedit.Matt.20:18,19;John10:17,8.(c)Thewitnessoftheelevenapostles.(Acts1:3.)(d)Theseparatetestimonyof Paul. (1 Cor. 15:8; Gal. 1:12; Acts 9:3-8.) (e) He was seen by fivehundredbrethrenatonce.(1Cor.15:6.)(f)Themiracleswroughtbytheapostlesinattestationofthefact.(Heb.2:4.)(g)ThewitnessoftheHoly

Page 154: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Ghost.(Acts5:32.)(h)ThechangeoftheSabbathfromtheseventhtothefirstdayoftheweek.

The importance of the fact is proved to be fundamental. (a) TheresurrectionofChrististhepledgeforthefulfillmentofallthepropheciesandpromisesofbothTestaments.(b)ItprovedhimtobetheSonofGod,because it authenticated his claims, and because he rose by his ownpower. (John 2:19; 10:17.) (c) It was a public acceptance of hismediatorialworkinourbehalfbytheFather.(Rom.4:25.)(d)HencewehaveanadvocatewiththeFather.(1John2:1;Rom.8:34.)(e)"IfChristlives,weshalllivealso."(John14:19;1Pet.1:3-5;1Cor.15:21,22.)(f)Hisresurrection secures ours. (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:15; 15:49; Phil. 3:21; 1John3:2.)

(2)Inhisascendingupintoheaven.Thistookplacefortyclaysafterhisresurrection, fromaportionof theMountofOlivesnear toBethany, inthe presence of the eleven apostles and possibly other disciples. HeascendedasMediator,triumphingoverhisenemiesandgivinggiftstohisfriends(Eph.4:8-12),tocompletehismediatorialwork,astheforerunnerofhispeople(John14:2,3;Heb.6:20),andtofilltheuniversewiththemanifestationsofhispowerandglory.(Eph.4:10.)

(3)InhissittingattherighthandofGodtheFather,whereheintercedesfor,andreignsoverall things in thebehalfof,hispeople.ThepassageswhichspeakofthissessionoftheMediatorattherighthandoftheFatherare, Ps. 16:1l; 110:1;Dan. 7:13,14;Matt. 26:64;Mark 16:19; John 5:22;Rom.8:34;Eph. 1:20,22;Phil.2:9-11;Col.3:1;Heb. 1:3,4;2:9; 10:12; 1Pet.3:22;Rev.5:6.ThisrighthandofGoddenotestheofficialexaltationoftheMediatortosupremeglory,felicity,anddominionovereverynamethat isnamed.It is,moreover,adefiniteplace,sincethe finitesoulandbodyofChristmustbeinadefiniteplace,andtherehisgloryisrevealedandhis authority exercised.Therehe intercedes forhispeople, apriestupon his throne (Zech. 6:13); and hence he effectually applies to hispeople,byhisSpirit,thatsalvationwhichhehadpreviouslyachievedfortheminhisestateofhumiliation.

With the presentation of "his own blood" (Heb. 9:12,24) he pleads forthosewhoareembracedinhiscovenant,andforthoseblessingsintheir

Page 155: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

behalfwhichinthatcovenantwereconditioneduponhisobedienceandsuffering.(John17:9;Luke22:32;seeJohn17.)Hisintercessionisalwaysprevalentandsuccessful.(John11:42;Ps.21:2.)

(4)Inhiscomingtojudgetheworldatthelastday.Thiswillbediscussedinitsproperplace,underchapter33.

SECTION 5: THELord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice ofhimself,whichhe through the eternal Spirit once offered up untoGod,has fully satisfied the justice of his Father,(34) andpurchasednotonlyreconciliation,butaneverlasting inheritance in thekingdomofheaven,forallthosewhomtheFatherhasgiventohim.(35)

SECTION 6: ALTHOUGH the work of redemption was not actuallywroughtbyChristuntilafterhisincarnation,yetthevirtue,efficacy,andbenefitsthereof,werecommunicatedtotheelectinallagessuccessivelyfrom the beginning of theworld, in and by those promises, types, andsacrifices, wherein he was revealed and signified to be the Seed of thewoman,whichshouldbruisetheserpent'shead,andtheLambslainfromthe beginning of the world, being yesterday and today the same, andforever.(36)

(34)Rom.5:19;Heb.9:14,16; 10:14;Eph. 5:2;Rom.3:25,26. (35)Dan.9:24,26; Col. 1:19,20; Eph. 1:11,14; John 17:2; Heb. 9:12,15. (36) Gal.4:4,5;Gen.3:15;Rev.13:8;Heb.13:8.

Comparechapter11.,s.3:"Christ,byhisobedienceanddeath,didfullydischarge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make aproper,real,andfullsatisfactiontohisFather'sjusticeintheirbehalf."

These sections teach us of the effects of Christ's mediatorial work onearth:

1.ThatChristmadesatisfactionforthosewhomherepresented,bothbyhis obedience and by, his sacrifice of himself, has been shown above(chap.7.,s.3,and8.,s.4).ThistruthistaughtintheConfessionsofalltheChurches,LutheranandReformed.TheHeidelbergCatechism,oneofthe most generally adopted of all the Reformed Confessions, says,

Page 156: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

question 60: "God, without anymerit ofmine but only ofmere grace,grants and imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, andholinessofChrist, . . . as if I had fully accomplished all that obediencewhichChristhathaccomplishedforme."

TheFormulaofConcord,aLutheranConfession,says:"SinceChristwasnotonlyman,butGodandmaninoneundividedperson,sohewasnotsubjecttothelaw,norobnoxioustosufferinganddeath,becausehewastheLordofthelaw.Onwhichaccounthisobedienceisimputedtous;sothatGodonaccountofthatwholeobedience(whichChristbyhisactingandbyhissuffering,inhislifeandinhisdeath,foroursakerenderedtohisFatherwhoisinheaven)remitsoursins,reputesusasgoodandjust,andgivesuseternalsalvation."

2.Christthushas,instrictrigor,fullysatisfiedallthedemandsofdivinejusticeuponthosewhomherepresents.JesusChristhasmetthedivinedemand that the original covenatn of works be fulfilled through thesorrow of His life and death, and he has met the divine demand foressential justice in the punishment of sin through the obedience untodeath.Christsufferedastherepresentativeofsinners.Oursinswerelaidupon him. He, "hath redeemed us from the curse of the law by beingmade a curse for us." He died, "the just for the unjust." "He is thepropitiation (expiation) for our sins." He "gave his life a ransom formany."Weare"boughtwithaprice."(Gal.3:13;1Pet.3:18;1John2:2;Matt.20:28;1Cor.6:20.)Christsufferedonly inhissinglehumansoulandbody,andonly fora time.Nevertheless,hispersonwas the infiniteand transcendently glorious person of the eternal Son of God.Consequentlyhis sufferingswere precisely, both in kind and in degree,whattheinfinitelyrighteouswisdomofGodsawtobeinstrictrigorafullequivalent, in respect to the demands of legal justice, for the eternalsufferingsofall forwhomhesuffered.This is thedoctrineof thewholeChristianChurch.TheThirty-nineArticlesoftheChurchofEngland,say,Art. 31: "The offering of Christ, oncemade, is that perfect redemption,propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole world, bothoriginalandactual."

TheCatechismoftheCouncilofTrent,2.5,63:"WhateverisduebyustoGodonaccountofoursinshasbeenpaidabundantly,althoughheshould

Page 157: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

dealwithusaccordingtothestrictestrigorofhisjustice....Foritweareindebted toChrist alone,who, having paid the price of our sins on thecross,mostfullysatisfiedGod."

3.That thushehas,according to the termsof theeverlasting covenant,not only secured in behalf of those whom he represented remission ofsinsandpropitiationofdivinewrath,butalsoaneverlasting inheritanceinthekingdomofglory.ThesufferingsofChristsecuretheremissionofthe penalty; and by his active obedience, according to the terms of thecovenantmadewithAdamandassumedbyChrist,hepurchasesarighttolifeandeternalblessedness.Thathehassopurchasedeternal lifeforall those inwhosesteadherenderedobedience, isproved fromthe factthat the Scriptures habitually set forth the truth that the "adoption ofsons"and"eternallife"aregiventothebelieverfreelyforChrist'ssake,aselements of that purchased possession of which the Holy Spirit is theearnest. (Eph. 1:11-14;Rom.8:15-17;Gal. 1:4;3:13,14;4:4,5;Eph.5:25-27;Titus3:5,6;Rev.1:5,6;5:9,10.)

This proves, therefore-(1) That Christ did not die simply to make thesalvation of those for whom he died possible-i.e., to remove legalobstructionstotheirsalvation-butthathediedwiththedesignandeffectof actually securing their salvation and of endowing them gratuitouslywithaninalienabletitletoheaven.(2)Itproves,inthesecondplace,thatthe vicarious sufferings of Christmust have been, in design and effect,personalanddefiniteastotheirobject.Salvationmustbeappliedtoallthoseforwhomitwaspurchased.Sincenotthepossibilityoropportunityforreconciliation,butactualreconciliationitselfwaspurchased;sincenotonlyreconciliation,butatitletoaneternalinheritancewaspurchased,itfollows (a) That "to all those for whom Christ hath purchasedredemption,hedothcertainlyandeffectuallyapplyandcommunicatethesame."(Conf.Faith,ch.8.s.8.)And(b)Thathewhoneverreceivestheinheritance,andtowhomthepurchasedgraceisneverapplied,isnotoneofthepersonsforwhomitwaspurchased.

4. That although this satisfactionwas rendered byChrist only after hisincarnationyet the fullbenefits thereofhadbeenapplied toeachof theelectseverallyintheirsuccessivegenerationsfromthebeginning,bytheHoly Ghost, through the various forms of truth to themmade known.

Page 158: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Thishasbeenprovedatlengthandillustrated(chap.7.ss.5,6).

SECTION7:CHRIST, in thework ofmediation, acts according to bothnatures; by each nature doing thatwhich is proper to itself;(37) yet byreasonof theunityof theperson, thatwhich isproper toonenature issometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by theothernature.(38)

(37)Heb.9:14;1Pet.3:18.(38)Acts20:28;John3:13;1John3:16.

Undersection2.wesaw-(1)ThatJesusofNazarethwasatrueman.(2)ThathewastrueGod.(3)Thathewasneverthelessonesingleperson.(4)Thathispersonalityiseternalanddivine,hishumannaturehavingbeengenerated into the pre-existent person of the Son. (5) That these twonatures remain one person, yet distinct and unchanged divinity andhumanity,withoutmixtureorconfusion.Thissectionproceedstostate:

1.ThatallChrist'smediatorialactionsinvolvetheconcurrentactivitiesofbothnatures,eachnaturecontributingthatwhichispropertoitself.

Thus the divine nature of Christ is that fountain from which hisrevelation as prophet is derived. Other prophets reflect his light, ortransmit what they receive from him. He is the original source of alldivine knowledge. At the same time his humanity is the form throughwhichhisGodheadisrevealed,hisfleshtheveilthroughwhichitsgloryistransmitted.Hispersonas incarnateGod is the focusofall revelations-thesubjectaswellastheorganofallpropheticalteaching.

Thus, also, the humannature ofChristwas necessary in order that hisperson should be "made under the law"; and it is the subject of hisvicarious sufferings, and the organ of his vicarious obedience andintercession as our representative Priest and Intercessor. At the sametime,itisonlythesupremedignityofhisdivinepersonwhichrendershisobediencesupererogatoryandthereforevicarious,andthetemporaryandfinite sufferings of his humanity a full equivalent in justice-satisfyingefficacyfortheeternalsufferingsofalltheelect.Thus,also,theactivitiesofhisdivinityandhumanityareconstantlyandbeautifullyblendedinallhisadministrativeactsasKing.ThelastAdam,thesecondMan,theHead

Page 159: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ofa redeemedandglorified race, theFirst-bornamongmanybrethren,hehasdominionover all creatures; andwith ahumanheart actingoutthrough the energies of divinewisdom and power, hemakes all thingsworktogetherfortheaccomplishmentofhispurposesoflove.

AllmediatorialactsarethereforetobeattributedtotheentirepersonoftheTheanthropos-God-man.Andinthewholeorhisgloriouspersonishetobeobeyedandworshippedbyangelsandmen.

2.Becauseoftheunityofbothnaturesinoneperson,thatwhichispropertoeithernaturebelongsofcoursetothatoneperson;andsometimesinScripture thatwhich isproper toonenature is attributed to thepersondenominatedbytheothernature.Thus,asshownaboveundersection2.,theScripturesoftensaythatGodshedhisbloodforhisChurch,or thattheSonofman camedown fromheaven,while theynever say that thehumannatureofChristcamedownfromheaven,orthathisdivinenaturesufferedforhisChurch.

SECTION8:TOallthoseforwhomChristhaspurchasedredemption,hecertainlyandeffectuallyappliesandcommunicatesthesame;(39)makingintercessionforthem;(40)andrevealingtothem,inandbytheWord,themysteries of salvation;(41) effectually persuading them by his Spirit tobelieveandobey;andgoverningtheirheartsbyhisWordandSpirit;(42)overcomingalltheirenemiesbyhisalmightypowerandwisdom,insuchmanner and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful andunsearchabledispensation.(43)

(39) John 6:37,39; 10:15,16. (40) 1 John 2:1,2; Rom. 8:34. (41) John15:13,15;Eph.1:7-9;John17:6. (42)John14:16;Heb.12:2;2Cor.4:13;Rom. 8:9,14; 15:18,19; John 17:17. (43) Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25,26;Mal.4:2,3;Col.2:15.

Thissectionteaches:

1. That Christ, as mediatorial King, seated at the right hand of God,appliestheredemptionhehadeffectedasPriesttothepropersubjectsofit.Thispointhasbeenalreadydiscussedunderchap.7.,s.4,andchap.8.ss. 1, 4, when we were treating of Christ, the Head and Surety of the

Page 160: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

covenant andmediatorial King, and of his session at the right hand ofGod.

2.Thatheproceedsintheeffectualapplicationofredemptionintheuseofeachofthefourfollowingmethods:(1)Bymakingintercessionforthepersonsconcerned.(2)Bytherevelationofthemysteriesofsalvationtothem in hisWord. (3) By the effectual operation of his Spirit on theirhearts. (4) By all necessary dispensations of his providence. Thediscussionofthesepointsmustbelookedforundertheseveralheadsof"TheHolyScripture,""Providence,""God'sCovenantwithMan,""ChristtheMediator,""EffectualCalling,""Justification,"etc.

3. That Christ doth certainly and effectually apply and communicateredemptiontoALLTHOSEforwhomhehaspurchasedit.

Our Standards, it will be observed, very explicitly teach that Christ, asmediatorial Priest, made expiation and purchased salvation for certaindefinitepersons.Thus,inchap.3.s.6,itissaid:"AsGodhasappointedtheelectuntoglory,sohashebytheeternalandmostfreepurposeofhiswill, foreordained all the means thereunto. Wherefore they who areelectedbeingfalleninAdam,areredeemedbyChrist....Neitherareanyother redeemed by Christ, . . . but the elect only." Here it is expresslyaffirmed(1)ThatChristdieduponthecrossonpurposetocarryouttheeternal purpose of God in the election of certain individuals to eternallife.(2)ThatChristdiedforthepurposeofsavingnootherthantheelect.

Inchap.8.,s.5:"TheLordJesus,byhisperfectobedienceandsacrificeofhimself, . . . purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlastinginheritanceinthekingdomofheaven,forallthosewhomtheFatherhasgiventohim."Hereitisexpresslytaught-(1)ThatthedesignofChristindying was not simply to make the salvation of all men possible, butactuallytopurchasereconciliationforthosegiventohimbytheFather.(2) That for the same persons Christ actually purchases, andconsequentlyinfalliblysecures,aneternalinheritanceinheaven.

In chapter 8., s. 8, it is said: "TO ALL THOSE for whom Christ haspurchased redemption, he certainly and effectually applies andcommunicatesthesame."L.Cat.,q.59:"Redemptioniscertainlyapplied,

Page 161: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ haspurchasedit."WhenthisConfessionwaswritten,thephrase"topurchaseredemption" was used in the sense in which we use the phrase "makeatonement for sin."So itwas sousedbyBaxter inhiswork, "UniversalRedemption of Mankind by the Lord Jesus Christ"; and by Dr. IsaacBarrow in his sermon entitled "The Doctrine of Universal RedemptionAsserted and Explained." Dr. Henry B. Smith, in his edition ofHagenbach,vol.2.,pp.356,357,saysthatourConfessionusesthephraseinthesamesense.

Theentiretruthuponthissubject,assetforthinourStandards,maybestatedsummarilyinthefollowingpropositions:

1.Godhas acted from thebeginning, in all hisworks,according toonechangeless, all-comprehensive plan. Being infinitelywise and powerful,hisdesignisalwaysfullyexecuted,andthereforeisfullyrevealedintheevent.God,therefore,intendedtoaccomplishbythevicariousobedienceandsufferingsofChristpreciselywhathedoesaccomplish-nothingmore,andnothingless.

2.ThesatisfactionrenderedbyChristisamplysufficientforallmenwhocanpossiblybecreated.

3. It isexactlyadapted to the legal relationsandwantsof everyman-ofonemanaswellasofanother.

4.HenceithasforeverremovedoutofthewayalllegalobstaclestoGod'ssavinganymanhewillstosave.

5.Thatitisfreely,authoritatively,andingoodfaithofferedtoeverymantowhomthegospelcomes.

6.Henceitfollows-(1)Thisredemptionisrightfullythepossessionofanymanwhatsoeverwhoaccepts.(2)Itisobjectivelyavailabletoonehearerof the gospel as much as to another, upon the single condition ofacceptance.

7.But, sinceallmenaredead in trespassesandsins,nomanaccepts it

Page 162: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

exceptthosetowhomitiseffectuallyappliedbytheHolyGhost.

8.ItiseffectuallyappliedpreciselytothosepersonstowhomtheFatherandtheSonwilltoapplyit.

9.SinceGod'spurposesarealleternalandimmutable,theFatherandtheSonwilltoapplyitnowpreciselytothosetowhomtheydesignedtoapplyit when Christ hung upon the cross, and they willed to apply it thenpreciselytothosetowhomtheyhaddesignedtoapplyitfrometernity.

10. Hence it follows-(1) Christ died with the purpose of executing thedecree of election. (2) His design in making atonement was definite,havingrespecttocertaindefinitepersons-theelect,andnoneothers.(3)Hedesignedtosecurethesalvationofthoseforwhosesakeherenderedsatisfaction;notmerelytomaketheirsalvationpossible,buttopurchasefor them inalienably faithand repentance, actual reconciliationand theadoption of sons, etc., etc. (4) He in time applies it effectually andcertainlytoallthoseforwhomhepurchasedit.

QUESTIONS

1.What is the first truth before taught which is reaffirmed in the firstsection?

2.Whatisthesecondtruthbeforetaughtwhichisherereaffirmed?

3.Whatisthefirstadditionalpropositiontaughtinthissection?

4.Whatisthesecondheretaught?

5.Whatisthethird?

6.WhatisaMediator,andinwhatsenseisthetitleappliedtoChrist?

7.WhatisitnecessaryasrespectsGodthattheMediatorshouldeffect?

8.Whatisitnecessaryasrespectsman?

Page 163: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

9. What great functions are necessarily embraced in the mediatorialoffice?

10.Whatrelationdothesefunctionssustaintooneanother?

11.Whatisaprophet,andwhatwerethespecialcharacteristicsofChristasaprophet?

12.Howdidheexecutethefunctionsofaprophet?

13.Provethelastanswer.

14.Whatweretheessentialcharacteristicsofapriest?

15.HowdidChristexecutethisfunction?

16.StatetheproofthatChristwasatruepriest.

17.InwhatrespectswashispriesthoodsuperiortothatofAaron?

18.InwhatsensewasheapriestaftertheorderofMelchizedek?

19.HowdoesChristexecutethefunctionofaking?

20. How does his sovereignty as mediatorial king differ from hisauthorityasGod?

21. Prove that he possesses and exercises this universal mediatorialdominionnow.

22.Whatisthesubjectofthethirdsection?

23.Whatisthefirstpropositionwhichitteaches?

24.Whatisthesecondpropositionheretaught?

25.Whatisthethird?

26.Whatisthefourth?

Page 164: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

27.Whatisthefifth?

28.Whatisthesixth?

29.HowisthisdoctrinestatedintheNiceneCreed?

30.HowisitstatedintheAthanasianCreed?

31.ProvethatJesuswasatrueman.

32.Showthathewasbornofthesubstanceofhismother.

33.Provethathewasabsolutelywithoutsin.

34.Provethathewasonesingleperson.

35.HowdotheScripturesapplydivineandhumantitlesandpredicatestoChrist?

36.IsthepersonalityofChristdivineorhuman?

37.Provethathispersonisdivineandeternal.

38.WhatrelationdoeshishumanitysustaintothePerson?

39.InwhatdifferentwayshavehereticsstriventoexplaintherelationofthetwonaturesintheonepersonofChrist?

40.Provethatthenaturesalwaysremainunmixedandunchanged.

41.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthethirdandfourthsections?

42.Whatisthesecondpropositiontaught?

43.Whatisthethird?

44.Whatisthefourth?

45.Whatisthefifth?

Page 165: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

46.Whatisthesixthpropositiontaught?

47.WhatwastheeffectofthehypostaticalunionuponthehumannatureofChrist?

48.WasChristMediatorasGodorman?

49.WhoappointedChrist to this office, andbywhat authority doesheact?

50.InwhatsenseisChristsubordinatetotheFather?

51.ProvethatChristtookthisofficeuponhimselfvoluntarily.

52. In what two different estates did Christ execute the office ofMediator?

53.Whywashisbeingbornanactofhumiliation?

54.Inwhatsensewashemadeunderthelaw,andinwhatsensedidherenderperfectobediencetoit?

55.Whatwasthedesignandsignificanceofhisundergoingthemiseriesofthislife,thewrathofGodandthecurseddeathofthecross?

56. What different explanations have been given of the phrase in theCreed,"Hedescendedintohell?"

57.WhatistheexplanationgivenintheConfession?

58.HowisthefactofChrist'sresurrectionproved?

59.Showwhythisfactisoffundamentalimportance.

60.When,howandforwhatpurposedidheascendtoheaven?

61.WhatismeantbysayinghesitsattherighthandofGod?

62. Forwhat great purpose does he assume and exercise this authorityandpower?

Page 166: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

63. Inwhatmanner, forwhom, forwhat andwithwhat effect does heintercede?

64.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinsections5-6?

65.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

66.Whatisthethird?

67.Whatisthefourth?

68.InwhattwowaysdidChristmakesatisfactionforus?

69.HowisthistruthstatedintheHeidelbergCatechismandFormulaofConcord?

70.ProvethatChristhasinstrictrigorfullysatisfiedthejusticeofGod.

71.HowisthisstatedintheArticlesoftheChurchofEnglandandintheCatechismoftheCouncilofTrent?

72. Prove that Christ died to purchase not only reconciliation, but aneternalinheritance,forthoseforwhomheacted.

73.ShowthatChristdidnotdietomakesalvationpossible,butactuallytosave.

74. Show that Christ died with the intention of saving certain definitepersons.

75.ProvethatthesatisfactionofChristavails forthosewhodiedbeforehisadvent.

76. Prove that both the humanity and the divinity of Christ arenecessarily exercised in all his mediatorial functions—prophetical,priestlyandkingly.

77.Towhatsubject,therefore,areallmediatorialactionstobeascribed?

78.Whatisthefirstpointtaughtinsection8?

Page 167: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

79.Whatisthesecondpointtheretaught?

80.Whatisthethirdpointtheretaught?

81.InwhatthreeplacesandinwhatthreeformsdoourstandardsteachthatChristsufferedwiththedesignofsavingcertaindefinitepersons?

82.What do our Standards teach as to the sufficiency, the adaptabilityandtheuniversalofferandavailabilityoftheredemptionofChrist?

83.WhatdotheyteachastothedesignoftheFatherandtheSonintheactofredemption?

84.Whatdotheyteachofthecertaintyofitsapplicationtoallforwhomitwasoriginallydesigned?

---------------

Note.—Mr. Calamy, who represented the most moderate Calvinismentertained by any members of the Assembly, said (see Mitchell's"Minutes ofWest. Ass.," ed. AD 1874, p.152), "I am far from universalredemptionintheArminiansense,butthatIholdisinthesenseofourdivinesintheSynodofDort,thatChristdidpayapriceforall—absolutefor the elect, conditional intention for the reprobate, in case they dobelieve—thatallmenshouldbesalvibilesnonobstantelapsuAdami."

[1]Dr.CharlesHodge.

Page 168: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterNineOfFreeWill

SectionI:Godhathenduedthewillofmanwiththatnaturalliberty,thatitisneitherforced,nor,byanyabsolutenecessityofnature,determinedtogood,orevil.[1]

1.James1:13-14;4:7;Deut.30:19;Isa.7:11-12;Matt.17:12;John5:40

This section teaches the great fundamental truth of consciousness and.revelation, which renders moral government possible -- that man, invirtue of his creation, is endowed with an inalienable faculty of self-determination,thepowerofactingornotacting,andofactinginthewaywhich themanhimself,upon thewhole viewof the case,desiresat thetime. There are only three generically different views upon this subjectpossible:--

1.Thatwhich regards theactionsofmenas causeddirectlybyoutwardcircumstances and occasions, under the same great law of necessitywhichgovernsthemovementsofallmaterialagents.

2.Thataffectedby theArminiansandothers,which regards thewill inman,orhisbarefacultyofvolition,aspossessingo,mysteriouscapacityof self-determination, irrespective of all the judgments of theunderstandingandtheaffectionsoftheheartandtheentirestateoftheman'ssoulitthetime.

3. Thatwhich is taught in this section -- namely, that the human soul,including all its instincts, ideas, judgments, affections, and tendencies,hasthepowerofself-decision;that is, thesouldecides ineverycaseas,uponthewhole,itpleases.

Thatthefirst-statedviewisnottrueisproved--(1.)Fromtheuniversalconsciousnessofmenwithrespecttotheirownaction,andobservationoftheactionofothermen.Weareallconsciousofpossessingthepowerofdetermining our own action irrespective of any or of all externalinfluences. In every case of deliberate choice we are conscious that we

Page 169: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

mighthave chosen the opposite ifwehadwished todo so, all outwardcircumstancesremainingunchanged.Weseethatallmaterialsubstancesactonlyastheyareactedupon,andinthesameconditionsinvariablyactinthesameway.But,ontheotherhand,weseethatourfellow-men,likeourselves,possesswithoutexceptionthepoweroforiginatingaction;andthat,iftheyplease,theyactveryvariouslyunderthesamecircumstances.Circumstances, including the sum total of conditions and relations,control the action of all material agents, while personal agents controlcircumstances.

(2.)ThesameisprovedbythefactthatmanisheldresponsiblealikebyhisownconscienceandbyGodforhisownaction.Thisevidentlycouldnotbethecaseifhisactionwerecausedbycircumstances,andnotfreelybythemanhimself.

Thatthesecondview,whichsupposesthatamanpossessesthepowertochoosewithoutrespect tohis judgmentsor inclinations isnot true;andthatthethirdview,whichsupposesthatamanpossessestheinalienablefacultyofchoosingasuponthewholehejudgesrightordesirable,istrue,areproved--

(1.) From the consideration that while we are conscious, in everydeliberate act of choice, that we might have chosen otherwise, all theexternal conditions being the same,we always feel that our choicewasdeterminedbythesum-totalofourviews,feelings,andtendenciesatthetime. A man freely chooses what he wants to choose. He would notchoosefreelyifhechoseinanyotherway.Buthisdesireinthepremisesisdeterminedbyhiswholeintellectualandemotionalstateatthetime.

(2.) It is plain that if the human will decided in any given case inoppositiontoalltheviewsofthereasonandallthedesiresof theheart,howeverfreethewillmightbe,themanwouldbeamostpitifulslavetoamereirrationalandimmoralpowerofwilling.

(3.)Allmenjudgethattherationalandmoralcharacterofanyactresultsfrom the purpose or desire, the internal state ofmind or heart, whichpromptedtheact.If themanwills inanygivencaseinoppositiontoallhisjudgmentsandtoallhisinclinationsofeverykind,hisactinthatcase

Page 170: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

wouldobviouslybeneither rationalnormoral;and themanhimself, inrespecttothatact,wouldbeneitherfreenorresponsible.

(4.)Ifthehumansoulhadthepowertoactthusirrespectiveofitsentireinterior intellectual and emotional condition at the time, such actioncouldneitherbeforeseennorcontrolledbyGod,norinfluencedbymen,and such exercise of volitional powerwouldbe absolutely fortuitous. Itwould sustain no certain relation to the character of the agent. Christtaught, in opposition to this, that human action is determined by thecharacteroftheagentascertainlyasthenatureofthefruitisdeterminedbythenatureofthetreefromwhichitsprings;andthattheonlywaytochangethecharacteroftheactionistochangethepermanentcharacterormoraltendencyandhabitoftheheartoftheagent.Matt.vii.16--20;xii.33-35.

SectionII:Man,inhisstateofinnocency,hadfreedom,andpowertowilland to do that which was good and well pleasing to God;[2] but yet,mutably,sothathemightfallfromit.[3]

2.Eccl.7:29;Gen.1:26,31;Col.3:103.Gen.2:16-17;3:6,17

SectionIII:Man,byhisfallintoastateofsin,hathwhollylostallabilityofwill toanyspiritualgoodaccompanyingsalvation:[4]soas,anaturalman,beingaltogetheraversefromthatgood,[5]anddeadinsin,[6]isnotable, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himselfthereunto.[7]

4.Rom.5:5;8:7-8;John6:44,65;15:55.Rom.3:9-10,12,236.Eph.2:1,5;Col2:137.John3:3,5-6;6:44,65;ICor.2:14;Titus3:3-5

SectionIV:WhenGodconvertsasinner,andtranslateshimintothestateofgrace,hefreethhimfromhisnaturalbondageundersin;[8]and,byhisgracealone,enableshimfreelytowillandtodothatwhichisspirituallygood;[9]yetso,asthatbyreasonofhisremainingcorruption,hedothnotperfectly,noronly,willthatwhichisgood,butdothalsowillthatwhichisevil.[10]

8.Col.1:13;John8:34,36;Rom.6:6-79.Phil.2:13;Rom.6:14,17-19,22

Page 171: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

10.Gal.5:17;Rom.7:14-25;IJohn1:8,10

SectionV:Thewillofmanismadeperfectlyandimmutablyfreetogoodalone,inthestateofgloryonly.[11]

11.Heb.12:23;IJohn3:2;Jude1:24;Rev.21:27

These sections briefly state and contrast the various conditions whichcharacterize the free agency of man in his four different estates ofinnocency, hereditary sin, grace, and glory. In all these estatesman isunchangeably a free, responsible agent, and in all cases choosing orrefusingas,upon thewhole,heprefers todo.Aman'svolition isashisdesiresareinthegivencase.Hisdesiresinanygivencaseareastheyaredetermined to be by the general or permanent tastes, tendencies, andhabitudesofhischaracter.Heisresponsibleforhisdesires,becausetheyaredeterminedby thenatureandpermanent characteristicsofhisownsoul. He is responsible for these, because they are the tendencies andqualitiesofhisownnature.Iftheseare immoral,heandhisactionsareimmoral.Iftheseareholy,heandhisactionsareholy.

Whenwesaythatmanisafreeagent,wemean(1.)Thathehasthepoweroforiginatingaction;thatheisself-moved,anddoesnotonlymoveasheismoveduponfromwithout.(2.)Thathealwayswillsthatwhich,uponthewholeviewofthecasepresentedbyhisunderstandingatthetime,hedesires towill. (3.) Thatman is furnishedwith a reason to distinguishbetweenthetrueandthefalse,andaconsciencetodistinguishbetweenthe right and the wrong, in order that his desires and consequentvolitionsmaybebothrationalandrighteous;andyethisdesiresarenotnecessarily either rational or righteous, but they are formed under thelightofreasonandconscience, either conformableor contrary to them,accordingtothepermanenthabitualdispositionormoralcharacterofthesoulitself.

1. Adam in his estate of innocency was a free agent, createdwith holyaffectionsandmoraltendencies;yetwithacharacterasyetunconfirmed,capable of obedience, yet liable to be seduced. by external temptation,andbytheinordinateexcitementofthepropensionsofhisanimalnature,such as in their proper degree and due subordination are innocent. Of

Page 172: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

this state of a holy yet fallible nature we have no experience, andconsequentlyveryimperfectcomprehension.

2.Astoman'spresentestate,ourStandardsteach--(1.)Thatmanisstilla free agent, and able towill as upon thewhole he desires towill. (2.)Thathehaslikewiseabilitytodischargemanyofthenaturalobligationswhichspringoutofhisrelationstohisfellow-men.(3.)Thathissoulbyreason of the fall being morally corrupted and spiritually dead, hisunderstandingbeingspirituallyblind,andhisaffectionsperverted,heis"utterlyindisposed,disabled,andmadeoppositetoallgood,andwhollyinclinedtoallevil"(Conf.Faith,ch.vi.,section4,andch.xvi.,section3;L. Cat., q. 25); and hence he "hathwholly lost all ability ofwill to anyspiritual good accompanying salvation;" so that he "is not able, by hisown strength, to convert himself," or even " to prepare himselfthereunto."Conf.Faith,ch.ix.,section8.Thesameviewis taught inalltheProtestantConfessions,LutheranandReformed.

Thirty-nineArticlesoftheChurchofEngland,Art.10:"Theconditionofman after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and preparehimself,byhisownnaturalstrengthandgoodworks,tofaith,andcallinguponGod:whereforewehavenopower todogoodworkspleasantandacceptabletoGod,withoutthegraceofGodbyChristpreventingus,thatwemayhaveagoodwill,andworkingwithuswhenwehave thatgoodwill."

ArticlesofSynodofDort,chap.iii.,Art.3:"Allmenareconceivedinsin,and born children ofwrath, indisposed to all saving good, propense toevil, dead in sins and the slaves of sin; and without the grace of theregenerating Holy Spirit they are neither willing nor able to return toGod, to correct their depraved nature, or to dispose themselves to thecorrectionofit."

Form of Concord, p. 579,Hase's Collection (Lutheran): " Therefore webelieve that as it is impossible for a dead body to revive itself, or tocommunicateanimallifetoitself,inthesamedegreeisitimpossibleforaman, spiritually dead by reason of sin, to recall spiritual life withinhimself."lb.p.653:"Webelievethatneithertheintellect,heart,norwillof the unregenerate man, is able of its own natural strength either to

Page 173: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

understand, believe, embrace, will, begin, perfect, perform, operate, orcooperateanything,inthingsdivineandspiritual;butmanissofardeadandcorrupt in respect togood, that in thenatureofmansince the fall,andbeforeregeneration,thereisnotevenascintillaofspiritualstrengthremaining whereby he can prepare himself for the grace of God, orapprehendthatgracewhenoffered,orisableinwholeorinhalf,orintheleastpart,toapplyoraccommodatehimselftothatgrace,ortoconferortoact,ortooperateortoco-operateanythingforhisownconversion."

By liberty we mean the inalienable prerogative of the human soul ofexercisingvolitionasitpleases.Inthissensemanisasfreenowasbeforethefall.Byabilitywemeanthecapacityeithertowillinoppositiontothedesires and affections of the soul at the time, or by a bare exercise ofvolition to make oneself desire and love that which one does notspontaneouslydesireorlove.Weaffirmthatlibertyis,andthatabilityinthissenseisnot,anelementoftheconstitutionofthesoul.Amanalwayswillsasuponthewholehepleases,buthecannotwillhimself topleasedifferently fromwhat he does please. Themoral condition of the heartdetermines theactof thewill,but theactof thewill cannotchange themoralconditionoftheheart.

Thisinabilityis--(1.)Absolute.Manhasnopower,directorindirect,tofulfillthemorallaw,ortoacceptChrist,ortochangehisnaturesoastoincrease his power; and so can neither do his duty without grace, norpreparehimselfbyhimselfforgrace.(2.)Itispurelymoral,becausemanpossessessincethefallasmuchasbeforeall theconstitutional facultiesrequisite tomoral agency, andhis inability has its ground solely in thewrong moral state of those faculties. It is simply the evil moraldispositionofthesoul.(3.)Itisnatural,becauseitisnotaccidental,butinnateandinheresintheuniversalandradicalmoralstateofoursoulsbynature;thatis,asthatnatureisnaturallypropagatedsincethefall.(4.)Itisnotnaturalinthesenseofbelongingtothenatureofmanasoriginallyformed by God, or as resulting from any constitutional deficiency, ordevelopmentofournaturalmoralfacultiesasoriginallygivenbyGod.

That this doctrine is true is proved -- (1.) From direct declarations ofScripture:"CantheEthiopianchangehisskin,orthe leopardhisspots?thenmayyealsodogood, thatareaccustomed todoevil."Jer.xiii.23.

Page 174: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

"Noman can come tome, except the Fatherwhich hath sentme drawhim......Noman can come untome, except it be given unto him of myFather." John vi. 44, 65; Rom. ix. 16; 1 Cor. ii. 14. (2.) Fromwhat theScriptures say ofman's state bynature. It is declared to be a state of "blindness"and"darkness"andof"spiritualdeath."Eph.iv.18;Col.ii.13. The unregenerate are the "servants of sin" and "subject to Satan."Rom. vi. 16, 20; 2 Tim ii. 26; Matt. xii. 33 -- 36. (3.) From what theScripturessayof thenatureand theuniversal andabsolutenecessityofregeneration:"Exceptamanbebornagain,hecannotenterthekingdomofheaven."Johniii.3.Itiscalledanewbirth,anewcreation,abegettinganew,agivinganewheart.Johniii.3,7;Eph.ii.10;1Johnv.18;Ezek.xxxvi.26.InthisworkGodistheagent,manisthesubject.Itissogreatthatitrequiresthe"mightypower"ofGod.Eph.i.18--20.AllChristianduties are declared to be " the fruits of the Spirit." Gal. v. 22, 23. (4.)FromtheexperienceofeverytrueChristian.(5.)Fromtheconsciousnessofeveryconvincedsinner.Thegreatburdenofall trueconvictionisnotchieflythesinscommitted,butthesinfuldeadnessofheartandaversionto divine things, which is the root of actual transgression, and whichremains immovable in spite of all we do. (6.) From the universalexperience of thehuman race. If anymanhas evernaturally possessedability toperformhis spiritual duties, it is certain thatnoonehas everexercisedit.

3.Astotheestateintowhichtheregenerateareintroducedbygrace,ourStandardsaffirm-- (1.)The regeneratedChristian remains, asbefore, afreeagent,willingalwaysasuponthewholehedesirestowill.(2.)Intheact of regeneration the Holy Spirit has implanted a new spiritualprinciple, habit, or tendency in the affections of the soul, which, beingsubsequently nourished and directed by the indwelling Spirit, frees themanfromhisnaturalbondageundersin,andenableshimprevailinglytowillfreelythatwhichisspirituallygood.Andyet,becauseofthelingeringremainsofhisoldcorruptmoralhabitofsoul,thereremainsaconflictoftendencies, so that the Christian does not perfectly nor only will thatwhichisgood,butdothalsowill thatwhich isevil.Thesepointswillbediscussedunderchaptersx.andxiii.

4.Astotheestateofglorifiedmeninheaven,ourConfessionteachesthat

Page 175: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theycontinue,asbefore,freeagents,butthat,alltheremainsoftheiroldcorrupt moral tendencies being extirpated for ever, and the graciousdispositions implanted in regeneration being perfected, and the wholemanbeingbroughttothemeasureof thestatureofperfectmanhoodinthelikenessofChrist'sglorifiedhumanity,theyremainforeverperfectlyfree and immutably disposed to perfect holiness. Adam was holy andunstable. Unregenerate men are unholy and stable; that is, fixed inunholiness. Regenerate men have two opposite moral tendenciescontestingforempireintheirhearts.Theyarecastaboutbetweenthem,yet the tendency graciously implanted gradually in the end perfectlyprevails. Glorifiedmen are holy and stable. All are free, and thereforeresponsible.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatistaughtinthefirstsection?

2.Whatviewastothenatureofhumanagencyisfirststatedabove?

3.Whatisthesecondviewstatedabove?

4.Whatisthetrueview?

5.Provethatthefirststatedviewisnottrue.

6. In what sense and under what limitations are we conscious of thepowerofcontrarychoice?

7.Does consciousness teach that thewill ofmanor themanhimself isfreewhenheacts?Howdoesthisbearuponthequestioninhand?

8.Whencedovolitionsderivetheirrationalandmoralcharacter?

9. What would be the inevitable results if the volitions of men weredecided irrespectively of all their mental and emotional states at thetime?

Page 176: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

10.Whatdothesecond,third,fourthandfifthsectionsteach?

11.Whenisamanafreeagent?

12.Whyisamanresponsibleforhisvolitions?Whyforhisdesires?Whyforthepermanentmoralstateofhissoul?

13.Whatelementsmustmeettogethertoconstituteamanafreeagent?

14.WhatwerethepeculiarcharacteristicsofAdam'sfreeagency?

15.WhatdoourStandardsteachastothestateofman'smoralfreedomsincethefall?

16.InwhatwordsandpassagesisthedoctrineofourStandardsstated?

17.Whatdoctrine is taught in theThirty-nineArticles of theChurchofEngland,intheArticlesoftheSynodofDort,andintheLutheranForm.ofConcord?

18.What is thedistinctionbetween"liberty"and"ability"?andwhichisaffirmedandwhichdeniedofmaninhispresentstate?

19.Whyisthisinabilitysaidtobe"absolute"?

20.Whyisitsaidtobe"moral"?

21.Inwhatsenseisitnatural,andinwhatsenseisitnotnatural?

22.ProvethisdoctrinefromthedirectstatementsofScripture.

23.DothesamefromwhatScriptureteachesofman'sestatebynature.

24.ThesamefromwhatScriptureteachesofthenatureandthenecessityofregeneration.

25.Thesamefromtheconsciousnessofeveryconvictedsinner.

26.Thesamefromtheexperienceofeveryconvertedman.

Page 177: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

27.Thesamefromtheuniversalexperienceofmankind.

28. What do our Standards teach of the characteristics of that moralfreedomintowhichthebelieverisintroducedbyregeneration?

29.Whatdotheyteachofthecharacteristicsofthatmoralfreedomintowhichtheglorifiedmanisintroducedafterdeath?

ChapterTenOfEffectualCalling

Section I. All those whomGod hath predestinated unto life, and thoseonly,heispleased,inhisappointedandacceptedtime,effectuallytocall,[1]byhisWordandSpirit,[2]outofthatstateofsinanddeath,inwhichthey are by nature, to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ;[3]enlighteningtheirmindsspirituallyandsavinglytounderstandthethingsofGod,[4]takingawaytheirheartofstone,andgivinguntothemaheartofflesh;[5]renewingtheirwills,and,byhisalmightypower,determiningthem to that which is good,[6] and effectually drawing them to JesusChrist:[7] yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by hisgrace.[8]

1.Acts13:48;Rom.4:28,30;11:7;Eph.1:5,11;IITim.1:9-102.IIThess.2:13-14;James1:18;IICor.3:3,6;ICor.2:123.IITim.1:9-10;IPeter2:9;Rom8:2;Eph.2:1-104.Acts26:18;ICor.2:10,12;Eph.1:17-18;IICor.4:65.Ezek.36:266.Ezek.11:19;36:27;Deut.30:6;John3:5;Titus3:5;IPeter1:237.John6:44-45;Acts16:148.Psa.110:3;John6:37;Matt.11:28;Rev.22:17;Rom.6:16-18;Eph.2:8;Phil1:29

SectionII.ThiseffectualcallisofGod'sfreeandspecialgracealone,notfrom anything at all foreseen in man,[9] who is altogether passive

Page 178: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

therein,until,beingquickenedandrenewedbytheHolySpirit,[10]heistherebyenabledtoanswerthiscall,andtoembracethegraceofferedandconveyedinit.[11]

9.IITim.1:9;Eph.2:8-9;Rom.9:1110.ICor.2:14;Rom.8:7-9;Titus3:4-511.John6:37;Ezek.36:27;IJohn3:9;5:1

THEREisanoutwardcallofGod'sWord,extendedtoallmentowhomthe gospel is preached,which is consideredunder the fourth sectionofthischapter.Thefirstandsecondsectionstreatof the internaleffectualcallofGod'sSpirit,whicheffectsregeneration,andwhichisexperiencedonlybytheelect.Ofthisinternalcallitisaffirmed:--

1.Thatthereissuchaninternalcall,andthatitisnecessarytosalvation.

2.As to the subjects of it, that they embrace all the elect, and only theelect.

3.Astotheagentofit--(1.)ThatthesoleagentofitistheHolyGhost,whouses(2.)Therevealedtruthofthegospelashisinstrument;(3.)Thatthe subjects of it, while they have freely resisted all those commoninfluences of the Holy Ghost which they have experienced beforeregeneration, are entirely passivewith respect to that special act of theSpirit it whereby they are regenerated; nevertheless, in consequence ofthe change wrought in them in regeneration, they obey the call, andsubsequentlymoreorlessperfectlyco-operatewithgrace.

4.Astothenatureofit,itistaughtthatitisanexerciseofthealmightyandeffectualpoweroftheHolyGhostactingimmediatelyuponthesoulofthesubject,determininghimandeffectuallydrawing,yetinamannerperfectly congruous to his nature, so that he comesmost freely, beingmadewilling.

5.Astotheeffectofit,itistaughtthatitworksaradicalandpermanentchangeintheentiremoralnatureofthesubject,spirituallyenlighteninghismind, sanctifyinghisaffections, renewinghiswill,andgivinganewdirectiontohisaction.

Page 179: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1. That there is such an, internal call of the Spirit, distinct from theexternalcalloftheWord,andthatitisnecessarytosalvation,areproved--

(1.)fromwhattheScripturesteachconcerningman'sstatebynatureasastate of spiritual death, blindness, insensibility, and absolute inabilitywithrespecttoallactionspirituallygood,ashasbeensufficientlyshownunderchapterix.,section8.

(2.)TheScripturesdistinguishbetweentheSpirit'sinfluenceandthatoftheWordalone.1Cor.ii.14,15;iii.6;1Thess.i.5,6.

(3.)Aspiritualinfluenceisdeclaredtobenecessarytodisposeandenablementoreceivethetruth.Johnvi.45;Actsxvi.14;Eph.i.17.

(4.)All that is good inman is referred toGod as its author.Eph. ii. 8;Phil.ii.13;2Tim.ii.25;Heb.xiii.21.

(5.) The working of the Spirit upon the hearts of the regenerated isrepresented as far more direct, powerful, and efficient, than the meremoralinfluenceofthetruthupontheunderstandingandaffections.Eph.i.19;iii.7.

(6.)Theresulteffectedinregenerationisdifferentfromaneffectpropertothesimpletruth.Itis"anewbirth,""anewcreation,"etc.Johniii.3,7;Eph.iv.24.

(7.) The Scriptures explicitly distinguish between the two calls. Of thesubjectsoftheoneitissaid,"Manyarecalled,butfewarechosen."Matt.xxii.14.Ofthesubjectsoftheotheritissaid,"Whomhecalled,themhealsojustified."Rom.viii.30.Comp.Prov.i.24,andJohnvi.45.

All these arguments conspire to prove that this spiritual influence isessential to salvation. Whatever is the necessary condition ofregeneration is the necessary condition of salvation, because "except amanbebornagainhecannotseethekingdomofGod."Johniii.3.

2. That this spiritual call embraces all the elect, and only the elect, isproved -- (1.) From what has been already proved, (a.) Chapter iii.

Page 180: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

sections3 -- 5, thatGodhas frometernitydefinitely andunchangeablydeterminedwhoshallbesaved;and(b.)Chapteriii.,section6,thatGod,having "appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal andmost free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto."EffectualcallingbeingtheactualsavingofasoulfromthedeathofsinbythemightypowerofGod,itisobviousthatitmustbeappliedtoallwhoare tobe saved, and that it cannotbeapplied toanywhoarenot tobesaved.(2.)ThesameisprovedfromthefactthattheScripturesrepresentthe"called"asthe"elect,"andthe"elect"asthe"called."Rom.viii.28,30.ThosewithChristinheavenare"called,elect,andfaithful."Rev.xvii.14.(3.)TheScriptures,moreover,declarethatthe"calling"isbaseduponthe"election:""whohathsavedusandcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccording to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,whichwasgivenusinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan."2Tim.i.9;2Thess.ii.13,14;Rom.xi.7.

3.Thatthesoleagent inthiseffectualcalling is theHolyGhost; thatheusesGospeltruthashisinstrument;andthat,whileallsinnersareactiveinresistingthecommoninfluencesofgracebeforeregeneration,andallbelievers in co-operating with sanctifying grace after regeneration,neverthelesseverynew-createdsoulispassivewithrespecttothatdivineactoftheHolySpiritwherebyheisregenerated,mayallbeprovedunderthefollowingdistinctheads:--

(1.) There are certain influences of the Spirit in the present life whichextendtoallmeninagreaterorlessdegree;whichtendtorestrainortopersuade the soul; which are exerted in the way of heightening thenaturalmoraleffectofthetruthupontheunderstanding,theheart,andthe conscience. They involve no change of principle and permanentdisposition,butonlyanincreaseof thenaturalemotionsof theheart inviewofsin,ofduty,andofself-interest.Theseinfluences,ofcourse,mayberesisted,andarehabituallyresisted,bytheunregenerate.Thefactthatsuchresistible influencesareexperiencedbymenisproved--(a.)FromthefactthattheScripturesaffirmthattheyareresisted.Gen.vi.3;Heb.x.29.(b.)EveryChristianisconsciousthatanteriortohisconversionhewas the subject of influences impressing him with serious thoughts,convincinghimof sin, tending to drawhim to the obedience of Christ,

Page 181: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

whichheforthetimeresisted.Weobservethesametobetrueofmanymenwhoarenevertrulyconvertedatall.

(2.)Thedistinctionbetweenregenerationandconversionisobviousandnecessary.Underchapterix.wesawthatthevoluntaryactsofthehumansoul are determined by, and derive their character from, the affectionsand desires which prompt them; and that these affections and desiresderive their character from the permanent moral state of the soul inwhich they arise. In the unregenerate this permanent moral state anddisposition of the soul is evil, and hence the action is evil. Actionpositively holy is impossible except as the consequence of a positivelyholy disposition. The infusion of such a disposition must thereforeprecedeanyactoftruespiritualobedience.Effectualcalling,accordingtothe usage of our Standards, is the act of the Holy Spirit effectingregeneration. Regeneration is the effect produced by theHoly Spirit ineffectualcalling.TheHolySpirit,intheactofeffectualcalling,causesthesoul to become regenerate by implanting a new governing principle orhabit of spiritual affection and action. The soul itself, in conversion,immediately acts under the guidance of this new principle in turningfromsinuntoGodthroughChrist.It isevidentthatthe implantationofthegraciousprincipleisdifferentfromtheexerciseofthatprinciple,andthatthemakingamanwilling isdifferent fromhisactingwillingly.Thefirst is the act of God solely; the second is the consequent act ofman,dependentuponthecontinuedassistanceoftheHolyGhost.

ThatGodisthesoleagentintheactwhicheffectsregenerationisplain--(a.) From the nature of the case, as shown above. The making anunwilling man willing cannot be co-operated with by the man whileunwilling.(b.)Fromwhatwasprovedunderchapter ix.,section3,astoman'sabsolute inabilitywith respect to spiritual things. (c.)Fromwhatthe Scriptures say as to the nature of the change. They call it "a newbirth," " abegetting," "aquickening," "anewcreation." "God begetteth,the Spirit quickeneth;" " We are born again," " We are God'sworkmanship."John iii.3,5 --7;1Johnv. 18;Eph. ii. 1,5, 10.SeealsoEzek.xi.19;Ps.li.10;Ephiv.23;Heb.viii.10.That,afterregeneration,the new-born soul at once begins and ever continues more or lessperfectly to co-operate with sanctifying grace, is self-evident. Faith,

Page 182: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

repentance,love,goodworks,areoneandallatthesametime"fruitsofthe Spirit" and free actions of men. We are continually conscious,moreover, thatwe are subject to divine influences,whichwe are eitherresistingorobeying,andwhichwearefreetoresistorobeyasweplease,whilethroughgracewedoprevailinglypleasetoobey.

(3.) That theHoly Spirit uses the "truth" as his instrument in effectualcalling is plain -- (a.) Because he never acts in this way where theknowledge of the truth is entirely wanting; (b.) Because the Scripturesassertthatwearebegottenbythetruth,sanctifiedbythetruth,growbyit,etc.Johnxvii.19;Jamesi.18;1Pet.ii.2.

4.Thatthisdivineactionisinitsnatureatonceomnipotentandcertainlyefficacious, and yet perfectly congruous to the rational and voluntarynatureofman,followscertainlyfromthefactthatitistheactoftheall-wiseandall-powerfulGodinexecutinghisself-consistentandimmutabledecrees. What God does directly to accomplish his own changelesspurposes must be certainly efficacious and powerful. Eph. i. 18, 19.Besides,theverythingdoneistomakeuswilling,toworkfaithinus;andthat is indubitably connected with salvation. Phil. ii. 13. That it iseffectualisalsoasserted.Eph.iii.7,20;iv.16.

ThatthisDivineinfluenceisperfectlycongruoustoournatureisplain--(1.)Fromthefactthatitistheinfluenceofanall-wiseCreatorupontheworkofhisownhand.It isnotconceivableeitherthatGodisunableorindisposed to control the actions ofhis creatures in amanner perfectlyconsistent with their nature. (2.) The influence he exerts is called inScripture"adrawing,""a teaching,""anenlightening,"etc.Johnvi.44,45; Eph. i. 18. (3.) By nature themind is darkened and the affectionsperverted and the will enslaved by sin. Regeneration restores thesefaculties to their proper condition. It cannot be inconsistent with arational nature to let in the light, nor to a free will to deliver it frombondage."WheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty."2Cor. iii.17;Phil. ii.13;Ps.cx.3.Everyregeneratedmanisconscious--(a.)Thatnoconstrainthasbeenlaiduponthespontaneousmovementofhisfaculties;and(b.)That,ontheotherhand,noneofhisfacultieseveractedsofreelyandconsistentlywiththelawoftheirnaturebefore.

Page 183: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5.Thatthischangeisradicalisprovedfromthefactthat,asshownabove,itconsists intheimplantationofanewgoverningprincipleof life; fromthefactthatitisa"newbirth,"a"newcreation,"wroughtbythemightypowerofGodinexecutionofhiseternalpurposeofsalvation;andthatitis as necessary for the most moral and amiable as for the morallyabandoned.

Thatthischangeispermanentwillbeshownunderchapterxvii.,onthePerseveranceoftheSaints.

Thatitaffectstheentireman--intellect,affections,andwill--isevident-- (1.) From the essential unity of the soul. It is the one indivisible "I"whichthinks,feels,andwills.Ifthepermanentmoralstateofthesouliscorrupt,allitsfunctionsmustbeperverted.Wecanhavenodesireforanobjectunlessweperceiveitsloveliness;norcanweperceiveintellectuallythelovelinessofthatwhichiswhollyuncongenial toour inherenttastesand dispositions. (2.) The Scriptures expressly affirm that sin isessentiallydeceiving,thatinnatedepravityinvolvesmoralblindness,andthat the natural man cannot receive the tidings which are spirituallydiscerned. 1 Cor. ii. 14; 2 Cor. iv. 4; John xvi. 3. (3.) The Scripturesexpressly affirm that all the "new-born" are the subjects of a spiritualillumination of the understanding as well as renewal of the affections.Johnxvii.3;1Cor.ii.12,13;2Cor.iv.6;Eph.i.18;1Johniv.7;v.20.(4.)In the Bible the phrase " to give a new heart" is equivalent to effectregeneration; and the phrase "heart" is characteristically used for theentireinteriorman--intellect,affections,and,will.Observesuchphrasesas"counselsoftheheart,"1Cor.iv.5;"imaginationsoftheheart,"Lukei.51;"thoughtsandintentsoftheheart,"Heb.iv.12.

SectionIII.Electinfants,dyingininfancy,areregenerated,andsavedbyChrist,throughtheSpirit,[12]whoworkethwhen,andwhere,andhowhepleaseth:[13]soalsoareallotherelectpersonswhoareincapableofbeingoutwardlycalledbytheministryoftheWord.[14]

12.Gen.17:7;Luke1:15;18:15-16;Acts2:39;John3:3,5;IJohn5:1213.John3:814.John16:7-8;IJohn5:12;Acts4:12

Page 184: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

TheoutwardcallofGod'sWord,andallthe"meansofgrace"providedinthepresentdispensation,ofcoursepresupposeintelligenceuponthepartofthosewhoreceivethem.ThewillofGod,also,isrevealedonlyasfarasit concerns those capable of understanding and profiting by therevelation.Hispurposeswithrespecttoeitherpersonsorclassesnotthusaddressedarenotexplicitlyrevealed.

If infantsandothersnotcapableofbeingcalledby thegospelare tobesaved, they must be regenerated and sanctified immediately by Godwithouttheuseofmeans.IfGodcouldcreateAdamholywithoutmeans,andifhecannew-createbelieversinrighteousnessandtrueholinessbythe use ofmeanswhich a large part ofmen usewithout profit, he cancertainlymakeinfantsandothersregeneratewithoutmeans.Indeed,thenatural depravity of infants lies before moral action, in the judicialdeprivationoftheHolyGhost.Theevilisrectifiedatthatstage,therefore,bythegraciousrestorationofthesoultoitsmoralrelationtotheSpiritofGod.Thephrase"electinfants"ispreciseandfitforitspurpose.Itisnotintended to suggest that there are any infants not elect, but simply topoint out the facts -- (1.) That all infants are born under righteouscondemnation;and(2.)Thatnoinfanthasanyclaiminitselftosalvation;andhence(3.)Thesalvationofeachinfant,preciselyasthesalvationofevery adult,must have its absolute ground in the sovereign election ofGod.Thiswouldbejustastrueifalladultswereelected,asitisnowthatonly some adults are elected. It is, therefore, just as true, althoughwehavegoodreason to believe that all infants are elected.TheConfessionadheres in this place accurately to the facts revealed. It is certainlyrevealedthatnone,eitheradultorinfant,issavedexceptonthegroundofa sovereign election; that is, all salvation for the human race is puregrace.Itisnotpositivelyrevealedthatallinfantsareelect,butweareleft,formanyreasons,toindulgeahighlyprobablehopethatsuchisthefact.TheConfessionaffirmswhatiscertainlyrevealed,andleavesthatwhichrevelationhasnotdecidedtoremain,withoutthesuggestionofapositiveopinionupononesideortheother.

Section IV. Others, not elected, although they may be called by theministryoftheWord,[15]andmayhavesomecommonoperationsoftheSpirit,[16]yettheynevertrulycomeuntoChrist,andthereforecannotbe

Page 185: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

saved:[17]much less canmen,not professing theChristian religion, besavedinanyotherwaywhatsoever,[17]betheyneversodiligenttoframetheir livesaccording to the lightofnature,and the lawsof that religiontheydoprofess.[18]And, to assert andmaintain that theymay, is verypernicious,andtobedetested.[19]

15.Matt.13:14-15;22:14;Acts13:48;28:2416.Matt.7:22;13:20,21;Heb.6:4-517.John6:37,64-66;8:44;13:18;cf.17:1218.Acts4:12;IJohn4:2-3;IIJohn1:9;John4:22;14:6;17:3;Eph.2:12-13;Rom.10:13-1719.IIJohn1:9-12;ICor.16:22;Gal.1:6-8

Thissection, taken inconnectionwith theparallelpassage inL.Cat.,q.60,teachesthefollowingpropositions:--

1. That the non-elect will certainly fail of salvation, not because a freesalvationisnotmadeavailabletothemiftheyacceptChrist,butbecausethey never accept Christ; and they all refuse to accept him, because,although theymaybepersuadedby someof the common influences ofthe Holy Ghost, their radical aversion to God is never overcome byeffectualcalling. Ithasalreadybeenprovedundersections1and2 thatthegraceofeffectualcallingextendstoalltheelect,andonlytotheelect;hencethetruthofthispropositionfollows.

2. That the diligent profession and honest practice of neither naturalreligion,norofanyotherreligionthanpureChristianity,canintheleastavail to promote the salvation of the soul, is evident from the essentialprinciplesofthegospel.Ifanypersonperfectlyconformedtotheamountof spiritual truth known to him in every thought and act from birthupward,howeverlittlethatknowledgemightbe,hewouldofcourseneednosalvation.Butallmen,aswehaveseen,arebornundercondemnation,andbegintoactasmoralagentswithnaturesalreadycorrupt."Allhavesinned,andcomeshortofthegloryofGod."Rom.iii.23.Henceitfollowsthatanatonement isabsolutelynecessary, andconsequentlyapersonalinterestintheredemptionofChrist isabsolutelynecessarytosalvation;for if a law, conformity towhich couldhavegiven life, couldhavebeengiven,Christisdeadinvain.Gal.ii.21;iii.21.Toadmitthatmenmaybe

Page 186: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

savedirrespectivelyofChristisvirtuallytodenyChrist.

3. That in the case of sane adult persons a knowledge of Christ and avoluntaryacceptanceofhimisessentialinordertoapersonalinterestinhissalvationisproved--

(1.)Paularguesthispointexplicitly.IfmencallupontheLordtheyshallbesaved;butinordertocalluponhim,theymustbelieve;andinordertobelieve, theymust hear; and that they should hear, the gospelmust bepreacheduntothem.Thustheestablishedorderis--salvationcomethbyfaith,faithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbytheWordofGod.Rom,x.13--17;Matt.xi.27;Johnxiv.6;xvii.3;Actsiv.12.

(2.)Godhascertainlyrevealednopurposetosaveanyexceptthosewho,hearingthegospel,obey;andherequiresthathispeople,ascustodiansofthegospel,shouldbediligentindisseminatingitastheappointedmeansof saving souls.Whatever lies beyond this circle of sanctifiedmeans isunrevealed,unpromised,uncovenanted.

(3.) The heathen in mass, with no single definite and unquestionableexceptiononrecord,areevidentlystrangerstoGod,--andgoingdowntodeath inanunsavedcondition.ThepresumedpossibilityofbeingsavedwithoutaknowledgeofChrist remains, after eighteenhundredyears, apossibilityillustratedbynoexample.

QUESTIONS

1.Whattwo"calls"arespokenofintheScriptures?

2.Which"call"istreatedofinthefirstandsecondsections?

3. What is the first proposition here affirmed on the subject of theinternalcallbytheHolyGhost?

4.Whatisaffirmedhereastothesubjectsofit?

5.Whatisaffirmedastotheagentofit?

Page 187: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

6.Whatisaffirmedastotheeffectofit?

7.Whatisaffirmedastothenatureofit?

8.Howmayitbeprovedthatthereissuchaninternalspiritualcall?

9.Howmayitbeprovedthatthiscallisessentialtosalvation?

10.Provethatitembracesalltheelectandonlytheelect.

11.HowfardotheeffectsofthecommonresistibleinfluencesoftheHolyGhostupontheheartsofmeningeneralextend?

12.Prove that therearecertain"common"and"resistible" influencesoftheHolySpiritexperiencedbyallmen.

13. State the distinction between regeneration and conversion; and inwhichisthebelieverpassive,andinwhichisheactive?

14.Showthatregenerationnecessarilymustprecedeconversion.

15.ProvethatwithrespecttotheactofGodwhichregeneratesGodaloneistheagent,andthatthesubjectispassive.

16.ProvethatinstantlyuponhisregenerationthenewbornsoulbeginstocooperatewiththeinfluencesoftheSpirit.

17. Prove that the Holy Spirit uses "the truth" as his instrument inregeneration.

18.Prove that thespiritual influenceexerted inregeneration is ineverycasecertainlyefficacious.

19. Prove that it is exerted in a manner perfectly consistent with thenatureofmanasafreeagent.

20.Showthatiteffectsa"radical"moralchangeinthebeliever.

21. Show that this change involves thewholeman, intellect andwill aswellastheaffections.

Page 188: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

22.Whatispresupposeduponthepartofalltowhomthe"outwardcall"andthemeansofgraceareaddressed?

23.TowhomandinwhosebehalfaretherevelationsofGod'swillintheScripturesmade?

24.ShowthatinfantsandothersincapableofreceivingtheoutwardcallareregeneratedbyGodwithouttheuseofthemeanswhicharenecessaryinthecaseofintelligentadults.

25.Explainand justify theuseof thephrase "elect infants" in the thirdsection.

26.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefourthsection?

27.Whatisthesecondpropositiontaughtthere?

28.Whatisthethirdpropositiontheretaught?

29.Whydothenon-electfailofsalvation?

30.Provethattheywillinfalliblydoso.

31.ProvethatthehonestanddiligentprofessionofnaturalreligionorofanyotherthantheChristianreligioncannotavailtosavemen.

32. Prove that in the case of all intelligent adults a knowledge andvoluntaryacceptanceofChristisessentialtosalvation.

[1] The scriptural word is "predestination." See this interpretationconfirmedandhistorically illustrated,"TheWestminsterAssembly,"Dr.A.F.Mitchell,pp.398-399.

ChapterEleven

Page 189: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

OfJustification

SECTION1THOSEwhomGodeffectuallycallshealsofreelyjustifies,(1)notbyinfusingrighteousnessintothembutbypardoningtheirsins,andbyaccountingandacceptingtheirpersonsasrighteous,notforanythingwrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not byimputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelicalobedience,tothem,astheirrighteousness,butbyimputingtheobedienceandsatisfactionofChristuntothem,(2)theyreceivingandrestingonhimandhisrighteousnessbyfaith,whichfaiththeyhavenotofthemselves;itisthegiftofGod.(3)

SECTION 2 FAITH, thus receiving and resting on Christ and hisrighteousnessisthesoleinstrumentofjustification;(4)yetitisnotalonein the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other savinggraces,andisnodeadfaith,butworksbylove.(5)

(1) Rom. 8:30; 3:24. (2) Rom. 4:5-8; 2 Cor. 5:19,21; Rom.3:22,24,25,27,28; Titus 3:5,7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30,31;Rom.5:17-19.(3)Acts10:44;Gal.2:16;Phil.2:9;Acts13:38,39;Eph.2:7,8.(4)John1:12;Rom.3:28;5:1.(5)James2:17,22,26;Gal.5:6.

Wecomenowtothesectionswhichinstructusonthenatureandrealityofjustification.

1. All those, aned only those, whom God has effectually called he alsofreely justifies, that this is so is proven by the following: (1) From theexpress declarations of Scripture: "Whomhe did predestinate, themhealsocalled:andwhomhecalled,themhealsojustified."Rom.8:30.(2)Fromthefactthateffectualcallingandjustificationarebothnecessaryinordertosalvation,andarebothessentialstepsintheexecutionbyGodofhisownimmutableandinfalliblyefficaciousdecreeofelection.(3)Fromthefactthatonlythosewhotrulybelievearejustified,andonlythosewhoareregeneratecantrulybelieve.

2. As to its nature, this justification is a purely judicial act of God asjudge, whereby he pardons all the sins of a believer, and accounts,accepts,andtreatshimasapersonrighteousintheeyeofthedivinelaw.

Page 190: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Thisincludestwosubordinatepropositions:(1)JustificationisajudicialactofGod,wherebyhedeclaresustobeconformedtothedemandsofthelawastheconditionofourlife;itisnotanactofgraciouspower,makingus holy or conformed to the law as a standard ofmoral character. TheRomanists use the term "justification" in a vague and general sense, asincluding at once the forgiveness of sins and the infusion of grace.Socinians, and those who teach the moral influence theory of theatonement, regard justification as meaning the same as sanctification;thatis,themakingamanpersonallyholy.ThetruesenseofJustification,statedabove,is,whentakeninitsconnectionwithfaith,thegrandcentralprincipleoftheReformation,broughtoutandtriumphantlyvindicatedbyLuther.Thatitistrueisproved-

(a)FromtheuniversalmeaningoftheEnglishwordtojustify,andoftheequivalentGreekwordintheNewTestament.Theybotharealikealwaysusedtoexpressanactdeclaringamantobesquarewiththedemandsoflaw,nevertoexpressanactmakinghimholy.(Gal.2:16;3:11.)

(b) In Scripture, justification is always set forth as the opposite ofcondemnation. The opposite of "to sanctify" is "to pollute" but theoppositeof"tojustify"is"tocondemn."(Rom.8:30-34;John3:18.)

(c)Thetruesenseofthephrase"tojustify"isclearlyprovedbythetermsused in Scripture as equivalent to it. For example: "To imputerighteousness without works"; "To forgive iniquities"; "To cover sins."(Rom. 4:6-8.) "Not to impute transgression unto them." (2 Cor. 5:19.)"Nottobringintocondemnation."(John5:24.)

(d) In many passages it would produce the most obvious nonsense tosubstitutesanctification(themakingholy)forjustification(thedeclaringlegallyjust);as,forinstance:"Forbytheworksofthelawshallnofleshbesanctified";or,"Christ isbecomeofnoeffectuntoyou,whosoeverofyouaresanctifiedbythelaw;yearefallenfromgrace."(Gal.2:16;5:4.)

(e) Justification and sanctification are set forth in Scripture as distinctgraces-inseparable,alikenecessary,yetdistinct in theirnature,groundsandends.1Cor.6:11.

Page 191: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(2) Justification is not mere pardon; it includes pardon of sin, and inaddition the declaration that all the claims of law are satisfied withrespecttothepersonjustified,andthatconsequentlyhehasarighttoalltheimmunitiesandrewardswhichinthecovenantoflifearesuspendeduponperfect conformity to thedemandsof law.Pardon (a)Relaxes theclaimsoflaw,orwaivestheirexactioninagivencase.(b)Itisanactofasovereign in theexerciseofpureprerogative. (c) It is free, restinguponconsiderations of mercy or of public policy. (d) It simply remits thepenaltyofsin;itsecuresneitherhonorsnorrewards.

On the other hand, justification (a) Is the act of a judge, not of asovereign. (b) It restspurelyupon the stateof the lawandof the facts,and is impossible where there is not a perfect righteousness. (c) Itpronounces the lawnot relaxed,but fulfilled in its strictest sense. (d) Itdeclares the person justified to be justly entitled to all the honorsadvantagessuspendeduponperfectconformitytoallthedemandsoflaw.Thetruthofthispropositionisproved-

(a)Fromtheuniformandobviousmeaningofthewords"tojustify."Nooneeverconfoundsthejustificationofapersonwithhispardon.

(b)JustificationrestsuponthefullsatisfactionofdivinejusticeChristhasworkedfor theelect. It isa judicialdeclarationthatthe lawissatisfied-notasovereignwaivingofthepenalty.

(c)TheScripturesdeclarethatourjustificationproceedsuponthegroundofaperfectrighteousness."Christistheendofthelawforrighteousnessto everyone thatbelieveth." (Rom. 10:3-9; 1Cor. 1:30.)The essenceofpardon is that aman is forgivenwithout righteousness. The essence ofJustification is that a man is pronounced to be possessed ofrighteousness,whichsatisfiesthelaw.Weare"madetherighteousnessofGodinhim."(2Cor.5:21.)Justificationisparaphrasedas"notimputingsin";as"imputingrighteousnesswithoutworks."(Rom.4:6-8.)

(d)Theeffectsofjustificationaremuchmorethanthoseofpardon.Thejustified have "peace with God," assurance of salvation (Rom. 5:1-10);"inheritanceamongthemwhicharesanctified"(Acts26:18).

Page 192: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.JustificationproceedsupontheimputationorcreditingtothebelieverbyGodoftherighteousnessofhisgreatRepresentativeandSurety,JesusChrist. L. Cat., q. 70: "Justification is an act of God's free grace untosinners, in which he pardons all their sins, accepts and accounts theirpersonsrighteousinhissight;notforanythingwroughtinthem,ordonebythem,butonlyfortheperfectobedienceandfullsatisfactionofChrist,byGodimputedtothem,andreceivedbyfaithalone."(ComparealsoL.Cat.,q.77;andS.Cat.,q.33.)

Arminians hold that for Christ's sake the demands of the law aregraciously lowered, and faithandevangelicalobedienceaccepted in theplaceofperfectobedienceas thegroundof justification.OurStandardsand all the Reformed and Lutheran Confessions teach that the truegroundofjustificationistheperfectrighteousness(activeandpassive)ofChrist,imputedtothebeliever,andreceivedbyfaithalone.S.Cat.,q.33.Thisisproved-

(1)Because theScriptures insisteverywhere thatwearenot justifiedbyworks.Thisisaffirmedofworksingeneral-ofallkindsofworks,naturalorgracious,withoutdistinction.(Rom.4:4-8;11:6.)

(2) Because the Scriptures declare that good works, of whatever kind,instead of being the ground of justification, are possible only as itsconsequences:"Forsinshallnothavedominionoveryou;foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace";"Butnowwearedeliveredfromthelaw,thatbeingdeadwhereinwewereheld;thatweshouldserveinnewnessoftheSpirit,andnotintheoldnessoftheletter."(Rom.6:14;7:6.)

(3)Because theScripturesdeclare that theobedienceand suffering-i.e.,perfect righteousness or fulfillment of the law-by Christ, ourRepresentative, isthetruegroundofJustification:"Therefore,asbytheoffenceofoneJudgmentcameuponallmentocondemnation;evensobytherighteousnessofonethefreegiftcameuponallmenuntojustificationoflife.Forasbyoneman'sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners,sobytheobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous."(Rom.5:18,19;10:4;1Cor.1:30;2Cor.5:21;Phil.3:9.)

(4)BecausetheScripturesaffirmthatthisrighteousnessisimputedtothe

Page 193: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

believer in the act of justification. The phrase "to impute sin" or"righteousness," in its scriptural usage, signifies simply to set to one'saccount,tolaytoone'schargeorcreditasthegroundofjudicialprocess.Oursinsaresaid tohavebeen laiduponChrist (Isa. 53:6,12;Gal. 3:13;Heb.9:28;1Pet.2:24),becausetheirguiltwassochargedtohisaccountthat they were justly punished in him. In like manner Christ'srighteousness is imputed, or its rewardableness is so credited to thebeliever that all the covenanted honors and rewards of a perfectrighteousnesshenceforthrightlybelongtohim.(Rom.4:4-8;2Cor.5:19-21.)FortheusageoftheHebrewandGreekequivalentsof"imputation"(seeGen.31:15;Lev.7:18;Num.18:27-30;Mark15:28;Luke22:37;Rom.2:26;4:3-9;2Cor.5:19).

ThisdoctrineofourStandardsisthatofthewholeProtestantbodyoftheReformedandLutheranChurches.

CalvinsaysinhisInstitutes,b.3.,ch.11.,s.2:"Amanwillbejustifiedbyfaith when, excluded from the righteousness of works, he by faith laysholdoftherighteousnessofChrist,and,clothedinit,appearsinthesightof God, not as a sinner, but as righteous." TheHeidelberg Cat., q. 60:"HowartthoujustifiedinthesightofGod?OnlybyatruefaithinJesusChrist; so that, though my conscience accuse me that I have grosslytransgressedallthecommandmentsofGod,andkeptnoneofthem,andam still inclined to all evil, notwithstanding,God,without anymerit ofmine, but only of mere grace, grants and imputes to me the perfectsatisfaction,righteousness,andholinessofChrist."

LutheranForm.ofConcord:"ThatrighteousnesswhichbeforeGodisofmere grace imputed to faith, or to the believer, is the obedience,suffering,andresurrectionofChrist,bywhichheforoursakessatisfiedthelawandexpiatedoursins....Onwhichaccounthisobedience...isimputedtous;sothatGod,onaccountofthatwholeobedience...remitsoursins,reputesusasgoodandjust,andgivesuseternalsalvation."

4. That the essential and sole condition upon which this graciousimputationoftherighteousnessofChristtothebelieverproceedsis,thathe exercises faith in or on Christ as his righteousness, or ground ofacceptance and justification. Faith is here called the "condition" of

Page 194: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

justification, because it is an essential requisite, and necessaryinstrumentwherebythesoul,alwaystreatedasafreeagent,appropriatesthe righteousness of Christ, which is the legal ground of justification.That faith inoronChrist, andnoother grace, is always represented inScriptureasthenecessaryinstrumentormeansofjustification,isproved,(Gal. 2:16;Rom. 4:9;Acts 16:31.) That faith is the instrumentwherebythesoulapprehendsthetruegroundofjustificationintherighteousnessofChrist,andisnotitself,asArminianspretend,thatground,isproved-

(1) Because, as above shown, the vicarious obedience and suffering ofChrististhatground.

(2) Because faith is "awork," andPaul asserts that justification on thegroundofworksisimpossible.(Rom.3:20-28;Gal.2:16.)

(3) Because faith in or on Christ evidently rests upon that which iswithout itself, and from its very nature is incapable of laying thefoundationforalegaljustification.

(4) Because the Scriptures constantly affirm that we are justified"through"orbymeansoffaith,butneveronaccountoforforthesakeoffaith.Rom.5:1;Gal.2:16.

5.Thisfaithitselfisnotourown,butagraciousgiftofGod.(Eph.2:7,8;Acts14:27.)

6.Whileitisfaithalone,unassociatedwithanyothergrace,whichisthesole instrument of justification, yet it is never alone in the justifiedperson,butwhengenuineisalwaysaccompaniedwithallotherChristiangraces.ToourdoctrineofjustificationthefamouspassageinJames2:14is often objected. But Paul and James are speaking of different things.Paulteachesthatfaithalonejustifies.HeisarguingagainstPhariseesandlegalists.James teaches thata faithwhich isalone-that is,adead faith-willnotjustify.HeisarguingagainstnominalChristians,whowouldholdthetruthinunrighteousness.Paulusestheword"justify"inthesenseofGod's justification of the sinner; to which faith, and not works, isprerequisite.Jamesusesthewordto"justify"inthesenseofprovetrue,or real; in which sense faith is justified or proved genuine by works.

Page 195: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Consequently, orthodox theologians have always acknowledged thatwhile faith alone justifies, a faith which is alone, or unassociated withother graces and fruitless in goodworks,will not justify. "Works," saysLuther, "are not taken into consideration when the question respectsjustification.Buttruefaithwillnomorefailtoproducethemthanthesuncanceasetogivelight."

SECTION3CHRIST,byhisobedienceanddeath,didfullydischargethedebtofallthosethatarethusjustified,anddidmakeaproper,real,andfullsatisfaction,tohisFather'sjusticeintheirbehalf.(6)Yet,inasmuchashe was given by the Father for them,(7) and his obedience andsatisfaction in their stead,(8)andboth freely,not foranything in them,theirjustificationisonlyoffreegrace;(9)thatboththeexactjusticeandrichgraceofGodmightbeglorifiedinthejustificationofsinners.(10)

(6)Rom.5:8-10,19;1Tim.2:5,6;Heb.10:10,14;Dan.9:24,26;Isa.53:4-6, 10-12. (7)Rom.8:32. (8)2Cor. 5:21;Matt. 3:17;Eph. 5:2. (9)Rom.3:24;Eph.1:7.(10)Rom.3:26;Eph.2:7.

Thefirsttruthassertedinthissectionis,thatChrist,byhisobedienceanddeath, has fully paid the debt of those who are Justified; and that hemadeforthemaproper,real,andfullsatisfactiontohisFather'sjustice.Inconnectionwiththeabove,thesecondtruththatistaughthereis,thatthisjustificationis,asitrespectsthepersonsjustified,frombeginningtoendastupendousmanifestationofthefreegraceofGod.

ThefactthatChrist'srighteousnessisthegroundofjustification,andthathis righteousness in strict rigor fully satisfies all the demands of thedivine law, instead of being inconsistent with the perfect freedom andgraciousnessof justification,vastlyenhances itsgrace. It is evident thatGodmusteithersacrificehislaw,hiselect,orhisSon(Gal.2:21;3:21).Itisnolessplainthatitisafargreaterexpressionofloveandfreegracetosavetheelectattheexpenseofsuchasacrificethanitwouldbetosavethemeitheratthesacrificeofprincipleorincasenosacrificeofanykindwas needed. The cross of Christ is the focus inwhich themost intenserays alike of divine grace and justicemeet together, in which they areperfectlyreconciled.Thisisthehighestreachofjustice,andatthesametimeandforthesamereasonthehighestreachofgracetheuniversecan

Page 196: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

eversee.Theself-assumptionofthepenaltyuponthepartoftheeternalSon of God is the highest conceivable vindication of the absoluteinviolability of justice, and at the same time the highest conceivableexpressionofinfinitelove.Justiceisvindicatedinthevicarioussufferingof the very penalty in strict rigor. Free grace is manifested-(1) In theadmittanceofavicarioussufferer.(2)InthegiftofGod'sbelovedSonforthatservice.(3)Inthesovereignelectionofthepersonstoberepresentedbyhim.(4)Inthegloriousrewardswhichaccruetothemonconditionofthatrepresentation.

SECTION4GODdid,fromalleternity,decreetojustifyalltheelect;(11)andChristdid,inthefullnessoftime,diefortheirsins,andriseagainfortheirjustification.(12)Nevertheless,theyarenotjustified,untiltheHolySpiritinduetimeactuallyappliesChristuntothem.(13)

(11)Gal.3:8;1Pet.1:2,19,20;Rom.8:30.(12)Gal.4:4;1Tim.2:6;Rom.4:25.(13)Col.1:21,22;Gal.2:16;Titus3:4-7.

It has beenobjected to our doctrine by someArminians, andheld as apartofitbysomeAntinomians,thatifChristliterallypaidthedebtofhiselectinhisobedienceandsufferingwhenonearth,itmustfollowthattheelect have been justified from the moment that debt was paid. TheScriptures, on the contrary, aswell as all Christian experience,make itcertain that no one is justified until the moment that God gives himsavingfaithinChrist.

Christpaidthepenal,notthemoneydebtofhispeople.Itisamatteroffreegracethathissubstitutionwasadmitted.Thesatisfaction,therefore,doesnot liberateipsofacto , likethepaymentofamoneydebt,butsetsthe real criminal freeonlyonsuchconditionsandat such timesashadbeenpreviouslyagreeduponbetweenGod,thegracioussovereign,ontheone hand, and Christ, their representative and substitute, on the otherhand. Christ died for his people in execution of a covenant betweenhimselfandhisFather,enteredintoineternity.Theeffectsofhisdeath,therefore,eventuatepreciselyasandwhenitisprovidedinthecovenantthatitshoulddoso.

SECTION5GODcontinuestoforgivethesinsofthosewhoarejustified;

Page 197: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(14) andalthough they cannever fall from the stateof justification,(15)yettheymaybytheirsinsfallunderGod's fatherlydispleasure,andnothave the lightofhiscountenancerestoredunto themuntil theyhumblethemselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith andrepentance.(16)

(14)Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7,9; 2:1,2. (15) Luke 22:32; John 10:28;Heb.10:14.(16)Ps.89:31-33;51:7-12;32:5;Matt.26:75;1Cor.11:30,32;Luke1:20.

Thissectionteachesthatjustificationchangesradicallyandpermanentlythe relation which the subject of it sustains both to God and to thedemands of the divine law viewed as a condition of favor. Beforejustification, God is an angry judge, holding the sentence of thecondemninglawforaseasoninsuspense.

Afterjustification,thelawinsteadofcondemningacquits,anddemandsthatthesubjectberegardedandtreatedlikeason,asisprovidedintheeternalcovenant;andGod,asalovingFather,proceedstoexecuteallthekind officeswhich belong to the new relation. This requires, of course,discipline and correction, as well as instruction and consolation. Allsufferingiseithermerecalamity,whenviewedasidefromallintentionalrelationtohumancharacter;orpenalty,whendesignedtosatisfyjusticefor sin; or chastisement, when designed to correct and improve theoffender.Irrespectiveoftheeconomyofredemption,allsufferingistothereprobate installments of the eternal penalty. After justification, allsuffering to the justified, of whatever kind, is fatherly chastisement,designed to correct their faults and improve their graces. And as theycame,inthefirstinstance,toGodintheexerciseofrepentanceandfaithin Christ, so must they always continue to return to him after everypartialwanderingandlossofhissensiblefavorintheexerciseofthesamerepentance and faith; and thus only can they hope to have his pardonsensibly renewed to them. Examine the proof-texts appended above tothetextofthissectionoftheConfession.

SECTION6THEjustificationofbelieversundertheOldTestamentwas,inalltheserespects,oneandthesamewiththejustificationofbelieversundertheNewTestament.(17)

Page 198: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(17)Gal.3:9,13,14;Rom.4:22-24;Heb.13:8.

The truth taught in this section has already been fully proved above,underchapter7.,ss.4-6;andchapter8.,s.6.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstandsecondsections?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.Whatisthesixth?

7.HowcanyouprovethatGodjustifiesallthoseandonlythosewhomhehasregenerated?

8.Whatisthefirstpropositionlaiddownastothenatureofjustification?

9.WhatistheRomanistviewastothismatter?

10.Whatistheviewofthosewhoholdthemoral-influencetheoryoftheatonement?

11.Whenandbywhomwasthistruthfirstclearlydefinedandvindicated?

12. State the proof that justification is a judicial act ofGod declaring aperson legally righteous, andnot an act of gracious powermaking himmorallypure.

13. What is the second proposition laid down as to the nature ofjustification?

Page 199: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

14.Statethenature,groundsandeffectofmerepardon.

15.Stateincontrastthenature,groundsandeffectofjustification?

16.Provethatjustificationisnotmerepardon.

17.Uponwhatgrounddoesjustificationproceed?

18. What is the Arminian view as to the nature and ground ofjustification?

19.Stateincontrastthetrueview.

20. State the proofs that the righteousness of Christ, imputed andreceivedbyfaithalone,isthetruegroundofjustification.

21. What is the scriptural usage of the phrase, "to impute sin orrighteousness"?

22.WhatdoesCalvinteachisthegroundofjustification?

23.WhatistaughtonthisheadintheHeidelbergCatechism?

24.WhatistaughtintheLutheranForm.ofConcord?

25.Whatrelationdoesfaithsustaintojustification?

26. Prove that only faith, and faith alone, is the instrument ofjustification.

27.Whatspecialactoffaithisthesolemeansofjustification?

28.Provethatfaithisnotthegroundofjustification.

29.ProvethatthisfaithisthegiftofGod.

30. If it is faithonly that is themeansof justification, is true faitheveraloneintheexperienceofthepersonjustified?

31.HowcanthedoctrinetaughtbyJamesinJames2bereconciledwith

Page 200: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thattaughtbyPaulonthissubject?

32.WhatdoesLuthersayonthesubject?

33.What is the first truth taught in the thirdsection?andwherehas itbeenpreviouslyconsidered?

34. What is the second great principle here maintained in connectionwiththeformer?

35.ProvethattheliteralsatisfactionofdivinejusticebyChristenhancesinsteadofdetractsfromthefreegraceofthegospel.

36.Whatistaughtinthefourthsection?

37.WhathavesomeArminiansobjectedtoourdoctrineatthispoint?

38. Show that the fact thatChrist paid our penal debts beforewewereborndoesnoteffectourjustificationbeforeweactuallybelieve.

39.Whatistaughtinthefifthsection?

40.What charge does justification effect in the relations of the personjustified?

41.Intowhatthreeclassescanallsufferingsofanykindbedistributed?

42.Ofwhatkindisallthesufferingofthereprobate?

43.Ofwhatkindisallthesufferingofthejustified?

44.Whatistaughtinthesixthsection,andwherehasitbeenpreviouslyconsidered?

ChapterTwelve

Page 201: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

OfAdoption

Allthosethatarejustified,godvouchsafes,inandforhisonlysonjesuschrist, tomakepartakersof thegraceofadoption,(1)bywhich theyaretaken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of thechildrenofgod;(2)havehisnameputuponthem,(3)receivethespiritofadoption;(4) have access to the throne of grace with boldness;(5) areenabledtocry,abba,father;(6)arepitied,(7)protected,(8)providedfor,(9) and chastenedbyhimas by a father;(10) yet never cast off,(11) butsealed to the day of redemption,(12) and inherit the promises,(13) asheirsofeverlastingsalvation.(14)

(1) Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4,5. (2) Rom. 8:17; John 1:12. (3) Jer. 14:9; 2 Cor.6:18;Rev.3:12.(4)Rom.8:15.(5)Eph.3:12;Rom.5:2.(6)Gal.4:6.(7)Ps.103:13.(8)Prov.14:26.(9)Matt.6:30,32;1Pet.5:7.(10)Heb.12:6.(11)Lam.3:31.(12)Eph.4:30.(13)Heb.6:12.(14)1Pet.1:3,4;Heb.1:14.

TheinstantabelieverisunitedtoChristintheexerciseoffaith,thereisaccomplished in him simultaneously and inseparably two things: (1) AtotalchangeofrelationtoGod,andtothelawasacovenantoflife;and(2) A change of his inward spiritual nature. The change of relation isrepresented by justification-the change of nature by regeneration.REGENERATIONisanactofGod,originating,byanewcreation,anewspiritual life in theheartof thesubject.The firstand instantactof thatnewcreature,consequentuponhisregeneration,isFAITH,orabelieving,trustingembraceofthepersonandworkofChrist.Upontheexerciseoffaithbytheregeneratedsoul,JUSTIFICATIONistheinstantactofGod,onthegroundof thatperfectrighteousnesswhichthesinner's faithhasapprehended, declaring him to be free from all condemnation, and tohave a legal right to the relations andbenefits securedby the covenantwhich Christ has fulfilled in his behalf. SANCTIFICATION is theprogressivegrowthtowardtheperfectmaturityofthatnewlifewhichwasimplantedinregeneration.ADOPTIONpresentsthenewcreature inhisnewrelations-hisnewrelationsentereduponwithacongenialheart,andhisnewlifedevelopinginacongenialhome,andsurroundedwiththoserelations which foster its growth and crown it with blessedness.Justification effects only a change of relations. Regeneration and

Page 202: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

sanctification effect only inherent moral and spiritual states of soul.Adoption includes both. As set forth in Scripture, it embraces in onecomplex view the newly-regenerated creature in the new relations intowhichheisintroducedbyjustification.

This divine sonship, intowhich the believer is introduced by adoption,includesthefollowingprincipalelementsandadvantages-

1.DerivationofspiritualnaturefromGod:"Thatyemightbepartakersofthedivinenature."(2Pet.1:4;John1:13;James1:18;1John5:18.)

2. The being born in the image of God, the bearing his likeness: "Andhaveputonthenewman,whichisrenewedinknowledge,aftertheimageofhimthatcreatedhim."(Col.3:10;Rom.8:29;2Cor.3:18.)

3.Thebearinghisname.(1John3:1;Rev.2:17;3:12.)

4.Thebeingmadetheobjectsofhispeculiar love:"Thattheworldmayknow that thou hast sentme, and hast loved them, as thou hast lovedme."(John17:23;Rom.5:5-8.)

5.The indwellingof theSpirit of his Son (Gal. 4:6),who forms in us afilialspirit,oraspiritbecomingthechildrenofGod-obedient(1Pet.1:14;2John6),freefromsenseofguilt,legalbondage,andfearofdeath(Rom.8:15-21;Gal.5:1;Heb.2:15),andelevatedwithaholyboldnessandroyaldignity.(Heb.10:19,22;1Pet.2:9;4:14.)

6.Presentprotection,consolation,andabundantsupplies.(Ps.125:2;Isa.66:13;Luke12:27-32;John14:18;1Cor.3:21-23;2Cor.1:4.)

7. Present fatherly chastisements for our good, including both spiritualandtemporalafflictions.(Ps.51:11,12;Heb.12:5-11.)

8.ThecertaininheritanceoftherichesofourFather'sglory,as"heirsofGodandjoint-heirswithChrist"(Rom.8:17;James2:5;1Pet.1:4;3:7),includingtheexaltationofourbodiesinfellowshipwiththeLord.(Rom.8:23;Phil.3:21.)

Page 203: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthesubjectofthischapter?

2.Whattwochangestakeeffectinstantlyupontheactoffaith?

3.Whatisregeneration?

4.Whatisfaithanditsrelationtoregeneration?

5.Whatisjustificationanditsrelationtofaith?

6.Whatisadoptionanditsrelationtoregenerationandjustification?

7.Whataretheprincipalelementsembracedinthisdivinesonship?

8.Whataretheprincipaladvantageswhichattendit?

ChapterThirteenOfSanctification

SECTION : I. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated,having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are furthersanctified,reallyandpersonally,throughthevirtueofChrist'sdeathandresurrection,[1] by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them:[2] thedominionof thewholebodyofsin isdestroyed,[3]andtheseveral luststhereof aremore andmoreweakened andmortified;[4] and theymoreand more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,[5] to thepracticeoftrueholiness,withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord.[6]

1. I Thess. 5:23-24; II Thess. 2:13-14; Ezek. 36:22-28; Titus 3:5; Acts20:32;Phil.3:10;Rom.6:5-62.John17:17,19;Eph.5:26;Rom.8:13-14;IIThess.2:133.Rom.6:6,144.Gal.5:24;Rom.8:135.Col.1:10-11;Eph.3:16-196.IICor.7:1;Col.1:28,4:12;Heb.12:14

Page 204: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

SECTION:II.Thissanctificationisthroughout,inthewholeman;[7]yetimperfect inthis life, thereabidingstillsomeremnantsofcorruptionineverypart;[8]whencearisethacontinualandirreconcilablewar,thefleshlustingagainsttheSpirit,andtheSpiritagainsttheflesh.[9]

7.IThess.5:12;Rom.12:1-28.IJohn1:8-10;Rom.7:14-25;Phil.3:129.Gal.5:17

SECTION: III. Inwhichwar, although the remaining corruption, for atime,maymuchprevail;[10]yet,throughthecontinualsupplyofstrengthfromthesanctifyingSpiritofChrist,theregeneratepartdothovercome;[11]andso,thesaintsgrowingrace,[12]perfectingholinessinthefearofGod.[13]

10.Rom.7:2311.Rom.6:14;IJohn5:4;Eph.4:15-16;seeRom.8:212.IIPeter3:18;IICor.3:1813.IICor.7:1

Thischapterteachesthefollowingpropositions:--1.AllofthoseinwhomGodhasbyregenerationcreatedanewspiritualnature continue under his gracious influence, his Word and Spiritdwellinginthem,andthushavethegraceimplantedinthemdevelopedmoreandmore.

2.Thisworkofsanctificationinvolvesboththegradualdestructionoftheoldbodyofsin,andthequickeningandstrengtheningofallthegracesofthenewman,andtheinwardpurificationoftheheartandmind,aswellasallthoseholyactionswhichproceedfromthem.

3. This work of sanctification involves the entire man -- intellect,affectionsandwill,soulandbody.

4.Itisneverperfectinthislife,butineverycase,asinthatofPaul,thereremainsmoreorlessoftheold"lawinourmembers,"warringagainstthelawofourmind.

Page 205: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5. That nevertheless, from a constant supply of strength from thesanctifyingSpiritofChrist, thegraciouselementinthebeliever'snatureprevails,andhegraduallyadvancesinholinessuntilheismadeperfectatdeath.

1. God, having implanted in regeneration a new spiritual nature in thesubjectofhisgrace,alwayscontinuestofosteranddevelopthatprinciple,bytheindwellingofhiswordandSpirit,untilitattainsfullperfection.

Theword"tosanctify"isusedintwodifferentsensesinScripture.(1.)Toconsecrate,orsetapartfromacommontoasacreduse.Johnx.36;Matt.xxiii.17.(2.)Torendermorallypureorholy.1Cor.vi.11;Heb.xiii.12.Inthe latter sense of the word, regeneration is the commencement ofsanctification, and sanctification is the completion of the workcommencedinregeneration.AsregenerationisanactofGod'sfreegrace,so sanctification is a gracious work of God, and eminently of theHolySpirit.ItisattributedtoGodabsolutely(1Thess.v.23);totheSon(Eph.v.25,26); andpre-eminently to theHolySpirit (2Thess. ii. 13),whoseespecial office in the economy of redemption it is to apply the gracesecuredthroughthemediationoftheSon.

Themeansofsanctificationareoftwodistinctorders--(a.) inwardand(b.)outward.

Theinwardmeansofsanctificationisfaith.Faithistheinstrumentofourjustification -- and hence of our deliverance from condemnation andcommunionwithGod--theorganofourunionwithChristanfellowshipwith his Spirit. Faith, moreover, is that act of the regenerated soulwherebyitembracesandexperiencesthepowerofthetruth,andwherebytheinwardexperiencesoftheheartandtheoutwardactionsofthelifearebroughtintoobediencetothetruth.

Theoutwardmeanofsanctificationare--(1.) The truth as revealed in the inspired Scriptures: "Sanctify themthrough thy truth; thy word is truth." John xvii. 17, 19. "As new-bornbabes,desirethesinceremilkoftheword,thatyemaygrowthereby."1Pet.i.22;ii.2.Thetruth,astheoutwardmeansofsanctification,standsin correlation to faith, the inward means of it. Conf. Faith, chap. xiv.,

Page 206: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

section2:Thisfaith"actethdifferentlyuponthatwhicheveryparticularpassage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God forthislifeandthatwhichistocome."Bythismeansthetruthnourishesandexercisestheprinciplesofgraceimplantedinthesoul.

(2.)Thesacraments.Matt.iii.11;1Cor.xii.13;1Pet.iii.21.

(3.)Prayerisameansofsanctification--(a.)astheactinwhichthesoulengages in communion with God; and (b.) since God has promised toanswerbelievingprayerwiththedonationofspiritualgifts.Johnxiv.13,14.

(4.)ThegraciousdisciplineofGod'sprovidence.Johnxv.2;Rom.v.3,4;Heb.xii.5--11.

Itmustberememberedthatwhile thesubject ispassivewith respect tothatDivineactofgracewherebyheisregenerated,afterheisregeneratedhe co-operates with the Holy Ghost in the work of sanctification. TheHolyGhostgivesthegrace,andpromptsanddirectsinitsexercise,andthesoulexercisesit.Thus,whilesanctificationisagrace,itisalsoaduty;and the soul is both bound and encouraged to use with diligence, independence upon the Holy Spirit, all the means for its spiritualrenovation,andtoformthosehabitsofresistingevilandofrightactioninwhich sanctification so largely consists. The fruits of sanctification aregoodworks.Anactiontobegoodmusthaveitsorigininaholyprincipleintheheart,andmustbeconformedtothelawofGod.Althoughnottheground of our acceptance, good works are absolutely essential tosalvation,as thenecessaryconsequencesofagraciousstateof soulandperpetualrequirementsofthedivinelaw.Gal.v.22,23;Eph.ii.10;Johnxiv.21.

2.Thisworkofsanctificationinvolvesthedestructionoftheoldbodyofsin,aswellasthedevelopmentofthegraceimplantedinregeneration:itisalsofirstinwardandspiritual,andthenoutwardandpractical.

Thatthewholebodyofdeathisnotimmediatelydestroyedintheinstantof regeneration is plainly taught in the sixth and seventh chapters of

Page 207: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Romans, in therecordedexperienceofmanyBiblicalcharacters,andinthe universal experience of Christians in modern times. It hencenecessarily follows that the tendencies graciously implanted andsustainedmustcomeinconflictwiththetendenciestoevilwhichremain.They can co-exist only in a state of active antagonism, and as the onegains in prevalence the other must lose. "They that are Christ's havecrucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts." Gal. v. 24. "Mortify,therefore,yourmemberswhichareupontheearth."Col.iii.5.

That thiswork begins in the state of the heart, and governs the life bypreviouslygoverningtheheart, isevident--(1.)Fromtheknownfactofhumannaturethatthemoralcharacterofallactionsisderivedfromtheinwardmoraldispositionsandaffectionswhichprompttothem.(2.)Thesame is asserted in the Scriptures. Luke vi. 45. As the character of thefruitisdeterminedbythecharacterofthetreewhichproducesit,sothemoral character of actions depends upon the heart from which theyproceed:"Eithermakethetreegood,andhisfruitgood;orelsemakethetreecorrupt, andhis fruit corrupt."Matt. xii. 33. (3.)Trulygoodworkscan be produced only by a heart in living union with Christ: "As thebranchcannotbearfruitofitself,exceptitabideinthevine;somorecanye,exceptyeabideinme."Johnxv.4.

3. This work of sanctification involves the entire man -- intellect,affections,andwill,soulandbody.

This isproved-- (1.)Fromthenecessityof thecase.Ournatural, sinfulcondition, involves blindness of mind, as well as hardness orperversenessofheart.(2.)Fromthefactthatwearesanctifiedbymeansof the truth. (3.) It is explicitly asserted in Scripture that sanctificationinvolves spiritual illumination: "That theGodof ourLordJesusChrist,theFatherofglory,maygiveuntoyouthespiritofwisdomandrevelationin the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being en-lightened;thatyemayknow,"etc.Eph.i.17,18;Col.iii,10;2Cor.iv.6;1Thess.v.23.

As our bodies are integral parts of our persons, their instincts andappetitesactimmediatelyuponthepassionsofoursouls;andhencetheymustbebroughtsubject to thecontrolof thesanctifiedwill,andall the

Page 208: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

members of the body, as organs of the soul, made instruments ofrighteousnessuntoGod.Rom.vi.13;1Thess.iv.4.

4.Thisworkofsanctificationisneverperfectedinthislife.

DifferentpartiesofPerfectionistsmaintainthatperfectionispossible inthislife,indifferentsenses.Pelagiansmaintain--(1.)ThatthelawofGodrespectsonlythevoluntaryexercisesandactions,andnotthestatesofthesoul.(2.)Thatobligationisalwayslimitedbyability--thatthelawofGodcandemandnomorethanitssubjectisfullyabletorender.Hencefromthe very limits of moral obligation it follows that every man is alwaysperfectlyable todoall that is requiredofhim.Hencehecanbeperfectwheneverhepleases.

ArminianandPapistPerfectionistshold--(1.)Thatmencandonothingmorallyrightwithoutdivinegrace;and(2.)Thatevenwiththisgracenoman is able perfectly to keep the original Adamic law of absoluteperfection.Theymaintain,however,thatGodforChrist'smerits'sakehasgraciouslyloweredthedemandsofthelaw,inthecaseofbelievers,fromabsoluteperfectiontofaithandevangelicalobedience.Theyholdthatitistheprivilegeanddutyofallmeninthislifetoattaintoastateofperfectloveandsincereobediencetothegospellaw,whichtheycallgraciousorChristianperfection.

The Papists make a distinction between voluntary transgressions ofknownlaw,andconcupiscence,ortheinvoluntaryfirstmovementsoftheremainsof corruptionwithin the regenerate.The latter theydeny tobeproperlyof thenatureof sin.JohnWesley teaches thesame.MethodistDoctrinalTracts,pp.294-312.

But that concupiscence, or the first movement and tendencies of evildesire in the hearts of regenerated men, is of the nature of sin, isdistinctlyaffirmed inourStandards.Conf.Faith,ch.vi., section5.Thatthisistrueisproved:--

(1.)Allmenjudgethatthemora1stateofthesoulwhichdetermines,ortends to determine, evil action, is itself essentially evil, and indeed thetruesourceoftheevilintheaction.

Page 209: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(2.) All genuine Christians experience involves the same practicaljudgment. The main element in all genuine conviction of sin is, notsimply that the thoughts,words, and feelingsarewrong,but that, lyingfarbelowallexercisesorvolitions,thenatureismorallycorrupt.Itishisdeadnesstodivinethings--blindness,hardness,aversiontoGod--whichhe ishelpless to change, that chiefly oppresses the truly convictedmanwithasenseofsin;andinsomedegreethesameconvictionremainsuntildeath. (3.) It isof theessenceof themoral law that itdemandsall thatought tobe.Every even the leastdeficiency from thewholemeasureofmoral excellence that ought to be is of the nature of sin. Thereforenothing short of absolute conformity to the Adamic law of absoluteholinessisofthenatureofsinlessperfection,oroughttobecalledbythatname.

(4.)AlltheprayersandhymnsanddevotionalliteratureoftheWesleyan,and other evangelical Churches which profess a sort of perfectionism,acknowledge sin in the believer. Dr. Peck admits that the workings ofconcupiscence,orremainingspontaneoustendencytoevilintheheartoftheperfectChristian,areanoccasionforself-abhorrenceandconfession,that they need forgiveness and the constant application of the atoningbloodofChrist.Weagreewith this; andmaintain, therefore, that theseremainsofcorruptioninallChristiansareofthenatureofsin;andthatconsequentlytheChristiansinwhomtheyremainarenotperfect.

(5.)Paulexpresslycallsconcupiscence,sin:"Ihadnotknownsin,butbythe law: for I had not known concupiscence, except the law had said,Thoushaltnotexperienceconcupiscence."Rom.vii.7.ThesinthatdweltinPaulwroughtinhimagainsthiswill,andwroughtinhimallmannerofconcupiscence.Rom.vii.14--25.Andyetthiseviltendency,thislawinhismembers warring against the law of his spirit, is expressly called "sin;"andinotherpassagesit iscalledthe"oldman,"the"bodyofsin."Col.ii.11;iii.9.

(6.)ThebiographiesandrecordedtestimoniesofalltheScripturesaintsmakeitimpossibletoattributesinlessperfectiontoanyoneofthem.Pauldisclaimsit.Rom.vii.14--25;Phil.iii.12--14.JohndisclaimsitinhisownbehalfandthatofallChristians.1Johni.8.

Page 210: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Theword"perfect" isapplied to somemen inScriptureeither tomarkcomparative excellence,or toassert genuine sincerity inprofession andservice.Buttheinspiredbiographiesofthementhemselves--suchasofDavid, Acts xiii. 22; Noah, Gen. vi. 9; and Job, Job i. 1 -- prove veryclearlythattheperfectionintendedwasnotasinlessone.

(7.) Perfectionism is in conflict with the universal experience andobservation of God's people. The personal profession of it is generallyjudged to be just ground for serious suspicions as to the claimant'smentalsoundnessormoralsincerity.

5.Nevertheless, fromaconstantsupplyofstrengthfromthesanctifyingSpirit ofChrist, the gracious element in thebeliever's nature, upon thewhole, prevails, and he gradually advances in holiness until he isrendered perfect at death. This precious truth follows necessarily fromthefact,alreadyshown,thatsanctificationisaworkofGod'sfreegraceinexecution of his eternal purposes of salvation. Wherefore v e are"confidentofthisverything,thatHewhichhathbegunagoodworkinuswill perform it until thedayof JesusChrist,"Phil. i. 6; the certaintyofwhichwillbefurtherdiscussedunderchapterxvii.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthischapter?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositionheretaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.Inwhatdifferentsensesistheterm"tosanctify"usedinScripture?

7. What is the relation of the work of sanctification to that ofregeneration?

Page 211: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

8.WhoistheAuthorofsanctification?

9.Whatistheinwardmeansofsanctification?

10.Whataretheoutwardmeansofsanctification?

11.Inwhatsenseissanctificationadutyaswellasagrace?

12.Whatarethefruitsofsanctification?

13. Show that the work of sanctification involves the gradual"mortification"ofthe"oldman,"aswellasthedevelopmentofthegracesimplantedinregeneration.

14. Show that the work of sanctification involves a change in thepermanent inward state of the soul, as the only adequate source fromwhichholyactionscanproceed.

15.Prove that thisworkofsanctification involvesall the facultiesof thesoul.

16.Inwhatsensearethebodiesofbelieverssaidtobesanctified?

17.What is the Pelagian doctrine as to the nature and ground of thatperfectionwhichisattainableinthislife?

18.WhatistheArminianandPapistviewofthesamesubject?

19.What is theArminian and Papist view as to themoral character ofconcupiscence?

20.Whatismeantbyconcupiscence?

21.Whatisthedoctrineofourstandardsonthesubject?

22. State theproofs of the truth of our viewderived from the commonjudgmentsofmenandfromreligiousexperience.

23.Statetheproofderivedfromaconsiderationoftheessentialnatureofvirtueandthemorallaw.

Page 212: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

24. The same from the devotional literature and admissions ofevangelicalArminians.

25.ThesamefromthedeclarationsofScriptureandfromthebiographiesofscripturalcharacters.

26. In what sense is the epithet "perfect" applied to men in theScriptures?

27.TowhatisPerfectionismopposed?

28. What is the certain issue of this warfare between the "law in themembers"andthe"lawofthemind"?

29.Whatisthegroundofthiscertaintyastotheresult?

ChapterFourteenOfSavingFaith

I.Thegraceoffaith,wherebytheelectareenabledtobelievetothesavingoftheirsouls,[1]istheworkoftheSpiritofChristintheirhearts,[2]andisordinarilywroughtbytheministryoftheWord,[3]bywhichalso,andbytheadministrationof thesacraments,andprayer, it is increasedandstrengthened.[4]

1.Titus1:1;Heb.10:392. ICor. 12:3; John3:5; 6:44-45, 65;Titus 3:5;Eph. 2:8;Phil. 1:29; IIPeter1:1;seeIPeter1:23.Matt.28:19-20;Rom.10:14,17;ICor.1:214.IPeter2:2;Acts20:32;Rom.1:16-17;Matt.28:19;seeActs2:38;ICor.10:16;11:23-29;Luke17:5;Phil.4:6-7

Faith,inthemostgeneralsenseoftheword,istheassentofthemindtothetruthofthatofwhichwehavenotanimmediatecognition;knowledgeis the perception of the truth of that of which we have an immediate

Page 213: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

cognition.Yet faithdemandsandrestsuponevidence justasabsolutelyasdoesknowledge.Itdoesnotdifferfromreasonasrationaldiffersfromirrational,norfromknowledgeastheconvictionofthatwhichisproveddiffers from the presumption of that which is unproved. Faith, likeknowledgeitself, demands evidence, anddiffers in accordancewith theevidence in different cases from the barest probability up to the mostassuredcertainty.Wehavedirectknowledgethatthebookwehaveinourhands fills a certain portion of space; we have faith that space stillstretches illimitablebeyond themostdistant telescopic star. The one isknowledge and the other faith, but the faith is just as certain as theknowledge.Weknowtheexistenceandattributesofthecityinwhichwedwell; we believe the existence and attributes of ancient Athens ormodern Yeddo from the testimony ofmen.We know the properties ofhuman nature; we believe the properties of the several persons of theTrinityonthetestimonyofGod.Ineachcasethefaithisjustasrationalandascertainastheknowledge.Faithinmanythousandsofitsformsisspontaneouslyexercisedbyallmen.Thecommonestprocessesofthoughtand of human action, individual or associated, would be impossiblewithout it.When grounded on legitimate evidence, it leads to absoluteassurance. It has its root in the reason, to which it always, whenlegitimate,conforms.Butitreachesbeyondreason,andelevatesthemindtothecontemplationofthehighestand-mostennoblingtruths.

Religiousfaith,inthemostgeneralsenseofthatword,istheassentofthemindtothegeneraltruthsofreligion,suchasthebeingandattributesofGod, and the religious obligations of men, such as is common to allreligions,trueorfalse.Thisreligiousfaithhasitsgroundinourcommonreligiousnature,whileon theotherhand thatSAVINGFAITHwhich isthesubjectofthischapteroftheConfessionisthatspiritualdiscernmentoftheexcellenceandbeautyofdivinetruth,andthatcordialembraceandacceptanceofit,whicharewroughtinourheartsbytheHolyGhost.

Ofthissavingfaithitisalarmedinthissection:--1.ThatitiswroughtinourheartsbytheHolyGhost.2. That it is ordinarily wrought by the means of theWord of God, orthroughtheinstrumentalityofdivinetruth.3.Thatitisstrengthenedbytheuseofthesacramentsandprayer.

Page 214: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1.ThatfaithistheworkoftheHolyGhosthasbeenprovedalreadyundertheheadofEffectualCalling.Inadditionitmaybeargued--(1.)Savingfaith must be a moral act, and must have its ground in the spiritualcongenialityofthebelieverwiththetruth.Unbeliefisalwaysdenouncedas a sin, and not as the consequence of intellectual weakness. TheScripturesunconditionallydemandinstantfaithalikeoftheignorantandoftheintelligent.(2.)Bynature,menarespirituallyblind,in--capableofdiscerningspiritualthings.1Cor.ii.14;2Cor.iv.4.Thatformofspiritualapprehension which is an essential element in saving faith must bewroughtinthesoulbytheHolySpirit.(3.)Menbelievebecausetheyaretaught ofGod (John vi. 44, 45), as they are enlightened to discern thethingsoftheSpirit.Actsxiii.48;2Cor. iv.6;Eph. i.17,18.Faith is thegiftofGod.Eph.ii.8.

2.That faith isordinarilywroughtby theSpirit through theministryoftheWordisplain--(1.)FromthedirectassertionofScripture:"Howshallthey believe inHimofwhom they have not heard? andhow shall theyhear without a preacher? ..... So then faith cometh by hearing, andhearingbytheWordofGod."Rom.x.12--17.(2.)Thepreachingofthegospelistheordinarywayinwhichitstruthismosteffectuallybroughttobear upon the hearts and consciences of men. Faith is the act of theregeneratedsoul, and, aswehave seen (ch. x., sections 1,2 and4), theSpirit uses the revealed truth ofGod as his instrument in regenerationandsanctification,andsaneadultmennevercome to theexperienceofthebenefitsofChrist'ssalvationwhoaredestituteofsomeknowledgeofhispersonandworld.

3. We have seen above, under chapter xiii., that sanctification is aprogressiveworkoftheHolySpirit,andthattheinwardmeanswherebyit isadvancedisfaith,andtheoutwardmeansarethetruth,prayer, thesacraments, and the gracious discipline of divine providence.Whatevertendstopromotesanctificationmustpromotethestrengthoffaith,whichisitsmainroot.Therefore,faithmustbenourishedbythetruth,prayer,thesacraments,andeverymeansofgrace.

II.Bythisfaith,aChristianbelievethtobetruewhatsoeverisrevealedinthe Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;[5] andacteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof

Page 215: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,[6] trembling at thethreatenings,[7]andembracingthepromisesofGodforthislife,andthatwhichistocome.[8]Buttheprincipalactsofsavingfaithareaccepting,receiving, and restinguponChrist alone for justification, sanctification,andeternallife,byvirtueofthecovenantofgrace.[9]

5.IIPeter1:20-21;John4:42;IThess.2:13;IJohn5:9-10;Acts24:146.Psa.119:10-11,48,97-98,167-168;John14:157.Ezra9:4;Isa.66:2;Heb.4:18.Heb.11:13;ITim.4:89.John1:12;Acts15:11,16:31;Gal.2:20;IITim.1:9-10Thissectionteaches:--

1.ThatsavingfaithrestsuponthetruthofthetestimonyofGodspeakinginhisWord.

2.That it respects as its object all the contents ofGod'sWord,withoutexception.

3.Thatthecomplexstateofmindtowhichtheepithet"faith"isappliedinScripturevarieswiththenatureoftheparticularpassageofGod'sWordwhichisitsobject.

4.ThatthespecificactofsavingfaithwhichunitesustoChrist,andisthesole condition or instrument of justification, involves two essentialelements: (1.)Assent towhat theScriptures reveal tousconcerningtheperson, offices, and work of Christ; and (2.) Trust or implicit relianceuponChrist,anduponChristalone,forallthatisinvolvedinacompletesalvation.

1.Saving faithrestsuponthe truthof the testimonyofGodspeaking inhisWord.TheScriptures of theOld andNewTestaments, having beengivenbyinspiration,areinthestrictestandmostdirectsenseGod'sWordto us. They are absolutely divine, both as to their infallible truth andsupremeauthority.ChristwhenonearthrestedhisclaimstorecognitionasMessiahuponthetestimonybornetohimbytheFather.Johnv.31--37. "He thathath received the testimony [ofChrist]hathset tohis sealthatGodistrue."Johniii.33."HethatbelievethnotGodhathmadehim

Page 216: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

a liar, becausehe believethnot the record thatGod gave of his Son." 1Johnv.10."ThisisthewitnessofGodwhichhehathtestifiedofhisSon."IJohnv.9.ThegospelwhichPaulpreachedto theCorinthianshecalls"the testimony ofGod." 1 Cor. ii. 1.God corroborated the truths of theapostles'preaching,"bearingthemwitnessbothwithsignsandwonders,"etc. Heb. ii. 4, The Holy Ghost bears direct witness to the soul of thebeliever.Rom.viii.16;Heb.x.15.

2. Saving faith receives as true all the contents ofGod'sWord,withoutexception. After we have settled the preliminary questions as to whatbook belong to the inspired canon of Scripture, and as to what is theoriginal textof thosebooks, thenthewholemustbereceivedasequallytheWordofGod,andmust inall itspartsbeacceptedwithequal faith.Thesameilluminationoftheunderstandingandrenewaloftheaffectionswhichlaysthefoundationforthesoul'sactingfaithinanyoneportionofGod's testimony, lays the same foundation for its acting faith in everyotherportion.ThewholeWordofGod,therefore,as farasknowntobeindividual, to the exclusion of all traditions, doctrines of men, orpretendedprivaterevelation,istheobjectofsavingfaith.

3. The complex state ofmind towhich the epithet "faith" is applied inScripturevarieswiththenatureofeveryparticularpassageofGod'sWordwhich is its object. The common quality which is the reason of theapplicationofthesametermtoallthesevariousstatesofmind,iscordial,realizingassenttothetruthpresented.Butthestateofmindwhichfullyrealizes the, truth of a threateningmust, in some respects, be differentfrom that which realizes the truth of a promise. The realization of thetruthofGod'sgloryasitshinesinthefaceofJesusChristcannotbeanexperience in all respects the same with the believing recognition of adutyorofthetruthofafactofhistory.

ItwasdebatedlargelybetweentheRomanistsandtheReformerswhethersaving faith included trust or not. The true answer is, that trust is anintegral and inseparable element of every act of saving faith in whichtrust is appropriate to thenatureof theobject believed. It is plain thatmanyofthepropositionsofScripturearenottheproperobjectsoftrust.In all such cases faith includes recognition, assent, acquiescence,submission,asthecasemaybe.Butinallcasesinwhichthenatureofthe

Page 217: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

truthbelieved renders the exercise of trust legitimate, and especially inthat specific act of saving faith called justifying faith, which unites toChrist and is the root and organ of the whole spiritual life, trust iscertainly an element of the very essence of that state ofmind called inScripturefaith.Thiswillbeprovedunderthenexthead.

4.ThatspecificactofsavingfaithwhichunitestoChrist,andisthesolecondition and instrument of justification, involves two essentialelements:--(1.) Assent to whatever the Scriptures reveal to us as to the person,offices,andworkofChrist.(a.)TheScripturesexpresslysaythatwearejustifiedbythatfaithofwhichChrististheobject.Rom.iii.22,25;Gal.ii.16;Phil. iii.9. (b.)RejectionofChrist inScripture isdeclared tobe theground of reprobation. John iii. 18, 19; viii. 24. Assent includes anintellectualrecognitionanda cordial embraceof theobject at the sametime. It is an act of the whole man -- intellect, affection, and will --embracing the truth. This especial act of faith in Christ, which securessalvation, is constantly paraphrased by such phrases as "coming toChrist,"Johnvi.35;"lookingtohim,"Isa.xlv.22;"receivinghim,"Johni.12; "fleeing to him for refuge," Heb. vi. 18; -- all of which manifestlyinvolveanactiveassenttoandcordialembrace,aswellasanintellectualrecognitionofthetruth.

(2.)Thesecondelementincludedinthatactoffaiththatsavesthesoulistrust,orimplicitrelianceuponChrist,anduponChristalone,forallthatisinvolvedinacompletesalvation.(a.)ThesingleconditionofsalvationdemandedintheScripturesisthatweshould"believein"or"on"ChristJesus. And salvation is promised absolutely and certainly if thiscommandisobeyed.Johnvii.38;Actsx.43;xvi.31;Gal.ii.16.Tobelieveinoronaperson,impliestrustaswellascredence.(b.)Weareconstantlysaidtobesaved"byfaithin"or"onChrist."Actsxxvi.18;Gal; iii.26;2Tim.iii.15."Faithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor."Heb.xi.1.Trustrestsuponthefoundationuponwhichexpectationisbased.Hopereachesforward to the object upon which desire and expectation meet. Hope,therefore,restsupontrust,andtrustgivesbirthtohope,andfaithmustincludetrustinordertogiverealityorsubstancetothethingshopedfor.(c.)Thesameisprovedbywhataresaidtobetheeffectsorfruitsoffaith.

Page 218: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

By faith the Christian is said to be " persuaded of the promises; " "toobtain them; " " to embrace them;" " to subdue kingdoms;" " to workrighteousness;" "to stop the mouths of lions." Heb. xi. All this plainlypresupposesthatfaithisnotabareintellectualconvictionofthetruthoftruthsrevealedintheScriptures,butthatitincludesaheartyembraceofand a confident reliance upon Christ, his meritorious work and hisgraciouspromises.

III. This faith is different in degrees,weak or strong;[10]may be oftenandmanywaysassailed,andweakened,butgetsthevictory:[11]growingupinmanytotheattainmentofafullassurance,throughChrist,[12]whoisboththeauthorandfinisherofourfaith.[13]

10.Heb.5:13-14;Rom.4:19-20;14:1-2;Matt.6:30;8:1011.Luke22:31-32;Eph.6:16;IJohn5:4-512.Heb.6:11-12;10:22;Col.2:213.Heb.12:2

Inthissectionitisaffirmed:--1. That this faith, although always as to essence the same, is oftendifferent in degrees in different persons, and in the same person atdifferenttimes.

2. That it is exposed tomany enemies, andmay be often and inmanywaysassailedandweakened,butthat,throughdivinegrace,italways intheendgainsthevictory.

3.That inmany itgrowsup to themeasureofa full assurance throughChrist.

Asallthepointsmadeinthissectionaretakenupagainanddiscussedatlength inchapterxviii.,on"AssuranceofGraceandSalvation,"wewilldeferwhatwehavetosayuponthesubjectuntilwecometothatplace.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthemostgeneralsenseoftheword"faith"?

Page 219: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.Whatisknowledge,andhowdoesitdifferfromfaith?

3. Prove that faith is not irrational, and that it rests upon appropriateevidence.

4. Show that faith is exercised by all men, and that its exercise isnecessarytohumanthoughtandtosociallife.

5.Whatisreligiousfaith?

6.Whatis"savingfaith,"andhowdoesitdifferfromtheformer?

7.Statethefirsttruthassertedofsavingfaithinthissection.

8.Statethesecondtruthasserted.

9.Statethethird.

10.ProvethatsavingfaithistheworkoftheHolySpirit.

11.ProvethatitisordinarilywroughtbytheSpiritthroughtheministryoftheWord.

12.Provethat itcontinuesto increaseandisstrengthenedbytheuseofthesacramentsandprayer.

13.Whatisthefirsttruthtaughtofsavingfaithinthethirdsection?

14.Whatisthesecondtruthtaught?

15.Whatisthethird?

16.Whatisthefourth?

17. Prove that saving faith rests upon the truth of the testimonywhichGodbearsinhisWord.

18. Prove that saving faith receives all the contents of God's Word,withoutexception.

Page 220: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

19. Prove that the complex state of mind to which the term "faith" isappliedintheScripturesvariesinsomeofitselementswiththenatureoftheparticularpassageofGod'sWordwhichisitsobject.

20.Istruthanintegralelementofsavingfaith?

21.Whatistheobjectofthatspecialactofsavingfaithwhichisthesoleinstrumentofjustification,andhencethesoleconditionofsalvation?

22.Whatisthefirstelementthatspecialfaithalwaysincludes?

23.Whatisthesecondelementitalwayscontains?

24.Provethatitessentiallyinvolvesassent.

25.Provethatitessentiallyinvolvestrust.

26. What relation do faith, hope and trust mutually sustain to oneanother?

27.Whatisthefirsttruthtaughtofsavingfaithinthethirdsection?

28.Whatisthesecondtaught?

29.Whatisthethirdtaught?

Page 221: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterFifteenOfRepentanceUntoLife

SECTION 1: REPENTANCE unto life is an evangelical grace,(1) thedoctrinewhereofistobepreachedbyeveryministerofthegospel,aswellasthatoffaithinChrist.(2)

SECTION2: BY it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of thedanger,butalsoofthefilthinessandodiousnessofhissins,ascontrarytotheholynatureandrighteouslawofGod,andupontheapprehensionofhismercy inChrist tosuchasarepenitent, sogrieves forandhateshissins,astoturnfromthemalluntoGod,(3)purposingandendeavoringtowalkwithhiminallthewaysofhiscommandments.(4)

(1) Zech. 12:10; Acts 11:18. (2) Luke 24:47; Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21. (3)Ezek. 18:30,31; 36:31; Isa. 30:22; Ps. 51:4; Jer. 31:18, 19; Joel 2:12,13;Amos5:15;Ps.119:128;2Cor.7:11.(4)Ps.119:6,59,106;Luke1:6;2Kings23:25.

The Confession now approaches the important doctrine of repentance.Hereweshallilluminatethebasisandessenceofrepentance.

1. The grounds of repentance are-(1)A true sense of sin. That spiritualillumination and renewal of the affections which are effected inregenerationbringsthebelievertoseeandappreciatetheholinessofGodasrevealedalikeinthelawandinthegospel(Rom.3:20;Job13:5,6);andin that light to see and feel the exceeding sinfulness of all sin, and theutter sinfulness of his own nature and conduct. This sense of sincorresponds precisely to the actual facts of the case, and the manapprehends himself to be just as God has always seen him to be. Itincludes-(a)Consciousnessofguilt;i.e.,exposuretomeritedpunishment,as opposed to the justice of God. (Ps. 51:4,9.) (b) Consciousness ofpollution, as opposed to the holiness of God. (Ps. 51:5,7,10.) And (c)Consciousnessofhelplessness.(Ps.51:11;109:21,22.)

Thegroundsofrepentanceare-(2)AbrightapprehensionofthemercyofGodinChrist.This isnecessary inordertotruerepentance-(a)Because

Page 222: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theawakened conscience echoesGod's law, and canbeappeasedbynolessapropitiationthanthatdemandedbydivinejusticeitself;anduntilthis is realized in a believing application to themerits of Christ eitherindifferencewillstupefyorremorsewilltormentthesoul.(b)BecauseoutofChristGodis"aconsumingfire,"andaninextinguishabledreadofhiswrathrepelsthesoul.(Deut.4:24;Heb.12:29.)(c)AsenseoftheamazinggoodnessofGodtousinthegiftofhisSon,andofourungratefulrequitalof it, is the most powerful means of bringing the soul to genuinerepentance for sin as committed against God. (Ps. 51:4.) (d) This isproved by the examples of repentance recorded in Scripture (Ps. 51:1;130:4),andbytheuniversalexperienceofChristiansinmoderntimes.

2.Astoitsessence,truerepentanceconsists-(1)Inasincerehatredofsin,andsorrowforourownsin(Ps.119:128,136).Sinisseentobeexceedingsinfulinthelightofthedivineholiness,ofthelawofGod,andespeciallyofthecrossofChrist.ThemoreweseeofGod in the faceofChrist, themoreweabhorourselvesandrepentindustandashes.(Job13:5,6;Ezek.36:31)."Godlysorrowworkethrepentancetosalvationnottoberepentedof."(2Cor.7:10.)"Bythelawistheknowledgeofsin"(Rom.3:20);andhence"thelawisourschoolmastertobringusuntoChrist."(Gal.3:24.)

Theessenceofrepentanceconsists-(2)InouractualturningfromallsinuntoGod. This is that practical turning, or "conversion" from sin untoGod,whichistheinstantandnecessaryconsequenceofregeneration.Itisa voluntary forsaking of sin as evil and hateful, with sincere sorrow,humiliation, and confession; and a turning untoGod as our reconciledFather,intheexerciseofimplicitfaithinthemeritsandassistinggraceofChrist. This ismarked by themeaning of the Greek word used by theHoly Spirit to express the idea of repentance-"a change of mind,"including evidently a change or thought, feeling, and purpose,corresponding to our new character as the children of God. If this besincere, it will of course lead to the element of practical repentance,namely,(3)Asincerepurposeof,andaperseveringendeavorafter,newobedience.(Acts26:20.)

By these marks it may be seen that repentance unto life can only beexercisedbyasoulafter,and inconsequenceof, itsregenerationbytheHolySpirit.Godregenerates;andwe,intheexerciseofthenewgracious

Page 223: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ability thus given, repent. Repentance and conversion, therefore, areterms applying often to the same gracious experience. The Scripturalusageofthetwowordsdiffersintworespects-(1)Conversionisthemoregeneral term, including all the various experiences involved in ourcommencingthedivinelife.ItespeciallyemphasizesthatexperienceasaturninguntoGod.Repentanceismorespecific,givingprominencetothework of the law upon the conscience, and especially emphasizing theexperiencesattendingthenewbirthasaturningfromsin.(2)Conversionisgenerallyusedtodesignateonlythefirstactingsof thenewnatureatthecommencementofareligiouslife,orthefirststepsofareturntoGodafter a notable backsilding (Luke 22:32); while repentance is a dailyexperienceof theChristianas longas thestrugglewithsincontinues inhisheartandlife.(Ps.19:12,13;Luke9:23;Gal.6:14;5:24.)

Thereisafalserepentanceexperiencedbeforeregeneration,andbythosenever regenerated,whicharises simply from the commonoperationsofthe truth and the Spirit upon the natural conscience, exciting simply asenseofguilt andpollution, leadingneither to thehatredof sin,nor tothe apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, nor to the practicalturningfromsinuntoGod.Thegenuinenessoftruerepentanceisproved(a)ByitsbeingconformedperfectlytotherequirementsandteachingsofScripture, and (b) By its fruits. If genuine, it infallibly springs fromregenerationandleadstoeternallife.

3.Asthusdefined,repentanceis,likefaith,anevangelicalgrace,giventous forChrist's sake, aswell as a duty obligatory upon us.What is heresaidofrepentanceisequallytrueofeverycharacteristicexperienceofthesubjectof regenerationandsanctification.Christ is thevine;weare thebranches.Butweseealsofree,accountableagents.EveryChristiandutyisthereforeagrace;forwithouthimwecandonothing.(John15:5).AndequallyeveryChristiangraceisaduty;becausethegraceisgiventoustoexercise,anditfindsitstrueresultandexpressiononlyintheduty.

ThatitisthusagiftofGodisevident-(1)Fromitsnature.Itinvolvestrueconviction of sin; a holy hatred of sin; faith in the Lord Jesus and hiswork, which faith is God's gift. (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:8. (2) It is directlyaffirmedinScripture.Zech.12:10;Acts5:31;11:18;2Tim.2:25.)

Page 224: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

4.Thatitshouldbediligentlypreachedbyeveryministerofthegospelis(1) Self-evident from the essential nature of the duty. (2) Because suchpreachingwas included in the commission Christ gave to the apostles.(Luke24:47,48.)(3)Becauseoftheexampleoftheapostles.(Acts20:21.)

SECTION 3: ALTHOUGH repentance be not to be rested in, as an,satisfactionforsin,oranycauseofthepardonthereof,(5)whichistheactofGod's freegrace inChrist;(6)yet is itofsuchnecessitytoall sinners,thatnonemayexpectpardonwithoutit.(7)

SECTION4:ASthereisnosinsosmallbutitdeservesdamnation;(8)sothereisnosinsogreat,thatitcanbringdamnationuponthosewhotrulyrepent.(9)

SECTION 5 : Men ought not to content themselves with a generalrepentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of hisparticularsinsparticularly.(10)

(5) Ezek. 36:31,32; 16:61,63. (6) Hos. 14:2,4; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7. (7)Luke13:3,5;Acts17:30,31.(8)Rom.6:23;5:12;Matt.12:36.(9)Isa.55:7;Rom.8:1;Isa.1:16,18.(10)Ps.19:13;Luke19:8;1Tim.1:13,15.

Thesesectionsteachthefollowingpropositions:

1. Repentance is not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or anycause of the pardon thereof. This directly contradicts the opinion ofSocinians,theadvocatesofthemoral-influencetheoryoftheatonement,andRationalistsgenerally,totheeffectthattherepentanceofthesinneristheonlysatisfactionthelawrequires,andhencetheonlyconditionGoddemands,asprerequisitetofullpardonandrestorationtodivinefavor.

ItalsocontradictstheRomandoctrineofpenance.Romanistsdistinguishpenance-(1)Asavirtue,whichisinternal,includingsorrowforsinandaturning from sin unto God. (2) As a sacrament, which is the externalexpressionoftheinternalstate.Thissacramentconsistsof(a)Contrition-i.e.,sorrowanddetestingofpastsins,withapurposeofsinningnomore;(b)Confessionor self-accusation to apriesthaving jurisdictionand thepowerofthekeys;(c)Satisfactionorsomepainfulwork,imposedbythe

Page 225: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

priest and performed by the penitent, to satisfy divine justice for sinscommitted;and(d)Absolution,pronouncedbythepriestjudicially,andnot merely declaratively. They hold that the element of satisfactionincluded in this sacramentmakes a real satisfaction for sin, and is anefficient cause of pardon, absolutely essential-the only means wherebythepardonofsinscommittedafterbaptismcanbesecured.(Cat.Rom.,part2.,ch.5.,qs.12,13.)

ThatrepentanceisnocausewhateverofthepardonofsinisprovedbyallthattheScripturesteachus-(1)AstothejusticeofGod,whichinexorablydemandsthepunishmentofeverysin;

(2)AstothenecessityforthesatisfactionrenderedtothelawandjusticeofGodbytheobedienceandsufferingofChrist;(3)Astothefactthathehasrenderedafullsatisfactioninbehalfofallforwhomhedied;(4)Astotheimpossibilityofanyman'ssecuringjustificationbyworksofanykind;and(5)AstothefactthatthebelieverisjustifiedsolelyonthegroundoftherighteousnessofChrist, imputedtohimandreceivedbyfaithalone.All these points have already been discussed under their appropriateheads; and they are more than sufficient to prove-(a) That pardon issecuredentirelyonadifferentbasis;(b)ThattheexternalpenanceoftheRomanist is an impertinent attempt to supplement the perfectsatisfactionofChrist;and(c)Thatinternalrepentance,whengenuine,isitself a gracious gift of God, without merit in itself; and of value onlybecauseitspringsfromtheapplicationofChrist'sgracetothesoul,andleadstotheapplicationbythesoultoChrist'sgrace.

2.Nevertheless, repentance isof suchnecessity toall sinners thatnonemay expect pardonwithout it. This is evident-(1)Because the giving ofpardontoanon-repentantsinnerwouldbeineffecttosanctionhissin,toconfirmhiminhissinfulstate,andtoencourageotherstherein.AlthoughScripture and the moral sense of men teach that repentance is noadequatesatisfactionforsin,noranequivalentforthepenalty,theyjustas clearly teach that it would be inconsistent in every sense with goodmorals to pardon a person cherishing an unrepentant spirit. (2)Repentance is the natural and instant sequence of the grace ofregeneration.ItalsoembracesanelementoffaithinChrist;andthatfaithis, as we have seen, the instrument of justification. He that repents

Page 226: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

believes. He that does not repent does not believe. He that does notbelieve is not justified. Regeneration and justification are neverseparated.(3)ThedesignofChrist'sworkisto"savehispeoplefromtheirsins."Matt.1:21.Hefreesthemfromtheguiltoftheirsinsbypardon,andhe brings them clear from the power of their sins through repentance."HimhathGodexalted...togiverepentancetoIsraelandforgivenessofsins."(Acts5:31.)(4)Repentance,likefaith,isadutyaswellasagrace,and ministers are commanded to preach it as essential to forgiveness.(Luke24:47;Acts20:21.21.)

3. That the least sin deserves punishment is obvious. Themoral law ismoralineveryelement,anditisoftheessenceofthatwhichismoralthatit isobligatory,andthat itsviolationisdeservingof reprobation.Hence"whosoevershallkeepthewholelaw,andyetoffendinonepoint,isguiltyof all." (James 2:10.) That there is no sin so great that it can bringcondemnationuponthosethattrulyrepentisalsoevident,becausetruerepentance,aswehaveseen, is thefruitofregeneration,andnoman isregeneratedwho is not also justified.Besides, true repentance includesfaith, and faith unites to Christ and secures the imputation of hisrighteousness, and the righteousness of Christ of course cancels allpossiblesin.(Rom.8:1;5:20.)

4.Thatmenoughttorepentnotonlyingeneralofthecorruptionoftheirhearts and sinfulness of their lives, but also of every particular sinfulactionofwhich theyare conscious, and thatwhenpossible they shouldredress the wrong done by their actions, is a dictate alike of naturalconscienceandscripture.(Luke19:8;1John1:9.)Nomanhasanyrighttopresumethathehatessiningeneralunlesshepracticallyhateseverysininparticular;andnomanhasanyrighttopresumethatheissorryforandreadytorenouncehisownsins ingeneralunlesshe isconsciousofpracticallyrenouncingandgrievingforeachparticularsinintowhichhefalls.

SECTION6:ASeverymanisboundtomakeprivateconfessionofhissinstoGod,prayingforthepardonthereof;(11)uponwhich,andtheforsakingofthem,heshallfindmercy;(12)sohethatscandalizeshisbrother,ortheChurchofChrist,oughttobewillingbyprivateorpublicconfessionandsorrow forhis sin, todeclarehis repentance to those thatareoffended;

Page 227: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(13)who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receivehim.(14)

(11)Ps.51:4,5,7,9,14;32:5,6.(12)Prov.28:13;1John1:9.(13)James5:16;Luke17:3,4;Josh.7:19;Ps.51:(14)2Cor.2:8.

Thissectionteaches:

1.ThateverymanshouldmakeprivateconfessionofallhissinstoGod,and that God will certainly pardon him when his sorrow and hisrenunciationofhissinsaresincere. "Ifweconfessoursins,he(God) isfaithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from allunrighteousness."(1John1:9.)

2.ThatwhenaChristianhaspersonallyinjuredabother,orscandalizedbyhisunchristianconducttheChurchofChrist,heoughttobewilling,bya public or a private confession, as the case may be, to declare hisrepentance to those that are offended, is also a dictate alike of naturalreasonandofScripture.Ifwehavedonewrong,westandinthepositionofonemaintainingawronguntil,byanexpressedrepentanceand,wherepossible,redressofthewrong,weplaceourselvesonthesideoftheright.Thewrong-doer is plainly in debt to theman he has injured, tomakeevery possible restitution to his feelings and interests; and the sameprincipleholds true in relation to the general interests of the Christiancommunity. The duty is expressly commanded in Scripture. (Matt.5:23,24;James5:16;Matt.18:15-18.)

3.Thatitisthedutyofthebrethren,oroftheChurch,whenoffended,toforgive the offending party and restore him fully to favor upon hisrepentance, is also a dictate of natural conscience and of Scripture. Allhonorable men feel themselves bound to act upon this principle. TheChristian is, in addition,broughtunderobligations to forgiveothersbyhis own infinite obligation to his Lord, who not only forgave us uponrepentance, but died to redeem us while we were unrepentant. As topublicscandals,theChurchisboundtoforgivethemwhentheLordhasdoneso.AsgenuinerepentanceisthegiftofChrist,itsevidentexerciseisacertainindicationthatthepersonexercisingitisforgivenbyChristandisaChristianbrother.(Luke17:3,4;2Cor.2:7,8;Matt.6:12.)

Page 228: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

TheRomanCatholicChurchhashistoriallytaughtthat,asanelementofpenanceandevidenceoftruerepentance,theChristianmustconfessallhissinswithoutreserve,inalltheirdetailsandqualifyingcircumstances,toapriesthavingjurisdiction;andthatifanymortalsinisunconfesseditisnot forgiven;and if theomission iswillful, it issacrilege,andgreaterguilt is incurred. (Cat. Rom., part 2., ch. 5., qs. 33, 34, 42.) And theymaintainthatthepriestabsolvesjudicially,notmerelydeclaratively,fromallthepenalconsequencesofthesinsconfessed,bytheauthorityofJesusChrist.

ThisisanobviousperversionoftheScripturalcommandtoconfess.Theybidus simply to confessour faults one to another.There is not awordsaid about confession to a priest in the Bible. The believer, on thecontrary, has immediate access toChrist, and toGod throughChrist (1Tim.2:5;John14:6;5:40;Matt.11:28),andiscommandedtoconfesshissins immediately to God. (1 John 1:9.) No priestly function is everascribedto theChristianministry in theNewTestament. Thepower ofabsolute forgiveness of sin belongs to God alone (Matt. 9:26), isincommunicable in its very nature, and has never been granted to anyclass ofmen as amatter of fact. The authority to bind or loose whichChrist committed to his Church was understood by the apostles, as isevident from theirpractice, as simply conveying thepower of declaringthe conditionsonwhichGodpardons sin; and, in accordancewith thatdeclaration,ofadmittingorofexcludingmenfromsealingordinances.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirsttruthtaughtinthefirstandsecondsections?

2.Whatisthesecondtaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatdoesatruesenseofsininclude?

Page 229: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

6.Showhowitleadstorepentance.

7.ShowthatanapprehensionofthemercyofGodinChristisnecessarytoleadtotruerepentance.

8.Whatthreeelementsenterintogenuinerepentance?

9.Showthatitincludesatruehatredofsinandsorrowforourownsin.

10.ShowthatitincludesanactualturningfromallsinuntoGod.

11.Showthatitincludesasincerepurposeof,andaperseveringendeavorafter,newobedience.

12.Whatdistinctionismaintainedintheusageofthewords"conversion"and"repentance"inScripture?

13.What is a false repentance, and howmay a genuine repentance bediscriminatedfromit?

14. What is meant when it is affirmed that every Christian duty is aChristiangrace?

15.Provethatrepentanceisanevangelicalgrace.

16.Whyshoulditbediligentlypreached?

17.WhattwopropositionsaretaughtinWCF15.3?

18.WhatistaughtinWCF15.4?

19.WhatinWCF15.5?

20.What is the Socinian or Rationalistic doctrine as to the relation ofrepentancetopardon?

21.WhatistheRomishdoctrineofpenance?

22.Ofwhatthreeelementsdotheyteachthatexternalpenanceconsists?

Page 230: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

23.Provethatrepentanceisnocausewhateverofthepardonofsin.

24.Provethatnoneareeverpardonedwithoutrepentance.

25.Provethattheleastsindeservescondemnation.

26. Prove that no sinwill secure condemnation in the case of the trulypenitent.

27.Prove thatmenought to repentof theirparticular sinful actions, aswellasoftheirsinfulnessingeneral.

28.Whatisthefirstpointaffirmedinthesixthsection?

29.Whatisthesecondpointaffirmedthere?

30.Whatisthethirdpointaffirmedthere?

31.WhatdoestheRomishChurchteachastoconfessionofsins?

32.Whatdoessheteachastoabsolutionfromsin?

33.Provethatsheiswrongastoherdoctrineofconfession.

34.Provethatsheiswrongastopriestlyabsolution.---------

[1]Cat.Rom.,partii.,ch.5.,Qs.12and13.

[2]Cat.Rom.,partii.,ch.v.,Qs.33,34,42.

ChapterSixteenOfGoodWorks

SECTION 1.Goodworks are only such asGodhath commanded in hisholyWord,[1]andnotsuchas,withoutthewarrantthereof,aredevisedbymen,outofblindzeal,oruponanypretenseofgoodintention.[2]

Page 231: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1.Micah6:8;Rom.12:2;Heb.13:212.Matt.15:9;Isa.29:13;IPeter1:18;John16:2;Rom.10:2;ISam.15:21-23;Deut.10:12-13;Col.2:16-17,20-23

SECTION II. These good works, done in obedience to God'scommandments,arethefruitsandevidencesofatrueandlivelyfaith:[3]and by them believers manifest their thankfulness,[4] strengthen theirassurance,[5]edifytheirbrethren,[6]adorntheprofessionofthegospel,[7] stop the mouths of the adversaries,[8] and glorify God,[9] whoseworkmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto,[10] that,havingtheirfruituntoholiness,theymayhavetheend,eternallife.[11]

3.James2:18,224.Psa.116:12-14;Col.3:15-17;IPeter2:95.IJohn2:3,5;IIPeter1:5-106.IICor.9:2;Matt.5:16;ITim.4:127.Titus2:5,9-12;ITim.6:18.IPeter2:159.IPeter2:12;Phil.1:11;John15:810.Eph.2:1011.Rom.6:22

THESEsectionsteachthefollowingpropositions:--l. Inorder that anyhumanaction shouldbe truly a goodwork, itmusthavethefollowingessentialcharacteristics:--(1.)ItmustbesomethingdirectlyorimplicitlycommandedbyGod.(2.)Itmust spring from an inward principle of faith and love in the heart.WorksnotcommandedbyGod,butinventedandgratuitouslyperformedby men, are utterly destitute of moral character, and if offered in theplaceoftheobediencerequired,theyareoffensive.

2.Theeffectsandusesofgoodworks intheChristian lifearemanifold,and are such as -- (1.) They express the gratitude of the believer, andmanifest the grace of God in him, and so adorn the profession of thegospel.(2.)TheyglorifyGod.(3.)Theydevelopgracebyexercise,andsostrengthen the believer's assurance. (4.) They edify the brethren. (5.)They stop the mouths of adversaries. (6.) They are necessary to theattainmentofeternallife.

Page 232: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1.Inorderthataworkmaybegood,(1.)ItmustbeanactperformedinconformitytoGod'srevealedwill.Thelawofabsolutemoralperfectiontowhich we are held in subjection is not the law of our own reasons orconsciences, but it is an all-perfect rule of righteousness, having itsground in the eternal nature of God, and its expression and obligingauthority to us in the divine will. Not self-development, not therealizationofanidealend,butobediencetoapersonalauthoritywithoutandaboveus,ispreciselywhatreason,conscience,andScripturerequire.Thegoodmanistheobedientman.Thesinnerineverytransgressionofvirtue is conscious that he is guilty of disobedience to the SupremeLawgiver.Davidsays inhisrepentance,"Against thee, theeonly,have Isinned, and done this evil in thy sight" Ps. li. 4. God has given in theinspiredScriptures a perfect rule of faith and practice. Every principle,everymotive,andeveryendofrightaction,accordingtothewillofGod,may there be easily learned by the devout inquirer. God says to hisChurch:"WhatthingsoeverIcommandyou,observetodoit:thoushaltnotaddthereto,nordiminishfromit."Deut.xii.32;Rev.xxii.18,19.AndGodveryenergeticallydeclareshisabhorrenceofuncommandedservices,of"voluntaryhumility"and"will-worship."Isa.i.11,12;Col.ii.16--23.

In order that a work may be truly good, (2.) It must spring from aprincipleoffaithandloveintheheart.Allmenrecognizethatthemoralcharacter of an act always is determined by themoral character of theprinciple or affection which prompts to it. Unregenerate men performmanyactions,goodsofarastheirexternalrelationstotheir fellow-menareconcerned.ButlovetoGodisthefoundation-principleuponwhichallmoraldutiesrest,justasourrelationtoGodisthefundamentalrelationuponwhichallourotherrelationsrest.IfamanisalienatedfromGod,ifhe is not in the present exercise of trust in him and love for him, anyaction he can performwill lack the essential elementwhichmakes it atrueobedience.Goodworks,accordingtotheScriptures,arethefruitsofsanctification, having their root in regeneration: " For we are hisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks,whichGodhathbeforeordainedthatweshouldwalkinthem."Eph.ii.10.Jamessaysthatfaithisshownbyworks;whichofcourseimpliesthatthekindofworksofwhichhespeaksspringsonlyfromabelievingheart.Jamesii.18,22.

Page 233: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.Theeffectsandusesofgoodworks intheChristian lifearemanifold,and are such as -- (1.) They express the gratitude of the believer, andmanifest the grace of God in him, and so adorn the profession of thegospel. "Faith worketh by love." Gal. v. 6. Christ says that we are toexpressourloveforhimbykeepinghiscommandments.Johnxiv.15,23.As they are the fruits of the Spirit, they render manifest the excellentworkingoftheSpirit.1Tim.ii.10;Tit.ii.10.(2.)TheyglorifyGod.SinceGodistheirauthor(Eph.ii.10),theymanifesttheexcellencyofhisgrace,and excite all who behold them to appreciate and proclaim his glory.Matt. v. 16; 1 Pet. ii. 12. (3.) As they spring from grace, so theperformanceofthemexercisesgraceingeneral,andeachgraceseverallyaccordingtothenatureoftheworkperformers.Thusbytheuniversallawof habit grace grows by its exercise. And the assurance as to our owngraciousstatenaturallyincreaseswiththestrengthandevidenceofthosegracesuntowhichthepromiseofsalvationisattached.(4.)Theyedifythebrethren.Goodworksedifyothers,bothasconfirmatoryevidenceofthetruthofChristianity and thepower of divine grace, andby the forceofexampleinducingmentopracticethesame.1Thess.i.7;1Tim.iv.12;1Pet. v. 3. (5.)For the same reasonsgoodworksdisprove the cavils andrendernugatorytheoppositionofwickedmen.1Pet.ii.15.(6.)Theyarenecessary to the attainment of salvation, not in any sense as aprerequisite to justification, nor in any stage of the believer's progressmeritingthedivinefavour,butasessentialelementsofthatsalvation,theconsubstantial fruits and means of sanctification and glorification. Asavedsoul is a holy soul, and a holy soul is onewhose faculties are allengaged in works of loving obedience. Grace in the heart cannot existwithout good works as their consequent. Good works cannot existwithout the increaseof thegraceswhichareexercised in them.Heavencouldnotexistexceptasasocietyofholysoulsmutuallyobeyingthelawofloveinallthegoodworksthatlawrequires.Eph.v.25--27;1Thess.iv.6,7;Rev.xxi.27.

SECTIONIII.Theirability todogoodworks isnotatallof themselves,butwholly from theSpirit ofChrist.[12]And that theymaybe enabledthereunto,besidethegracestheyhavealreadyreceived,thereisrequiredanactualinfluenceofthesameHolySpirit,toworkinthemtowill,andtodo,ofhisgoodpleasure:[13]yetaretheynothereupontogrownegligent,

Page 234: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a specialmotionoftheSpirit;buttheyoughttobediligentinstirringupthegraceofGodthatisinthem.[14]

12.John15:4-6;Rom.8:4-14;Ezek.36:26-2713.Phil.2:13;4:13;IICor.3:5;Eph.3:1614.Phil.2:12;Heb.6:11-12; IIPeter 1:3,5, 10-11; Isa.64:7; IITim. 1:6;Acts26:6-7;Jude1:20-21

As we have seen under chapter x., in regeneration the Holy Spiritimplants a permanent holy principle or habit in the soul, which evercontinues the germor seed fromwhichall gracious affections andholyexercises do proceed. In respect to the implantation of this permanentholyprinciplebytheHolySpiritthesoulispassive.But,theinstantthisnewmoraldispositionortendencyisimplantedinthesoul,asamatterofcourse the moral character of its exercises is changed, and the soulbecomesactiveingoodworks,asbeforeithad,beeninevilones.But,aswe also saw under chapter xiii., sanctification is a work of God's freegrace,whereinhecontinuesgraciouslytosustain,nourish,andguidetheexercise of the permanent habit of grace which he had implanted inregeneration. The regenerated man depends upon the continuedindwelling,theprompting,andthesustainingandtheenablingpowerofthe Holy Spirit, in every act of obedience in the exercise of grace;nevertheless as the acts of obedience to the performance of which theSpiritpromptsandenableshimarehisownacts,itfollowsthathe,whileseekingtheguidanceandsupportofgrace,mustactivelyco-operatewithit,acting,likeeveryfreeagent,undertheinfluenceofmotivesandasenseofpersonalresponsibility.Hencethissectionasserts:--1. That the ability of the Christian to do goodworks is not at all fromhimself,butwhollyfromtheSpiritofChrist.

2. That in order thereto, in addition to the grace implanted inregeneration, there is needed a continual influence of the Holy Ghostupon all the faculties of the renewed soul, whereby the Christian isenabledtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure.

3.Thatthisdoctrineof theabsolutedependenceof thesoul isnottobeperverted into an occasion to indolence, or to abate in any degree our

Page 235: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

sense of personal obligation.God'swill is exhibited to us objectively inthe written Word. The obligation to voluntary obedience binds ourconsciences.TheHolySpiritdoesnotwork independentlyof theWord,but through the Word; nor does he work irrespectively of ourconstitutional facultiesof reason, conscience, and freewill, but throughthem. It hence follows that we can never honour the Holy Spirit bywaitingforhisspecialmotions,butthatwealwaysyieldtoandco-workwithhimwhenwe,whileseekinghisguidanceandassistance,useallthemeansofgrace,andallourownbestenergies,inbeinganddoingallthatthelawofGodrequires.It isneverthewaiters forgrace,butalwaystheactiveseekersforgraceanddoersofhisword,whomGodapproves.Lukexi.19-13;Jamesi.22,23.

SECTIONIV.Theywho,intheirobedience,attaintothegreatestheightwhichispossible inthis life,aresofarfrombeingabletosupererogate,andtodomorethanGodrequires,asthattheyfallshortofmuchwhichindutytheyareboundtodo.[15]

15.Luke17:10;Neh.13:22;Rom.8:21-25;Gal.5:17

SECTIONV.Wecannotbyourbestworksmeritpardonofsin,oreternallife at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that isbetween them and the glory to come; and the infinite distance that isbetweenusandGod,whom,by them,wecanneitherprofit,nor satisfyforthedebtofourformersins,[16]butwhenwehavedoneallwecan,wehavedonebutourduty,andareunprofitableservants:[17]andbecause,as they are good, they proceed from his Spirit;[18] and as they arewroughtbyus, theyaredefiled,andmixedwithsomuchweaknessandimperfection,thattheycannotenduretheseverityofGod'sjudgment.[19]

16.Rom.3:20;4:2,4,6;8:18,22-24;Eph.2:8-9;Titus3:5-7;Psa.16:2;Job22:2-3,35:7-817.Luke17:1018.Rom.8:13-14;Gal.5:22-2319.Isa.64:6;Gal.5:17;Rom.7:15,18;Psa.130:3;143:2

SECTIONVI.Notwithstanding, the persons of believers being acceptedthrough Christ, their good works also are accepted in him;[20] not as

Page 236: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable inGod'ssight;[21]butthathe,lookingupontheminhisSon,ispleasedtoaccept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied withmanyweaknessesandimperfections.[22]

20.Eph.1:6;IPeter2:5;seeExod.28:38;Gen.4:4;Heb.11:421.Job9:20;Psa.143:2;IJohn1:822.Heb.6:10;13:20-21;IICor.8:12;Matt.25:21,23;ICor.3:14;4:5

Thesesectionsteach:--1.Thatworksofsupererogationareso far frombeingpossible,evenforthemost eminent saint, that in this life it is not possible for themostthoroughlysanctifiedonefullytodischargeallhispositiveobligations.

2.That, for several reasonsassigned, thebestworksofbelievers, so farfrommeritingeitherthepardonofsinoreternallifeatthehandsofGod,cannotevenendurethescrutinyofhisholyjudgment.

3. That, nevertheless, the works of sincere believers are, like theirpersons, inspiteof their imperfections,acceptedbecauseof theirunionwithChristJesus,andrewardedforhissake.

1.Thephrase"supererogation"means"morethanisdemanded."WorksofsupererogationareintheirownnatureimpossibleunderthemorallawofGod.Inman'spresentstateeventhemosteminentsaintisincapableoffullydischargingallhisobligations--muchmore,ofcourse,ofsurpassingthem. The Romish Church teaches the ordinary Arminian theory ofperfectionism.Inadditiontothiserror,theyteach,(a.)thatgoodworkssubsequent to baptism merit increase of grace and eternal felicity(CouncilofTrent,sess.vi.,ch.xvi.,can.24,32);.and(b.)theydistinguishbetween the commands and the counsels of Christ. The former arebindinguponallclassesofthepeople,andtheirobservancenecessaryinorderto salvation. The latter, consisting of advice, not of commands --suchascelibacy,voluntarypoverty,obediencetomonasticrule,etc.--arebinding only on those who voluntarily assume them, seeking a higherdegreeofperfectionandamoreexaltedreward.

We have already, under chapter xiii., seen that a state of sinless

Page 237: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

perfection is never attained by Christians in this life; and it, of course,follows that much less is it possible for any to do more than iscommanded.

Thatworksofsupererogationarealwaysandessentiallyimpossibletoallcreaturesinallworldsisalsoevident--(1.)Fromtheverynatureofthemoral law. That which is right under any relation is intrinsicallyobligatoryuponthemoralagentstandinginthatrelation.Ifitbemoral,itisobligatory.Ifitbenotobligatory,itisnotmoral.Ifitisnotmoral,itis,of course, of no moral value or merit. If it is obligatory, it is notsupererogatory. When men do what it is their duty to do, they are toclaimnothingforit.Lukexvii.10.(2.)ThedoingofthatwhichGodhasnot made it man's duty to do -- all manner of will-worship andcommandmentsofmen--Goddeclaresisanabominationtohim.Col.ii.18 -- 23 1 Tim. iv. 3Matt. xv. 9. (3)Christ has givenno "counsels," asdistinctfromhiscommands.HisabsoluteanduniversalcommandtoloveGodwiththewholesoul,andourneighborasourselves,coversthewholegroundofpossibleabilityoropportunityonearthorinheaven.Matt.xxii.37--40.(4.)Increaseofgraceandeternalfelicity,andallelsewhichthebeliever needs or is capable of, is secured for him by the purchase ofChrist'sblood, andeither given freelynowwithoutprice,or is reservedforhim in thateternal inheritancewhichhe is to receiveasa joint-heirwithChrist.(5.)TheworkingoftheRomishsystemofcelibacy,voluntarypoverty, and monastic vows, has produced such fruits as prove theprincipleonwhichtheyrestradicallyimmoralandfalse.

2. The best works of believers, instead of meriting pardon of sin andeternal life, cannot endure the scrutiny of God's holy judgment. Thereasonsforthisassertionare--(1.)Asaboveshown,fromthenatureofthemorallaw.Whatisnotobligatoryisnotmoral,andwhatisnotmoralcan have no moral desert. (2.) The best works possible for man areinfinitelyunworthy tobe compared invaluewithGod's favour, and therewardswhichmenwhotrusttoworksseektoobtainthroughthem.(3.)God's infinitesuperiority tous,hisabsoluteproprietorship inusasourMaker, and sovereignty over us as our moral Governor, necessarilyexclude thepossibilityofouractionsdeservingany rewardathishand.Noactionof ours canprofitGodor layhimunder obligation tous.All

Page 238: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

that is possible to us is already a debtwe owe him as our Creator andPreserver. When we have done our utmost we are only unprofitableservants. Much less, then, can any possible obedience at one momentatone for any disobedience in anothermoment. (4.) As already provedunder chapter xiii., on Sanctification, our works, which could meritnothing even if perfect, are in this life, because of remainingimperfections,mostimperfect.Theytherefore,thebestofthem,needtobe atoned. for by the blood, and presented through the mediation, ofChrist,beforetheycanfindacceptancewiththeFather.

3. Nevertheless, the good works of sincere believers are, like theirpersons,inspiteoftheirimperfections,accepted,becauseoftheirunionwithChristJesus,andrewardedforhissake.AllourapproachestoGodaremadethroughChrist.ItisonlythroughhimthatwehaveaccesstotheFatherbytheSpirit.Eph. ii.18.Whateverwedo,"inwordordeed,"wearecommandedto"doallinthenameoftheLordJesus."Col.iii.17.

Astotherelationofgoodworkstorewards,itmaybeobserved--

(1.)Theword"merit,"inthestrictsenseoftheterm,meansthatcommonqualityofallactionsorservicestowhicharewardisdue,instrictjustice,onaccountoftheirintrinsicvalueorworthiness.Itisevidentthat,inthisstrictsense,noworkofanycreaturecaninitselfmeritanyrewardfromGod;because--(a.)AllthefacultieshepossesseswereoriginallygrantedandarecontinuouslysustainedbyGod,sothatheisalreadysofarindebtto God that he can never bring God in debt to him. (b.) Nothing thecreaturecandocanbea justequivalent for the incomparable favour ofGodanditsconsequences.

(2.) There is another sense of the word, however, in which it may beaffirmedthatifAdamhadinhisoriginalprobationyieldedtheobediencerequired, hewould have "merited" the reward conditionedupon it, notbecauseoftheintrinsicvalueofthatobedience,butbecauseofthetermsof the covenant which God had graciously condescended to form withhim. By nature, the creature owed the Creator obedience, while theCreator owed the creature nothing. But by covenant the Creatorvoluntarily bound himself to owe the creature eternal life, upon theconditionofperfectobedience.

Page 239: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ItisevidentthatinthislifetheworksofGod'speoplecanhavenomeritineitherofthesensesabovenoticed.Theycanhavenomeritintrinsically,because they are all imperfect, and therefore themselves worthy ofpunishmentratherthanofreward.TheycanhavenomeritbycovenantconcessiononGod'spart,becausewearenotnowstandinginGod'ssightin the covenantofworks,butof grace, and the righteousnessofChrist,received by faith alone, constitutes the sole meritorious ground uponwhich our salvation, in all of its stages, rests. See chapter. xi., onJustification.

Inthedispensationofthegospel,thegraciousworldof thebelieverandthe gracious reward he receives fromGod are branches from the samegracious root. The same covenant of grace provides at once for theinfusion of grace in the heart, the exercise of grace in the life, and thereward of the grace so exercised. It is all of grace -- a grace called arewardaddedtoagracecalledawork.Theonegraceissetoppositetotheother grace as a reward, for these reasons: (a.) To act upon us as asuitablestimulustoduty.GodpromisestorewardtheChristianjustasafatherpromisestorewardhischildfordoingwhatisitsduty,andwhatisforitsownbenefitalone.(b.)Re-causeacertaingraciousproportionhasbeen established between the grace given in the reward and the gracegivenintheholyexercisesoftheheartandlife;butbotharealikegivenforChrist'ssake.Thisproportionhasbeenestablished--themoregraceof obedience, themore grace of reward -- themore graceon earth, themore glory in heaven -- becauseGod sowills it, andbecause the gracegiven and exercised in obedienceprepares the soul for the receptionofthefurthergracegiveninthereward.Matt.xvi.27;1Cor.iii.8;2Cor.iv.17.

SECTIONVII.Worksdonebyunregeneratemen,althoughforthematterofthemtheymaybethingswhichGodcommands;andofgoodusebothto themselves and others:[23] yet, because they proceed not from anheartpurifiedbyfaith;[24]noraredoneinarightmanner,accordingtotheWord;[25]nortoarightend,thegloryofGod,[26]theyarethereforesinful,andcannotpleaseGod,ormakeamanmeettoreceivegracefromGod:[27] and yet, their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasinguntoGod.[28]

Page 240: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

23.IIKings10:30-31;IKings21:27,29;Luke6:32-34;18:2-7;seeRom.13:424.Heb.11:4,6;seeGen.4:3-525.ICor.13:3;Isa.1:1226.Matt.6:2,5,16;ICor.10:3127.Prov.21:27;Hag.2:14;Titus1:15;Amos5:21-22;Mark7:6-7;Hosea1:4;Rom.9:16;Titus3:528.Isa.14:4;36:3;Matt.23:23;25:41-45;seeRom.1:21-32

Thissectionteaches:--

1. That unregenerate men may perform many actions which, for thematterofthem,aresuchasGodcommands,andareofgoodusebothtothemselvesandothers.Thetruthofthisisverifiedintheexperienceandobservationofallmen,andwebelieveitisnotcalledinquestionbyanyparty.

2.Nevertheless, theyare atbest, all of them,not only imperfectworks,morallyconsidered,butungodlyworksreligiouslyconsidered.Theyare,therefore,notintheScripturalsensegoodworks,norcantheysatisfytherequirements of God, nor merit grace, nor make the soul fit for thereceptionofgrace.

The distinction is plain between an action in itself considered, andconsidered in its motives and object. A truly good work is one whichsprings from a principle of divine love, and has the glory ofGod as itsobjectandtherevealedwillofGodasitsrule.Noneoftheactionsofanunregeneratemanareofthischaracter.

There is also an obvious distinction between an act viewed in in itselfabstractly, and the same action viewed in relation to the personperforming it and his personal relations. A rebel against sovereignauthoritymaydomanyamiable things,andmanyactsofrealvirtue,asfarashis relations tohis fellow-rebels are concerned. It isneverthelesstrue that a rebel, during the whole period of his rebellion, is in everymomentoftimeandeveryactionofhislifearebelwithreferencetothatsupremeauthoritywhichthroughallhecontinues todefy. In thissensetheploughingofthewickedissaidtobesin.Prov.xxi.4.Andthusaslong

Page 241: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

asmenstayawayfromChrist,andrefusetosubmittotherighteousnessofGod,alltheiruseofthemeansofgraceandalltheirnaturalvirtuesaresinsinGod'ssight.

3.NeverthelessGodismoredispleasedwiththeirneglectingtodothesecommanded duties at all than he is with their doing them sinfully assinners.TheseworksdonebyunregeneratemenarecommandedbyGod,and hence are their bounden duties. Their sin lies not in their doingthem,butintheirpersonalattitudeofrebellion,andintheabsenceoftheproper motives and objects. If they neglected to do them, the neglectwould he added to the other grounds of condemnation, which wouldremain all the same. These ought they to do, but not to leave theweightiermatters of the law undone. The amiable acts of a rebelmustinvolveelementsofrebellion,andyethewouldbemoretobecondemnedwithoutthemthanwiththem.

QUESTIONS

1.What are taught in the first and second sections to be the essentialcharacteristicsofeverytrulygoodwork?

2.Whatistheretaughtusastotheeffectsandusesofgoodworks?

3. State the proof derived from the nature of themoral law itself, thateveryworkinordertobetrulygoodmustbewroughtinobediencetotherevealedwillofGod.

4.Showthatallvirtueisobedience,andallsindisobedience.

5.ProvethatGodabhorsall"will-worship"anduncommandedservice.

6. Prove that a work in order to be truly good must spring from aprincipleoffaithandloveintheheart.

7.Showthatgoodworksexpressgratitude,manifestgraceandadorntheChristianprofession.

Page 242: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

8.ProvethattheyglorifyGod.

9.Provethattheytendtoincreasethegracefromwhichtheyspring,andto strengthen the assurance of hope on the part of those who performthem.

10.Showthattheyedifythebrethren.

11.Showthattheystopthemouthsofadversaries.

12.Show that theyarenecessary to theattainmentof salvation,andonwhatgrounds.

13.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinsection3?

14.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

15. Prove that, besides the grace granted in regeneration, the believerneeds, in order to goodworks, the constant prompting, sustaining andenablinginfluencesoftheHolyGhost.

16.Whatisthethirdpropositiontheretaught?

17. Show that the Christian is not to wait for special influences of theSpirittoprompthimtoduty,butinrelianceontheconstantassistanceofthe Spirit, and in obedience to God's will revealed in hisWord, to usewithdiligencethegracehealreadyhas,lookingforandexpectingmoreasthenecessityoccurs.

18. What is the first proposition taught in the fourth, fifth and sixthsections?

19.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

20.Whatisthethirdtaught?

21.Whatareworksof"supererogation?"

22.What is theRomishdoctrine as to themerit of goodworks, andof

Page 243: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

worksofsupererogation?

23.Prove fromthenatureof themoral law, fromtheWordofGodandfromthepracticaleffectsof theRomishsystemthattheirdoctrineastoworksofsupererogationisimmoral.

24.ProvethatthebestworksofChristiansareincapableofsustainingtheseverityofGod'sjustjudgment.

25.OnwhatgroundsarethegoodworksofbelieversacceptedbyGod?

26.Whatisthestrictsenseoftheword"merit?"

27.Showthat inthatsensenoworksofanycreaturecanpossiblymeritanythingatthehandsoftheCreator.

28.Whatisthesecondarysenseinwhichthewordisused?

29.ShowthattheterminneitherofthesesensescanbeappliedjustlytotheworksofChristiansinthislife.

30. What, then, is the relation which the Scriptures teach subsistsbetweengoodworksandrewards?

31.WhyareanyofGod'spurelygraciousgiftscalledrewards?

32.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtintheseventhsection?

33.Provethatthebestworksoftheunregeneratearenotonlyimperfectmorally,butreligiouslyungodly.

34.Provethatneverthelesstheycommitgreatersininneglectingthaninperformingtheseduties.

35.What is the first and absolutely bindingduty of every rebel againstGodandhisChrist?-----

[1]CouncilofTrent,Sess.vi.,ch.xvi.,Canon24,32.

Page 244: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterSeventeenOfthePerseveranceoftheSaints

SECTION I. They, whomGod hath accepted in his Beloved, effectuallycalled,andsanctifiedbyhisSpirit,canneithertotallynorfinallyfallawayfromthestateofgrace,butshallcertainlypersevere therein to theend,andbeeternallysaved.[1]

1.Phil.1:6;IIPeter1:10;Rom.8:28-30;John10:28-29;IJohn3:9;5:18;IPeter1:5,9

SECTIONII.Thisperseveranceofthesaintsdependsnotupontheirownfree will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowingfrom the free and unchangeable love of God the Father;[2] upon theefficacyofthemeritandintercessionofJesusChrist,[3]theabidingoftheSpirit, and of the seed of God within them,[4] and the nature of thecovenant of grace:[5] from all which ariseth also the certainty andinfallibilitythereof.[6]

2.Psa.89:3-4,28-33;IITim.2:18-19;Jer.31:33.Heb.7:25;9:12-15;10:10,14;13:20-21;17:11,24;Rom.8:33-39;Luke22:324.John14:16-17;IJohn2:27;3:95.Jer.32:40;Psa.89:34-37;seeJer.31:31-346.John6:38-40;10:28;IIThess.3:3;IJohn2:19

SECTIONIII.Nevertheless,theymay,throughthetemptationsofSatanandoftheworld,theprevalencyofcorruptionremaininginthem,andtheneglectofthemeansoftheirpreservation,fallintogrievoussins;[7]and,foratime,continuetherein:[8]wherebytheyincurGod'sdispleasure,[9]andgrievehisHolySpirit,[10]cometobedeprivedofsomemeasure oftheirgracesandcomforts,[11]have theirheartshardened,[12]and theirconsciences wounded;[13] hurt and scandalize others,[14] and bringtemporaljudgmentsuponthemselves.[15]

Page 245: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

7.Exod.32:21;Jonah1:3,10;Psa.51:14;Matt.26:70,72,748.IISam.12:9,13;Gal.2:11-149.Num.20:12;IISam.11:27;Isa.64:7,910.Eph.4:3011.Psa.51:8,10,12;Rev.2:4;Matt.26:7512.Isa.63:1713.Psa.32:3-4;51:814.Gen.12:10-20;IISam.12:14;Gal.2:1315.Psa.89:31-32;ICor.11:32

Thischapterteachesthefollowingpropositions:--1.Thetruebeliever,havingbeenonceregeneratedandjustifiedbyGod,can never afterward totally nor finally fall away from grace, but shallcertainlyperseverethereintotheend.2.Thattheprincipleofthiscertainperseverance is not in any degree in the free will of the saints, butaltogether -- (1.) In the inherent immutability of the eternal decree ofelection;(2.)Intheprovisionsoftheeternalcovenantofgrace;(3.)InthemeritsandintercessionofChrist;and.(4.)IntheconstantindwellingandpreservingpoweroftheHolyGhost.

3. The true believermay nevertheless fall into grievous sins, and for atime continue therein. The occasions of which falls are -- (1.) Thetemptations of the world; (2.) The seductions of Satan; (3.) Theremainingcorruptionsoftheirownnature;(4.)Theneglectofthemeansofgrace.The effects ofwhich falls are -- (a.)God isdispleasedand theHolyGhostgrieved;(6.)Theyarethemselvestoadegreedeprivedoftheirgracesandcomforts, theirheartsbeinghardenedand their conscienceswounded,andtheirpersonsvisitedwith temporal judgments; (a.)Theirconduct is a stumbling-block to all who see them, and an occasion ofsorrowtotheirfellow-Christians.

ItisobviousthatadherentsoftheArminianandCalvinisticsystemsmusttake opposite sides on this question. The Arminian, as we have seen,holds-- (1.)ThatGodelectspersons toeternal lifeonlyonconditionoftheirvoluntaryreceptionofgraceandperseverancethereintilldeath,asforeseenbyhim.(2.)ThatChristdiedtorenderthesalvationofallmenindifferently possible, and not as the substitute of certain personsdefinitely,todischargealltheirlegalobligations,andtosecureforthem

Page 246: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

alltherewardsofthecovenant.(3.)Thatallmenhavethesamegraciousinfluence of theHoly Ghost operating upon them, and that the reasonwhy one believes and is regenerated, and that another continuesreprobate, is that the formervoluntarily cooperateswithgraceand thattheother resists it.Thus, in thepersonal applicationof redemption theArminianmakeseverythingtodependuponthefreewillofthecreature.Since,then,neitherthedecreeofGod,northeatonementofChrist,northe grace of the Holy Ghost determines the certain salvation of anyindividual--sincetheapplicationandeffectoftheatonementandoftherenewing and sanctifying influences of the Spirit depend, in their view,upon the freewillofeveryman inhisowncase -- itnecessarily followsthat the perseverance of anyman in the grace once receivedmust alsodependentirelyuponhisownwill.Andsincethehumanwillisessentiallyfallible and capable of change, and in this life exposed to seduction, itfollows,ofcourse,thatthebelieverisatalltimesliabletototalapostasy,and dying in that state, to final perdition. Hence the Romish Church,whose doctrine is purely Arminian, declares in her authoritativeStandards: " If any onemaintain that aman once justified cannot losegrace,andthereforethathewhofallsandsinsneverwastruly justified,lethimbeaccursed."CouncilofTrent,sess.vi.,can.23.

TheProtestantArminiansalsoholdthatitisnotonlypossible,butalsoafrequent fact, that, persons truly regenerate, by neglecting grace andgrieving theHolySpiritwithsin, fallaway totally,andat length finally,fromgraceintoeternalreprobation.Conf.oftheRemonstrants,xi.7.

TheCalvinistic doctrine, as stated in this chapter of our Confession, is,thatGodhasrevealedhisgraciouspurposetocauseeverytruebelievertopersevere in his faith and obedience till death; that he will never beallowed to fall away totally from grace, and therefore he never can fallawayfinally.

It is obvious, from this statement, that this doctrine is not open to theobjectionswhichareoftenbroughtagainstit.

(1.)Itisabsurdtosaythat,itisinconsistentwithman'sfreewill.AsGoddoes notmake aman come to Christ, so he does not constrain him tocontinueinChrist,irrespectiveofhiswill.Godgraciouslycausesamanto

Page 247: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

persevereinwilling.Thatisthewholetruth.Itisaprecioustruth,clearlyrevealed, which the Arminian Christian can nomore afford to give upthan theCalvinist, thatGod can, and does, control the freewills of hispeoplewithoutlimitingtheirliberty,makingthem"willinginthedayofhis power," and "working in them both to will and to do of his goodpleasure."Ps.cx.3;Phil.ii.13.TheArminiansthemselvesbelievethatthesaintswill be rendered secure from falling from gracewhen they go toheaven,andyet that theywillbenone the lessperfectly freeas to theirwills.Ifthetwoareconsistentconditionsinheaven,theycanbenonethelesssoonearth.

(2.)Thisdoctrineisnotliabletothechargeoffosteringaspiritofcarnalsecurity,onthegroundthatifweareonceingracewecannotlosegraceor be lost, do what we please. Let it be observed -- (a.) That the truedoctrineisnotthatsalvationiscertainifwehaveoncebelieved,butthatperseverance in holiness is certain if we have truly believed. (b.) Thecertainty--nay,theprobability--ofanindividual'ssalvationisknowntohimonlythroughthefactofhisperseveranceinholiness.AtendencytorelaxwatchfulefforttogrowingracebecausetrueChristianswillnotbeallowed to fall away totally, is a direct evidence that we are not in agracious state; and hence that the threatenings of the law and theinvitationsof thegospel,andnottheperseveranceof thesaints,arethespecial truthsapplicable toourcase. (c.)Thisdoctrineteaches,not thatpersistent effort on our part is not necessary in order to secureperseveranceingracetotheend,butthatinthiseffortwearecertainofsuccess;foritisGodthatworkethinusbothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure.Phil,ii.13.

1.ThefactofthiscertainperseveranceisdistinctlyassertedinScripture.Believers are said to be "kept by the power of God through faith untosalvation."1Pet.i.5.PaulwasconfidentthatHewhohadbegunagoodwork in them (thePhilippians)will perform it (finish completely) untilthedayofJesusChrist.Phil.i.6.Jesussaid,"Igiveuntothem(mysheep)eternallife;andtheyshallneverperish,neithershallanymanpluckthemoutofmyhand."Johnx.28;Rom.xi29.

2.Thegroundofthiscertainperseveranceisnotatallinthefreewillofthe saints, but altogether -- (1.) In the inherent immutability of the

Page 248: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

eternaldecreeofelection.Wesaw,underchapteriii.,thatGod'sdecreeofelection (a.) respects individuals; (b.) chooses them to salvationandallthemeansthereof;(c.)isnotconditionedontheuseheforeseestheywillmake of grace, but is founded on " the counsel of his ownwill;" (d.) isimmutable and certainly efficacious. Essence those elected to salvationthroughgracemustpersevereingraceuntosalvation.

Thegroundofthecertaintyoftheperseveranceofsaintsisalsolaid--(2.)Intheprovisionsoftheeternalcovenantofgrace.Wesaw,underchaptervii., that the Scriptures teach that there was a covenant or personalcounsel frometernitybetween theFatherand theSon, as theSuretyofthe elect, determining explicitly (a.) who were to be saved; (b.) whatChristwastodoandsufferinordertosavethem;(c.)astohowandwhentheredemptionofChristwastobepersonallyappliedtothem;(d.)astoall the advantages embraced in their salvation, etc. Hence it followsnecessarily that those embraced in this covenant cannot fail of thebenefitsprovidedforthem."MyFather,whichgavethemme, isgreaterthanall;andnomanisabletopluckthemoutofmyFather'shand."Johnx.29.

Thiscertaintyisgrounded--(3.)InthemeritsandintercessionofChrist.Wesaw,underchapterviii., thattheScripturesteachthatChrist,byhisvicariousobedienceandsufferingastheirfederalrepresentative,wroughtoutaperfectrighteousnessinthesteadofhispeople--whichpeoplewereall individually and certainly designated in the eternal covenant inpursuanceofwhichheacted;andthathemakeseffectualintercessioninheaven for all those, and for those only, for whom he hath purchasedredemption. Since, therefore, neither Christ's redemption nor hisintercession can fail of the ends for which they are designed, it isevidently impossible that those for whom he was substituted, and forwhom he acquired a perfect righteousness, and for whom he offers aneffectualintercession,canfailofsalvation.

Thecertaintyoftheperseveranceofthesaintsingraceissecured--(4.)By theconstant indwellingof theHolyGhost.Heactsupon the soul inperfect accordance with the laws of its constitution as a rational andmoral agent, and yet so as to secure the ultimate victory of the newspiritualprinciplesand tendencies implanted in regeneration.Johnxiv.

Page 249: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

16,17;1Johniii.9.

3.Thecontentsofthethirdpropositiontaughtinthischaptershouldbeexamined carefully in connection with the proof-texts annexed to theseveral clauses. They need not be further illusitrated by us, since alltherein contained is a matter of plain meaning and of universalexperience.Observe thecasesofDavid(2Sam.xi.2 --4;Ps. li.)andofPeter (Luke xxii. 54 -- 62). The perseverance of believers in grace iswroughtbytheHolyGhost,notirrespectiveof,butthrough,thefreewillofthemanhimself.Thereforeitisadutyaswellasagrace.Thegraceofitshouldbepreachedfortheencouragementofthediligent.Theduty,andabsolutenecessity of it to salvation, should be preached to quicken theslothfulandtoincreasethesenseofobligationfeltbyall.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthischapter?

2.Whatisthedifferencebetweenfallingtotallyandfinally?

3. Why must Arminians and Calvinists take opposite sides on thisquestion?

4.WhatistheArminians'doctrineastoelection?

5.WhatistheirdoctrineastothedesignofChrist'sdeath?

6.Whatistheirdoctrineastotherelationofthefreewillof

thesinnertothegraciousinfluencesoftheHolyGhostinregeneration?

7. Show that their position on all these points renders the conclusioninevitablethatthetruebelievermaytotallyandthereforemayfinallyfallfromgrace.

8.StatethedoctrineoftheRomishChurchonthispoint.

Page 250: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

9.DothesameoftheProtestantArminians.

10.StatetheCalvinisticdoctrineofthissubject.

11.Showthatthisdoctrinedoesnotinvolveanydenialofthefreedomofthehumanwill.

12.Showthatthisdoctrineisnotopentothechargeoffosteringamongthosewhothinkthemselvesbelieversaspiritofcarnalsecurity.

13. Show that theScriptures explicitly teach the fact that truebelieverswillnotbeallowedtotallyandfinallytofallfromgrace.

14.Showthatthegroundofthiscertainlycoosnotconsistatallinthefreewillofthebeliever.

15.ShowthatitnecessarilyfollowsfromwhattheScripturesteachastothedecreeofelection.

16.Thesamefromwhattheyteachastotheeternalcovenantofgrace.

17.ThesamefromwhattheyteachastothedesignofChrist'sdeath,andtherelationwhichhismeritsandintercessionsustaintoindividuals.

18.ThesamefromwhattheyteachastotheindwellingoftheHolyGhost.

19.Whatisthethirdpropositiontaughtinthischapter?

20.Whataretheprincipalsourcesandoccasionsoffallingtowhichatruebelieverisliable?

21.Whataretheprincipaleffectstowhichtheygiverise?

[1]CouncilofTrent,Sess.vi.,Canon23.

[2]ConfessionoftheRemonstrants,xi.7.

Page 251: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterEighteenOfAssuranceofGraceandSalvation

I.Althoughhypocrites and other unregeneratemenmay vainly deceivethemselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in thefavor of God, and estate of salvation[1] (which hope of theirs shallperish):[2] yet such as truly believe in theLord Jesus, and love him insincerity,endeavoringtowalkinallgoodconsciencebeforehim,may,inthis life, be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace,[3] andmayrejoiceinthehopeofthegloryofGod,whichhopeshallnevermakethemashamed.[4]

1.Micah3:11;Deut.29:19;John8:412.Amos9:10;Matt.7:22-233.IJohn2:3;3:14,18-19,21,24;5:134.Rom.5:2,5

II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasiongrounded upon a fallible hope;[5] but an infallible assurance of faithfoundeduponthedivinetruthofthepromisesofsalvation,[6]theinwardevidence of those graces unto which these promises are made,[7] thetestimonyoftheSpiritofadoptionwitnessingwithourspiritsthatwearethe children of God,[8] which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance,wherebywearesealedtothedayofredemption.[9]

5.Heb.6:11,196.Heb.6:17-187.IIPeter1:4-11;IJohn2:3;3:14;IICor.1:128.Rom.8:15-169.Eph.1:13-14;4:30;IICor.1:21-22

THESEsectionsteachthefollowingpropositions:--1. There is a false assurance of salvation which unregenerate mensometimesindulge,inwhichtheyaredeceivedandwhichshallbefinallydisappointed.

2. There is, on the other hand, a true assurance, amounting to aninfalliblecertainty,whichsincerebelieversmayentertainastotheirown

Page 252: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

personalsalvation,whichshallnotbeconfounded.

3.This infallibleassuranceof faithrests -- (1.)Uponthedivine truthofthepromisesofsalvation.(2.)Upontheinwardevidenceofthosegracesuntowhichthosepromisesaremade.(3.)Thetestimonyof theSpiritofadoption,witnessingwithourspiritsthatwearethechildrenofGod.

1.Thatunregeneratemen,beguiledby thenaturaldesireforhappiness,flatteredby self-love, andbetrayedby a spirit of self-righteousness andself-confidence, should frequently indulge an unfounded assurance oftheir own gracious condition, is rendered antecedently probable fromwhat we know of human nature, and rendered certain as a fact fromcommonobservationandfromthedeclarationsofScripture.Micahiii.11;Jobviii.13,14.

Trueassurance,however,maybedistinguished fromthatwhich is falseby the following tests: -- (1.)Trueassurancebegetsunfeignedhumility;falseassurancebegetsspiritualpride. 1Cor.xv. 10;Gal.vi. 14. (2.)Thetrueleadstoincreaseddiligenceinthepracticeofholiness;thefalseleadstoslothandself-indulgence.Ps.li.12,13,19.(3.)Thetrueleadstocandidself-examinationandtoadesiretobesearchedandcorrectedbyGod;thefalse leads toadisposition tobesatisfiedwithappearanceand toavoidaccurateinvestigation.Ps.cxxxix.23,24.(4.)ThetrueleadstoconstantaspirationsaftermoreintimatefellowshipwithGod.1Johniii.2,3.

2.ThattruebelieversmayinthislifeattaintoacertaintywithregardtotheirownpersonalrelationstoChrist,andthatthiscertaintyisnotabareconjectural andprobablepersuasion foundedon a fallible hope, but aninfallible assurance of faith, is proved from the fact -- (1.) That it isdirectlyaffirmedinScripture:"TheSpirititselfbearethwitnesswithourspirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. viii. 16. " hereby we doknowthatweknowhim,ifwekeephiscommandments."1Johnii.3."Weknow that we have passed from death unto life, because we love thebrethren."1Johniii.14.(2.)Theattainmentofitiscommandedasadutyin Scripture. We are exhorted "to shew the same diligence to the fullassuranceofhopeunto theend," (Heb.vi. 11);and to"givediligencetomake our calling and election sure, for if we do these things we shallnever fall." 2 Pet. i. 10. (3.) There are examples of its attainment by

Page 253: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ancientbelieversrecordedinScripture.ThusPaul:"IknowwhomIhavebelieved,andampersuadedthathe isable,"etc. " Ihave foughtagoodfight,......Ihavekeptthefaith:henceforththereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness,"etc.2Tim.i.12;iv.7,8;--andJohn;1Johnii.3;iv.16.(4.)Therehavebeenunquestionableinstancesinmoderntimesinwhichsincere Christians have enjoyed a full assurance of their personalsalvation,andinwhichtheirentireliveshavevindicatedthegenuinenessoftheirfaith.TheProtestantReformersasaclasswereeminentexamplesofthepossessionofthisassurance.Godhadqualifiedthemfortheirgreatworkwithanextraordinarymeasureofthisgrace.Theircontroversywiththe Romanists also led them to lay great stress upon the duty of thisattainment,evengoingsofarastoidentifyassurancewithfaith,makingitessentialtosalvation.TheRomanistsheldthatfaithismereintellectualassenttothetruth,notinvolvingtrust;andthathencefaithhasnothingto dowith the judgment any onemakes of his own personal salvation;andhencethatnoonecouldattaintoanycertaintyuponthatpointinthislifewithoutanextraordinaryrevelation.CouncilofTrent,sess.vi.,ch.ix.TheReformers,ontheotherhand,wentsofarastoteachthatthespecialobjectofjustifyingfaithisthefavourofGodtowardusforChrist'ssake:thereforetobelieveistobeassuredofourownpersonalsalvation.ThusLuther,Melancthon,andCalvintaught.ThisisthedoctrinetaughtintheAugsburg Confession and Heidelberg Catechism. It is not, however,taught in any other of the Reformed Confessions, and, as will be seenbelow,isnottheDoctrineofourStandards.

3.Thisinfallibleassuranceoffaithrests(1.)uponthedivinetruthofthepromises of salvation. Although it is one thing to be assured that thepromise is true, and another thing to be assured of our own personalinterest in it, yet assurance of the truth of the promise tends, inconnection with a sense of our personal reliance upon it, directly tostrengthen our assured hope that it will be fu1filled in our case also.Therefore God confirmed his promise by an oath, " That by twoimmutable things" (his promise and his oath), " in which it wasimpossibleforGodtolie,wemighthaveastrongconsolation,whohavefledforrefugetolayholduponthehopesetbeforeusinthegospel"Heb.vi.18.Thusfaithincludestrust.Trustrestsuponthedivinetruthof thepromises, and in turn supports hope; and the fullness of hope is

Page 254: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

assurance. This assurance rests (2.) upon the inward evidence of thosegracesuntowhich thepromisesaremade.Thus theScripturespromisethat whosoever believes shall have everlasting life. The believer whosefaith is vigorous and intelligent has a distinct evidence in his ownconsciousness that he for one does believe. Hence the conclusion isobviousthatheshallhaveeverlastinglife.ThesamepromiseisgiventoallwholoveGod,toallwhokeephiscommandments,toallwholovethebrethren, to the pure in heart, to those who hunger and thirst afterrighteousness, etc. Hence, when these graces are possessed in such adegree,strength,andpurity,thatweareconsciousoftheirgenuineness,then the conclusion is immediate and irresistible, that we are in unionwith Christ, and have a right to appropriate the promises to ourselves.This assurance rests (3.) upon the testimony of the Spirit of adoption,witnessingwithourspiritsthatwearethechildrenofGod.ThislanguageistakenfromRom.viii.16.ThesenseinwhichthiswitnessingoftheHolySpirit toour spirits is tobeunderstoodhasbeenmuchdebatedamongtheologians.

Some havemaintained that the passage teaches that theHoly Spirit insomemysteriouswaydirectly reveals to our spirits the fact thatwe arethe children of God, as one man immediately conveys information toanotherman.Theobjectionstothisvieware,thatChristiansarenot,andcannotbe, consciousof any such injectionof information fromwithoutintothemind,andthat,asfarassuchtestimonyaloneisconcerned,wewouldbeunabletodistinguishcertainlythetestimonyoftheSpiritfromtheconclusionsofourownreasonsorthesuggestionsofourownhearts.Anexpectationofsuchdirectcommunicationswouldbelikelytogenerateenthusiasm and presumption. Some have maintained, on the oppositeextreme,thattheSpiritwitnesseswithourspiritsonlyindirectly,throughthe evidence afforded by the graces he has formedwithin us. The trueviewappearstobe,thatthewitnessoftheSpirittoourspiritsthatwearethe children ofGod comprehends anumber of particulars, all ofwhichareconfinedbytheSpirittothisend.(1.)TheSpiritistheauthorofthepromises of Scripture, and of the marks of character indicating thepersonstowhichthepromisesbelong.(2.)TheSpiritistheauthorofthegracesof the saints, corresponding to themarksof characterwhichareassociatedwiththesepromisesintheScripture.(3)TheSpiritgivestothe

Page 255: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

true believer, especially to the Christian eminent for diligence andfaithfulness, the grace of spiritual illumination, that he may possess akeen insight into his own character, that he may judge truly of thegenuinenessofhisowngraces,thathemayrightlyinterpretthepromisesand the characters towhich they are limited in the Scriptures; so that,comparing the outward standard with the inward experience, he maydrawcorrectandunquestionableconclusions.(4.)TheHolySpiritisthedirect author of faith in all its degrees, as also of love and hope. Fullassurance, therefore -- which is the fullness of hope resting on thefullness of faith -- is a state ofmind which it is the office of theHolyGhost to induce in our minds in connection with the evidence of ourgraciouscharacterabovestated. Inwhateverwayheworks inus towillandtodoofhisowngoodpleasure(Phil.ii.13),orshedsabroadtheloveofGodinourhearts(Rom.v.5),orbegetsusagaintoalivelyhope(1Pet.i.3),inthatwayhegivesorigintothegraceoffullassurance--notasablind and fortuitous feeling, but as a legitimate and undoubtingconclusion from appropriate evidence. (5.) The presence of the HolySpirit is the first installment of the benefits of Christ's redemption,grantedtothoseforwhomtheywerepurchased,andthereforethepledgeandearnestofthecompletionofthatredemptioninduetime.ThusPaulsaysoftheEphesians:"Inwhomalso(Christ),afterthatyebelieved,yeweresealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromise,whichistheearnestofourinheritanceuntiltheredemptionofthepurchasedpossession."Eph.i.13,14;iv.30;1Johnii.20,27;2Cor.i.22;v.5

III. This infallible assurancedothnot so belong to the essence of faith,butthatatruebelievermaywaitlong,andconflictwithmanydifficultiesbeforehebepartakerof it:[10]yet,beingenabledbytheSpirit toknowthe things which are freely given him of God, he may, withoutextraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attainthereunto.[11]Andthereforeitisthedutyofeveryonetogivealldiligencetomakehiscallingandelectionsure,[12] that therebyhisheartmaybeenlargedinpeaceandjoyintheHolyGhost,inloveandthankfulnesstoGod, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, theproper fruits of this assurance;[13] so far is it from inclining men tolooseness.[14]

Page 256: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

10.IJohn5:1311.ICor.2:12;IJohn4:13;Heb.6:11-12;Eph.3:17-1912.IIPeter1:1013.Rom.5:1-2,5;14:17;15:13;Eph.1:3-4;Psa.4:6-7;119:3214.IJohn1:6-7;2:1-2;3:2-3;Rom.6:1-2;8:1,12;Titus2:11-12,14;IICor.7:1;Psa.130:4

IV.Truebelieversmayhavetheassuranceoftheirsalvationdiverswaysshaken,diminished,andintermitted;as,bynegligenceinpreservingofit,by falling into some special sin which woundeth the conscience andgrieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, byGod'swithdrawingthelightofhiscountenance,andsufferingevensuchasfearhim to walk in darkness and to have no light:[15] yet are they neverutterlydestituteofthatseedofGod,andlifeof faith,that loveofChristand thebrethren, that sincerityofheart, andconscienceofduty,outofwhich,bytheoperationoftheSpirit,thisassurancemay,induetime,berevived;[16]andbythewhich,inthemeantime,theyaresupportedfromutterdespair.[17]

15. Psa. 31:22; 51:8, 12, 14; 77:1-10; Eph. 4:30-31;Matt. 26:69-72 andLuke22:31-4416.IJohn3:9;Luke22:32;Psa.51:8,12;73:1517.Micah7:7-9;Jer.32:40;Isa.54:7-14;IICor.4:8-10

Thesesectionsteach:--1.Thatthisinfallibleassuranceisnotoftheessenceoffaith;that,onthecontrary,amanmaybeatruebelieverandyetdestituteofthisassurance.

2.Thatbeing,nevertheless,astaughtintheprecedingsections,attainableinthislifeintheuseofordinarymeans,withoutextraordinaryrevelation,it isconsequentlythedutyofeveryonetogivealldiligencetomakehiscallingandelectionsure;becausethisassurance,insteadofincliningmentonegligence,tendsproperlytoincrease(1.)spiritualpeaceandjoy,(2.)loveand thankfulness toGod,and(3.) strengthandcheerfulness in theworksofobedience.

3. True believers, after having attained this assurance, may have itshaken,diminished,andintermitted:thecausesoroccasionsofwhichare

Page 257: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

such as -- (1.) negligence in preserving this grace in full exercise; (2.)falling into some special sin; (3.) some sudden and vehementtemptations; (4.) God's temporary withdrawing of the light of hiscountenance.

4.nevertheless,since,aswasshownunderchapterxvii.,notruebelieveriseverpermittedtotallytofallawayfromgrace,heisneverleftentirelywithoutanytokenofGod'sfavour;and,therootoffaithremaining,thisassurancemayinduetimeberevived.

1. That this infallible assurance is not of the essence of saving faith isaffirmedoverandoveragaininourStandards,andistrue.Assurance,inone degree or another of it, is of the essence of faith, because just inproportiontothestrengthofourfaithisourassuranceofthetruthofthatwhich we believe; but since true faith exists in very various degrees ofstrength,andsinceitsexercisesaresometimesintermitted,itfollowsthattheassurancewhichaccompaniestruefaithisnotalwaysafullassurance.Conf.Faith,ch.xiv.,section8;L.Cat.,q.81.

Besides this, the phrase full or " infallible assurance," in this chapter,doesnotrelatetothecertaintyofourfaithortrustastothetruthoftheobjectuponwhichthefaithrests--thatis,thedivinepromiseofsalvationin Christ -- but to the certainty of our hope or belief as to our ownpersonal relation to Christ and eternal salvation. Hence it follows thatwhile assurance, in somedegree of it, does belong to the essence of allreal faith in thesufficiencyofChristandthe truthof thepromises, it isnotinanydegreeessentialtoagenuinefaiththatthebelievershouldbepersuadedofthetruthofhisownexperienceandthesafetyofhisestate.Theologians consequently have distinguished between the assurance offaith(Heb.x.22)--thatis,astrongfaithastothetruthofChrist--andtheassuranceofhope(Heb.vi.11)--thatis,acertainpersuasionthatweare true believers, and therefore safe. This latter is also called theassuranceofsense,becauseitrestsupontheinwardsensethesoulhasoftherealityof itsownspiritualexperiences.The first isof theessenceoffaith,andterminatesdirectlyuponChristandhispromise;andhenceiscalledthedirectactoffaith.Thelatterisnotoftheessenceoffaith,butisits fruit; and is called the reflex act of faith, because it is drawn as aninference from theexperienceof thegracesof theSpiritwhich the soul

Page 258: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

discerns when it reflects upon its own consciousness. God says thatwhosoeverbelievesissaved--thatistheobjectofdirectfaith:Ibelieve--thatisthematterofconsciousexperience:thereforeIamsaved--thatisthematterofinferenceandtheessenceoffullassurance.

Thatthisfullassuranceofourowngraciousstateisnotoftheessenceofsavingfaithisproved--(1.)Fromtheforminwhichtheofferofsalvationin Christ -- which is the object of saving faith -- is set forth in theScriptures:"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved;""whosoeverwill,lethimtake,"etc.;"Himthatcomethtome,Iwi11innowisecastout."Actsxvi.31;Rev.xxii.17;Johnvi.37.Thematterrevealed,andthereforethetruthacceptedbyfaith,is,notthatGodisreconciledtomeinChrist,butthatChristispresentedtomeasthefoundationoftruth,and will save me if I do truly trust. It is evident that trust itself issomethingdifferentfromthecertaintythatwedotrust,andthatourtrustisoftherightkind.(2.)AllthepromisesoftheBiblearemadetoclasses--tobelievers,tosaints,etc.--andnottoindividuals.(3.)Paulappearedto doubt as to the genuineness of his faith long after he was a truebeliever. (4.) As we saw above, the Bible contains many exhortationsaddressed to believers to go on to the grace of full assurance, assomethingbeyondtheirpresentattainments.Heb.x.22;vi. 11;2Pet. i.10.(5.)TheexperienceofthegreatbodyofGod'speopleinmoderntimesprovesthesamething.

2.Sincethisinfallibleassuranceisnotoftheessenceoffaith,butitsfruit,andoneofthehighestattainmentsofthedivinelife;andsinceitmaybeattained in this life in theuseofordinarymeans,without extraordinaryrevelation--itfollowsnecessarilythatitsattainmentisadutyaswellasagrace,thatallthatleadstoitshouldbediligentlysought,andthatallthatpreventsitshouldbecarefullyavoided.Genuineassurancecannotleadtolooseness and indifference in the cultivation of grace and theperformance of religious duties, since its very existence depends -- (1.)Upon the evidence afforded by diligence in those duties, and by thestrength of those graces, that we are true believers; and (2.) Upon theapproving witness of the Holy Spirit. As we have seen above, undersections i. and ii., a false and presumptuous assurance is to bediscriminatedfromagenuineassurancebycertainclear,practicalmarks.

Page 259: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

On the contrary, genuine assurance naturally leads to a legitimate andabidingpeaceand joy,and to loveand thankfulness toGod; and these,from the very laws of our being, to greater buoyancy, strength, andcheerfulnessinthepracticeofobedienceineverydepartmentofduty.Ithence follows that every principle of self-interest and every obligationrestinguponusasChristiansconspiretoinduceustousealldiligenceinseekingthefullattainmentandtheabidingenjoymentofthisgrace.

3. Since this assurance rests upon the consciousness of graciousexperiences and the witness of the Holy Ghost; and as we have seen,under chapters xiii. and xvii., that true Christians may temporarily,though never totally, fall from the exercise of grace; and since theseexercisesinthislifeareneverperfectandunmixedwithcarnalelements--itnecessarilyfollowsthattheassurancewhichrestsuponthemmustbesubject to be shaken, diminished, and intermitted in divers ways. (1.)Sinceitisadutyaswellasagrace,itmustbeimperiledbyanywantofdiligence in preserving it in full exercise. (2.) Since it rests upon theconsciousnessofgraciousexercises,itmustbemarred,ifnotintermitted,byanynotablefallintosinwhichgrievestheHolySpiritandwoundstheconscience, thus clouding the sense of forgiveness and diminishing theevidence of grace. (3.) The same may evidently be effected by somevehement temptation. (4.) The same effect may be produced by God'swithdrawing the light of his countenance, in the way of fatherlydiscipline, for the purpose of trying our faith, of convincing us of ourentiredependence,andoftheall-sufficiencyofhisgracioushelp.

4.Sincethetruebelievermayfallintosin,butmayneverfalltotallyfromgrace, it isself-evident,astaughtinthesesections,thathemaylosetheexercise of full assurance, but that he cannot lose the principle fromwhich it springs; and thathence, through theblessingofGodupon thediligent use of the appropriate means, it may be strengthened whenweakenedandrecoveredwhenlost.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinsections1and2?

Page 260: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.Whatreasonhaveweforbelievingthataspuriousassuranceispossibletotheunregenerate?

5.Bywhattestsmayspuriousbedistinguishedfromgenuineassurance?

6.Whatisthedegreeofassuranceattainable?

7.Howcanyouprovethatsuchaninfallibleassurancemaybeattained?

8. What was the experience and what the position of the ProtestantReformersonthispoint?

9.WhatpositionwasmaintainedbytheirRomishantagonists?

10.Whatisthefirst-mentionedgrounduponwhichthisassurancerests?

11.Showhowitresultsfromthedivinetruthofthepromisesofsalvation.

12.Whatisthesecondgroundmentioned?

13.Showhowitspringsfromtheinwardevidenceofgrace.

14.Whatisthethirdgroundmentioned?

15.WhatdifferentopinionshavebeenentertainedastothenatureofthewitnessbornebytheHolySpirittoourspirits?

16. State all the ways in which the Holy Spirit bears witness with ourspirit.

17.WhatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinWCF18.3-4?

18.Whatisthesecondtheretaught?

19.Whatisthethird?

Page 261: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

20.Whatisthefourth?

21. In what sense does some degree of assurance belong to the veryessenceoffaith?

22.Towhatsubjectdoestheassurancespokenofinthischapterrelate?

23. Explain the distinction between the assurance of faith and theassuranceofhope.

24.Whyisthelattercalledalsotheassuranceofsense?

25.Whyisitcalledalsothereflexactoffaith?

26.Provethatthisfullassuranceofourowngraciousstate isnotoftheessenceofsavingfaith.

27.Showthattheattainmentofthisassuranceisadutyaswellasagrace.

28.Showthatgenuineassurancecannotleadtospiritualslothfulnessorneglectofduty.

29.Show,onthecontrary,whyitsexercisemustleadtojoy,gratitudeanddiligence.

30.Statethevariouswayswherebythisassurancemaybediminishedorlost.

31.Showwhyitcanneverbelostbeyondrecovery.

-------------

[1]CouncilofTrent,Sess.vi.,ch.ix.

[2]SeeChalmers'sLec.onRom.,volumeiii.,pp.64-68.

[3] Dr. William Cunningham's "Reformers and Theology of theReformation,"Essayiii.

Page 262: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterNineteenOftheLawofGod

SECTION:I.GodgavetoAdamalaw,asacovenantofworks,bywhichhe bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, andperpetual obedience, promised life upon the fulfilling, and threateneddeathupon thebreachof it, andenduedhimwithpower andability tokeepit.[1]

1.Gen.1:26-27;2:17;Eph.4:24;Rom.2:14-15;5:12, 19; 10:5;Gal.3:10,12;Eccl.7:29

SECTION: II. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule ofrighteousness;and,assuch,wasdeliveredbyGoduponMountSinai, inten commandments, and written in two tables:[2] the first fourcommandmentscontainingourdutytowardsGod;andtheothersix,ourdutytoman.[3]

2.James1:25;2:8,10-12;Rom.3:19;13:8-9;Deut.5:32;10:4;Exod.34:13.Exod.30:3-17;Matt.22:37-40Thesesectionsteachthefollowingpropositions:--1.ThatGod,asthesuprememoralGovernoroftheuniverse,introducedthe human race into existence as an order of moral creatures, underinalienableandperpetualsubjectiontoanall-perfectmorallaw,whichinall the elements thereof binds man's' conscience and requires perfectobedience.

2.ThatGod,as theGuardianof thehuman race, entered into a specialcovenant with Adam, as the natural head of the race, constituting himalso the federalheadof allmankind, and requiring fromhim,during aperiod of probation, perfect obedience to the law above named,promisingtohimandtohisdescendantsinhimconfirmationinholinessandeternalfelicityastherewardofobedience,andthreateningbothhiswrathandcurseasthepunishmentofdisobedience.

3. This law after the fall, and the introduction of the dispensation ofsalvation through themessiah,while it ceased to offer salvationon theground of obedience, nevertheless continued to be the revealed

Page 263: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

expressionofGod'swill,bindingallhumanconsciencesastheruleoflife.

4. That this moral law has for our instruction been summarilycomprehended, as to its general principles, in their application to themain relations men sustain to God and to each other, in the TenCommandments,"whichweredeliveredbythevoiceofGoduponMountSinai,andwrittenbyhimintwotablesofstone;andarerecordedinthe20th chapter of Exodus. The first four commandments containing ourdutytoGod,andtheothersixourdutytoman."L.Cat.,q.98.

1. God introduced man at his creation as a moral agent, under.inalienable and perpetual subjection to an all-perfectmoral law,whichbinds his conscience and requires perfect obedience. This follows self-evidently and necessarily from the very nature of God as a moralGovernor,andfromthenatureofmanasamoralagent.

Ofthislawweremark--(1.) That it has its ground in the all-perfect and unchangeable moralnatureofGod.WhenweaffirmthatGodisholy,wedonotmeanthathemakesrighttoberightbysimplywillingit,butthathewillsitbecauseitis right. There must therefore be some absolute standard ofrighteousness. This absolute standard of righteousness is the divinenature.Theinfalliblejudgeofrighteousnessisthedivineintelligence.Thea11-perfectexecutorandruleofrighteousnessamongthecreaturesisthedivinewill.TheformofourdutiesspringsfromourvariousrelationstoGod and to man; but the invariable principle upon which all duty isgrounded,andwhichgivesititsbindingmoralobligation,isrootedinthechangelessnatureofGod,ofwhichhiswillistheoutwardexpression.Allthedivinelawsbelongtooneorotheroffourclasses.Theyareeither--

(a.)Suchasaregroundeddirectlyintheperfectionsofthedivinenature,and are hence absolutely immutable and irrepealable even by Godhimself.Theseare,suchasthedutyofloveandobediencetoGod,andofloveandtruthinourrelationstoourfellow-creatures.Or,--

(b.)Suchashavetheir immediategroundinthepermanentNatureandrelations ofmen; as, for instance, the laws which protect the rights ofproperty and regulate the relation of the sexes. These continue

Page 264: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

unchangedas long as thepresent constitutionofnature continues, andare of universal binding obligation, alike because of their naturalpropriety as because of the will of God by which they are enforced;althoughGod,whoistheauthorofnature,mayinspecialinstanceswaivethe application of the law at his pleasure, as he did in the case ofpolygamyamongtheancientJews.Or,--

(c.) Such as have their immediate ground in the changing relations ofindividualsandcommunities.Ofthisclassarethegreatmassoftheciviland judicial laws of the ancient Jew,which express thewill ofGod forthemintheirpeculiarcircumstances,andwhichofcourseareintendedtobe binding only so long as the special conditions to which they areappropriateexist.Or,--

(d.) Such as depend altogether for their binding obligation upon thepositivecommandofGod,whichareneitheruniversalnorperpetual,butbindthosepersonsonly towhomGodhasaddressedthem,andonlysolongas thepositiveenactmentendures.Thisclass includesall ritesandceremonies,etc.

(2.)We remark in the second place that thismoral law, at least in itsessentialprinciples,andasfaraswasnecessaryfortheguidanceofmenin a state of innocency, was revealed in the very constitution ofman'snature; and although it has been greatly obscured by sin, it remainssufficiently clear to render even the heathen without excuse. This iscertain--(a.)BecauseitisassertedandarguedbyPaul(Rom.i.19,20;ii.14,15);(b.)Fromthefactthatallheathendopossessandactuponsuchaninnatesenseofrightandofmoralaccountability,althoughtheymayinvarious degrees be ignorant of specific moral duties. This moral lawwrittenupontheheartwaspartofAdam'soriginalendowmentwhenhewascreated,aswesawunderchapteriv.,section2.

(3.)WeremarkthattherevelationofthismorallawofGodmadeinthehumanconstitution,howeversufficientitmayhavebeenfortheguidanceofmanbeforehefell,inthenaturalrelationshesustainedtohisCreator,is under his present circumstances altogether insufficient, as we sawunderchapteri.,section1.HenceGodhasbeenpleasedtomakeamorefulland explicit revelation of his law toman in the inspired Scriptures

Page 265: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

takenasawhole,whichistheonlyandtheall-sufficientruleoffaithandpractice,aswesawunderchapteri.

(4.)WeremarkinthefourthplacethattheScripturesbeingtheonlyandacompleteruleoffaithandpractice,whateverisrevealedthereinasthewillofGodispartofthemorallawforChristianmen;andwhateverisnotrevealedthereinashiswill,eitherdirectlyorbynecessaryimplication,isnopartofourmoralobligationatall.Seechapterxvi.,sections1and2.

2. That God introduced Adam, as the head and representative of thewholehumanfamily,athiscreation,intoacovenantrelationtothelaw,makingperfectobediencetoitforaprobationaryperiodtheconditionofhischaracteranddestinyforever,wehavealreadydiscussed,chaptervii.,sections1and2.After the fallofAdam,bothheandallhisracebecameincapable of satisfying that covenant themselves, and it pleasedGod tosendforthhisSon,madeunderthelaw,beingbornofawoman,tofulfilasthesecondAdamalltherequirementsofthelegalcovenantinbehalfofhiselect,andtosecureforthemallitsbenefits,aswesawunderchapterviii.

3.WhilethelawinitsrelationofacovenantofworkshasbeenfulfilledbyourSurety,sothattheywhoareundergracearenomoreunderthelawinthat capacity (Rom.vi. 14),nevertheless the lawasa ruleofactionandstandard of character is immutable, unrelaxable, and inalienable, in itspersonal relations. Christ fulfilled the law for us vicariously as theconditionofsalvation,andonthatbasiswearejustified.Butnoonecanbevicariouslyconformedtothelawforusasaruleofconductorofmoralcharacter.Therefore,whileChristfulfilledthelawforus,theHolySpiritfulfilsthelawinus,bysanctifyingusintocompleteconformitytoit.Andinobediencetothislawthebelieverbringsforththosegoodworkswhicharethefruitsthoughnotthegroundofoursalvation.

4. That this moral law has been summarily comprehended in the twotablesofthelaw,calledtheTenCommandments, isafactnotdisputed.By this it is not meant that every duty which God now requires ofChristianmenmaybedirectlyderivedfromtheDecalogue,but that thegeneralprinciplesof the infinite lawofmoralperfection,asadjusted tothegeneralrelationssustainedbymentoGodandtooneanother,maybe

Page 266: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

foundthere.Thisiscertain,because--

(1.)The two tables of the lawwereplacedunder themercy-seat,whichwasGod'sthrone,andwerecalledthetestimoniesofGodagainstthesinsof the people; and over them, upon the " covering" ormercy-seat, thehighpriestsprinkledthebloodofthesin-offering.Deut.x.1--5;Ex.xxx.6;xxxi.18;Lev.xvi.14,l5.Theythereforerepresentedthatall-perfectlawof righteousnesswhich is the foundation ofGod's throne, andwhich isthetestimonyofGodagainsthumansin,andwhichispropitiatedbytheatoningsacrificeofChrist.

(2.) The Ten Commandments teach love to God and to man; and onthese,theSavioursaid,hangalltheLawandtheProphets.Matt.xxii.37--40.

(3.)Christsaid,thatifamankeepthislawheshalllive.Lukex.-25--28.

(4.)EveryspecificdutytaughtinanyportionoftheScripturesmaymoreorlessdirectlybereferredtooneorotherofthegeneralpreceptstaughtintheDecalogue.

These commandments were originally written by the finger of Godhimself on two tables of stone. The first four relate to the dutiesmanowes toGod, and the remaining six relate to the dutieswe owe to ourfellow-men. The Romish Church assigns only three commandments tothe first table, andseven to the second.Sheunites the first andsecondcommandments together, in order to make it appear that only theworshipoffalsegodsandimagesofthemisforbidden,whiletheimagesof the trueGodandof saints arenot excluded from the instrumentsofworship;and,inordertokeepupthenumber,shedividesthetenthintotwo -- making the first clause the ninth commandment, and theremainingclausesthetenth.

The great rule for interpreting the Decalogue is to keep constantly inmindthatitisthelawofGod,andnotthelawofman--thatitrespectsandrequirestheconformityofthegoverningaffectionsanddispositionsof the heart as well as of the outward actions. Every commandmentinvolves a general moral principle, applicable to a wide variety of

Page 267: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

particularconditions,respectingthemotivesandendsofaction,aswellasactionitselfTherulesofinterpretationlaiddownintheL.Cat.,q.99,areinsubstanceasfollows:--

(1.)Thelawisperfect,requiringperfectobedience,andcondemningtheleastshortcomingassin.

(2.) It is spiritual, respecting thoughts, feelings, motives, and inwardstatesofhearts,aswellasactions.

(3.)Thateverycommandimpliesacorrespondingprohibition,andeveryprohibition a corresponding command; and every promise acorresponding threatening, and every threatening a correspondingpromise.

(4.) That under one sin or duty all of the same kind are forbidden orcommanded, togetherwithall that,directlyor indirectly,are the causesoroccasionsofthem.

(5.)Thatwearenotonlyboundtofulfilthelawourselves,butalsotohelpotherstodosoasfaraswecan.

SECTION:III.Besidethislaw,commonlycalledmoral,Godwaspleasedto give to thepeople of Israel, as a churchunder age, ceremonial laws,containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguringChrist,hisgraces,actions,sufferings,andbenefits;[4]andpartly,holdingforthdiversinstructionsofmoralduties.[5]Allwhichceremoniallawsarenowabrogated,underthenewtestament.[6]

4.Heb.10:1;Gal.4:1-3;Col.2:17;Heb.9:1-285. Lev. 19:9-10, 19, 23, 27; Deut. 24:19-21; see I Cor. 5:7; II Cor. 6:17;Jude1:236.Col.2:14,16-17;Dan.9:27;Eph.2:15-16;Heb.9:10;Acts10:9-16;11:2-10

SECTION: IV. To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judiciallaws,whichexpired togetherwith theStateof thatpeople;not obliginganyothernow,furtherthanthegeneralequitythereofmayrequire.[7]

Page 268: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

7.Exod.21:1-23:19;Gen.49:10withIPeter2:13-14;ICor.9:8-10

SECTION: V. The moral law doth forever bind all, as well justifiedpersons as others, to the obedience thereof;[8] and that, not only inregardofthemattercontainedinit,butalsoinrespectoftheauthorityofGodtheCreator,whogave it.[9]NeitherdothChrist, in thegospel, anywaydissolve,butmuchstrengthenthisobligation.[10]

8.Rom.3:31;7:25;13:8-10;ICor.9:21;Gal.5:14;Eph.6:2-3;IJohn2:3-4,7;Rom.3:20;7:7-8andIJohn3:4withRom.6:159.Deut. 6:4-5;Exod. 20:11;Rom.3:19; James2:8, 10-11;Matt. 19:4-6;Gen.17:110.Matt.5:17-19;Rom.3:31;ICor.9:21;Luke16:17-18

Thesesectionsteach:--1.ThatbesidesthemorallawsummarilyexpressedintheDecalogue,GodgavetheJewsaceremoniallaw,wherein,bymeansoftypesandsymbols,(1,) Christ and his work were set forth, and (2.) certain moral truthsinculcated.

Thathealsogavetothem,asabodypolitic,asystemofjudiciallaws.

3.ThatboththeceremonialandjudiciallawsoftheJewshaveceasedtohaveanybindingforceundertheChristianeconomy.

4.Thatontheotherhandthemorallawcontinuesofunabatedauthority,notonlybecauseitselementsareintrinsicallybinding,butbecause,also,of the authority of God, who still continues to enforce it. And Christ,insteadoflessening,hasgreatlyincreasedtheobligationtofulfilit.

Wehavealreadystated,undertheprecedingsectionsofthischapter,theprincipleswhichdistinguishthedifferentclassesofdivinecommands.

Those commands which have their ground or reason either in theessentialprinciplesofthedivinenatureorinthepermanentconstitutionof things, of coursehavenotbeenabrogatedby the introductionof theChristiandispensation.Onthecontrary,itwaspreciselythelawofperfectmoralrectitudethatChristvicariouslyfulfilledasourrepresentative,and

Page 269: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thus became "the end of the law for righteousness to every one thatbelieveth."Rom.x.4.Christalsoredeemedhispeople"fromalliniquity,"thattheymightbe"zealousofgoodworks"(Tit.ii.14);andwehaveseenunder chapter xvi. that those only are good works which are done inobediencetothelaw.Byredemption,also,Christhasbroughthispeopleunder new and higher obligations to obedience; he furnishes newmotives, and in the graces of regeneration and sanctification hecommunicatestothesoulnewpowersandencouragementsforthesame.Someof theseoriginal laws, foundedontheconstitutionof things,GodwaspleasedundertheMosaicdispensationtorelaxtoadegree,asinthecaseofmarriageanddivorce;butineverycasetheoriginallaw,insteadofbeingabrogated,hasbeenrestoredto itspristinebreadthandauthorityby Christ and his apostles. The Sermon on theMount, recorded in thefifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew, is an example of themannerinwhichthespiritofChristianityexaltsandexpandstheletterofthelawbeyondanyrevelationofitwhichhadpreviouslybeenmade.

The principles by which we are to determine what element of the lawenacted under the old dispensation is abrogated, and what elementremainsinfullforceunderthenewdispensation,arethefollowing:--

(1.)When thecontinuedobligationofanycommandment isassertedorpracticallyrecognizedintheNewTestament,itisplainthatthechangeofdispensationshasmadenochangeinthelaw.ThustheprovisionsofthemorallawareconstantlyrecognizedintheNewTestament.Ontheotherhand,whentheenactmentisexplicitlyrepealed,oritsabrogationimpliedbywhatistaughtintheNewTestament,thecaseisalsomadeplain.

(2.) Where there is no direct information upon the question to begatheredfromtheNewTestament,acarefulexaminationofthereasonofthelawwillaffordusgoodgroundofjudgmentastoitsperpetuity.Iftheoriginalreasonforitsenactmentisuniversalandpermanent,andthelawhas never been explicitly repealed, then the law abides in force. If thereasonofthelawistransient,itsbindingforceistransientalso.

TheMosaicinstitutemaybeviewedinthreedifferentaspects:--

(1.) As a national and political covenant,whereby, under his theocratic

Page 270: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

government,theIsraelitesbecamethepeopleofJehovahandhebecametheirKing,andinwhichtheChurchandtheStateareidentical.

(2.) In another aspect it was a legal covenant, because themoral law,obediencetowhichwastheconditionoflifeintheAdamiccovenant,wasnow prominently set forth in the Ten Commandments and made thebasisof thenewcovenantofGodwithhispeople.Even the ceremonialsystem, in itsmerely literalandapart fromitsceremonialaspect,wasaruleofworks; forcursedwashethatconfirmednotall thewordsof thelawtodothem.Deut..xxvii.26.

(3.) It containedalso an elaborate systemof symbols,wherein spiritualtruths were significantly set forth by outward visible signs, the vastmajority of which were types, or prophetic symbols, setting forth thepersonandworkofChristandthebenefitsofhisredemption.

That the ceremonial law introducedbyMoseswas typicalofChristandhisworkis taughtthroughouttheNewTestament,andespecially in theEpistletotheHebrews.Itwasdeclaredtobea"shadowofthingstocome,butthebodyisofChrist."Thetabernacleanditsserviceswere"patternsof things in theheavens," and figures, antitypes,of the true tabernacle,into which Christ has now entered for us. Col. ii. 17; Heb. ix. 23, 24.Christ is said to have effected our salvation by offering himself as asacrificeandbyactingasourhighpriest.Eph.v.2;Heb.ix.11,12,26,28;xiii. 11, 12.That thecomingofChristhassupersededand foreverdoneawaywiththeceremoniallawisalsoevidentfromtheveryfactjuststated-- that its ceremonieswere typesofhim, that theywere theshadowsofwhich he was the substance. Their whole purpose and design wereevidently discharged as soon as his real work of satisfaction wasaccomplished; and therefore it is not only a truth taught in Scripture(Heb. x. 1 -- 14; Col. ii. 14 -- 17; Eph. ii. 15, 16), but an undeniablehistoricalfact,thatthepriestlyworkofChristimmediatelyanddefinitelysupersededtheworkoftheLeviticalpriest.TheinstantofChrist'sdeath,theveilseparatingthethroneofGodfromtheapproachofmen"wasrentintwainfromthetoptothebottom"(Matt.xxvii.50,51),thusthrowingthewayopentoall,anddispensingwithpriestsandtheirceremonialforever.

Page 271: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ThatthejudiciallawsoftheJewshaveceasedtohavebindingobligationuponus follows plainly, from the fact that the peculiar relations of thepeopletoGodastheocraticalKing,andtooneanotherasfellow-membersof an Old Testament Church State, to which these laws were adjusted,nownolongerexist.

SECTION: VI. Although true believers be not under the law, as acovenantofworks,tobetherebyjustified,orcondemned;[11]yetisitofgreatusetothem,aswellastoothers;inthat,asaruleoflifeinformingthemofthewillofGod,andtheirduty,itdirectsandbindsthemtowalkaccordingly;[12] discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature,hearts, and lives;[13] so as, examining themselves thereby, they maycometofurtherconvictionof,humiliationfor,andhatredagainstsin,[14]together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and theperfectionofhisobedience.[15]Itislikewiseofusetotheregenerate,torestraintheircorruptions,inthatitforbidssin:[16]andthethreateningsofitservetoshowwhateventheirsinsdeserve;andwhatafflictions, inthislife,theymayexpectforthem,althoughfreedfromthecursethereofthreatenedinthelaw.[17]Thepromisesofit,inlikemanner,showthemGod's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expectupon the performance thereof:[18] although not as due to themby thelawasacovenantofworks.[19]Soas,aman'sdoinggood,andrefrainingfromevil,becausethelawencouragethtotheone,anddeterrethfromtheother, is no evidence of his beingunder the law; and, not under grace.[20]

11.Rom.6:14;7:4;8:1,33;Gal.2:16;3:13;4:4-5;Acts13:38-3912.Rom.7:12,22,25;Psa.119:1-6;ICor.7:19;Gal.5:14-2313.Rom.3:20;7:7,1314.James1:23-25;Rom.7:9,14,2415.Gal.3:24;Rom.7:24-25;8:3-416.James2:11-12;Psa.119:101,104,12817.Ezra9:13-14;Psa.89:30-34;Gal.3:1318.Exod.19:5-6;Deut.5:33;Lev.18:5;26:1-13;Matt.5:5;19:17;IICor.6:16;Eph.6:2-3;Psa.19:11;37:1119.Gal.2:16;Luke17:1020.Rom.6:12-15;cf.IPeter3:8-12withPsa.34:12-16;Heb.12:28-29

Page 272: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

SECTION:VII.Neitheraretheforementionedusesofthelawcontrarytothe grace of the gospel, butdo sweetly complywith it;[21] theSpirit ofChrist subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely, andcheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to bedone.[22]

21.Rom.3:31;Gal.3:21;Titus2:11-1422.Ezek.36:27;Heb.8:10withJer.31:33;Psa.119:35,47;Rom.7:22

Inthesesectionsitisaffirmed:--1.Thatsincethefallnomanisabletoattaintorighteousnessandeternallife through obedience to the law. This is beyond question, because allmenhavesinned;becausemen'snaturesaredepraved;because the lawdemands perfect and perpetual obedience; and because ." ifrighteousnesscomebythelaw,thenChristisdeadinvain."Gal.ii.21.

2.ThatthosewhohaveembracedthegospelofChristarenolongerunderthelawasacovenantoflife,butundergrace.

3. That nevertheless, under the gospel dispensation, and in perfectharmonywithitsprinciples,thelawisofmanifoldusesforallclassesofmen,andespeciallyinthefollowingrespects:--

(1.)ToallmengenerallythelawisarevelationofthecharacterandwillofGod, a standard of moral excellence, and a rule for the regulation ofaction.

(2.)Tounregeneratemen,consideredinrelationtothegospel,thelawisofusetoconvincethemoftheholinessandjusticeofGod,of theirownguiltandpollution,of theirutter inability to fulfil itsrequirements,andsotoactasaschoolmastertobringthemtoChrist.Rom.vii.7--13Galiii.24.

(3)Withrespect to incorrigiblesinners, the law isofuse torestrain theoutbursts of their evil passions, to render their disobedience withoutexcuse, to vindicate the justice of God in their condemnation, and torendertheircasesawarningtoothers.1Tim.i.9;Rom.i.20;ii.15;Johniii.18,3.

Page 273: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(4.)Inrespecttoregeneratemen,thelawcontinuestobe indispensableastheinstrumentoftheHolyGhostintheworkoftheirsanctification.Itremains to theman inflexible standardof righteousness, towhich theirnatureandtheiractionsoughttocorrespond.ItshowsthemtheextentoftheirobligationstoChrist,andhowfarshort,asyet,theyarefromhavingapprehended thatwhereunto theywereapprehended inChrist Jesus.Itthustendstosetupintheregeneratethehabitofconvictionofsinandofrepentanceand faith. Its threateningsand itspromisespresentmotivesdeterring from sin and assuring of grace, and thus leading the soulonwardtothatblissfulattainmentwhenthesovereignly imposedlawofGodwillbecomethespontaneouslawofourspirits,andhencethatroyallawoflibertyofwhichJamesspeaks.Jamesi.25;ii.8,12.SeeL.Cat.,qs.94--97.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirsttwosections?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethirdtaught?

4.Whatisthefourthtaught?

5. Why is it certain that at his creation God placed man under aninalienableandperpetualobligationtoobeythemorallaw?

6.Whatistheultimategroundandruleofalllaw?

7.Whatrelation inthisregarddoesthedivinewillsustainto thedivinenature?

8.Intohowmanyclassesmayalldivinelawsbedistributed?

9.Statethecharacteristicsofthefirstclass.

10.Dothesameofthesecondclass.

Page 274: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

11.Dothesameofthethirdclass.

12.Dothesameofthefourthclass.

13.Howwasthismorallawatfirstrevealed?

14.Stateproofofyouranswer.

15.Isthislawasthusrevealedsufficientforman'sneedssincethefall?

16.WhereistheonlycompleterevelationofthewillofGodmadetoman?

17.WhatpracticalconclusionsfollowfromthefactthattheScripturesaretheonlyruleoffaithandpractice,andcompleteassuch?

18. Into what special relation to the law was man introduced at hiscreation?

19.Whatwastheissueofthatarrangement?

20.WhohastakenAdam'sforfeitedplaceinthatcovenant?

21.Have the electbeendelivered from the claimswhich the lawmakesuponusineveryrelation,andifnot,inwhatrespectdoesthelawremainbinding?

22. What is meant when it is asserted that the whole moral law issummarilycomprehendedintheTenCommandments?

23.Provethatsuchisthefact.

24.InwhatwayandforwhatpurposehastheChurchofRometamperedwiththeDecalogue?

25.WhatisthegreatprinciplewearetobearinmindininterpretingtheDecalogue?

26.WhatisthefirstrulelaiddowninLC99?

27.Whatisthesecondruletherelaiddown?Whatthethird,fourthand

Page 275: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

fifth?

28. What is the first proposition taught in the third, fourth and fifthsections?

29.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

30.Whatisthethird?

31.Whatisthefourth?

32.What lawswere not abrogated by the introduction of the Christiandispensation?

33.Provethatthemorallawwasnotabrogated.

34.Bywhatprinciplesarewetodeterminewhat lawsareofpermanentandwhatareoftemporaryobligation?

35.InwhatdifferentaspectsmaytheMosaicinstitutebeviewed?

36.HowcanyouprovethattheceremonialsystemintroducedbyMoseswastypicalofChristandhiswork?

37.Statethedifferencebetweenasymbolandatype.

38.ShowthattheceremonialsystemwassupersededbyChrist.

39.ShowthatthejudiciallawsoftheJewsarenolongerbinding.

40.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthesixthandseventhsections?

41.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

42.Whatisthethird?

43. What are the uses of the law to men in general under the Gospeldispensation?

44.Whatareitsusestounregeneratemeninviewoftheoffersofgracein

Page 276: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thegospel?

45.Whatareitsuseswithrespecttoincorrigiblesinners?

46.Whatareitsusestotheregenerate?

ChapterTwentyOfChristianLibertyandLibertyofConscience

SECTION:I.ThelibertywhichChristhathpurchasedforbelieversunderthegospelconsistsintheirfreedomfromtheguiltofsin,thecondemningwrathofGod,thecurseofthemorallaw;[1]and,intheirbeingdeliveredfromthispresentevilworld,bondagetoSatan,anddominionofsin;[2]fromtheevilofafflictions,thestingofdeath,thevictoryofthegrave,andeverlastingdamnation;[3]asalso,intheirfreeaccesstoGod,[4]andtheiryieldingobedienceuntohim,notoutofslavishfear,butachildlike loveandwillingmind.[5]Allwhichwerecommonalsotobelieversunderthelaw.[6]But,underthenewtestament,thelibertyofChristiansisfurtherenlarged,intheirfreedomfromtheyokeoftheceremoniallaw,towhichtheJewishchurchwassubjected;[7]andingreaterboldnessofaccesstothethroneofgrace,[8]andinfullercommunicationsofthefreeSpiritofGod,thanbelieversunderthelawdidordinarilypartakeof.[9]

1.Titus2:14;IThess.1:10;Gal.3:132.Gal.1:4;Col.1:13;Acts26:18;Rom.6:143.Rom.8:28;Psa.119:71;IICor.4:15-18;ICor.15:54-57;Rom.5:9;8:1;IThess.1:104.Rom.5:1-25.Rom.8:14-15;Gal.4:6;IJohn4:186.Gal.3:8-9,14;Rom.4:6-8;ICor.10:3-4;Heb.11:1-407.Gal.4:1-7;5:1;Acts15:10-118.Heb.4:14-16;10:19-229.John7:38-39;Acts2:17-18;IICor.3:8,13,17-18;Jer.31:31-34

THE subject of this chapter is that liberty wherewith Christ makes hispeoplefree,whichisverydifferentfromthatfreedomofthewillwhichwe

Page 277: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

discussedunderchapter ix.We theresawthat freedomof thewill isaninalienable, constitutional faculty of thehuman soul,whereby it alwaysexercisesitsvolitionsasuponthewholeitpleasesinanygivencase.Thisliberty of will is essential to free agency, and is possessed by all freeagents, good or bad, or they could not be held accountable. Christianliberty, on the other hand, implies two things: -- (1.) Such an inwardspiritual condition of soul that a man has full power through grace todesireandwillasheoughttodoinconformitytothelawofGod;and(2.)SuchrelationstoGodthatthepersonisdeliveredfromtheconstrainingmotivesof fear, and brought under the ennobling impulses of love andhope;andsuchrelationstoSatanandevilmenthatheisdelivered.fromtheircoerciveinfluences;andsuchprovidentialcircumstancesthathehasknowledgeofhisprivilegesandgraciousaidinavailinghimselfofthem.This liberty involves the change of nature effectd in regeneration andperfected in sanctification, and the change of relation involved injustification.Itisamainelementinthegraceofadoption,andaprivilegeof all the childrenofGod.Rom. viii. 14, 15. Itwaspurchased forus byChrist, and is therefore attributed to him (Gal. v. 1); it is applied andeffectuallywrought inusbytheHolyGhost,andthereforeattributedtohim.2Cor.iii.17.

This section sets forth this precious andmost comprehensive Christiangraceintwoorders;--first,asit iscommontoallbelieversatalltimes;and, second, as it is enjoyed pre-eminently in certain respects bybelieversunder thenewdispensation in contrast tobelieversunder theold.

1. As this Christian liberty is common to all believers in all ages, itconsistsmainlyinthefollowingparticulars:--(1.) They are delivered from the guilt of sin and the curse of themorallaw. This is done, as we saw under chapter xi., when the believer isjustified,hisguiltinstrictrigourofjusticecancelled,andallthedemandsofthelawsatisfiedbycreditingtohisaccounttheperfectrighteousnessofJesusChrist.Theguiltofhissinhavingthusbeenactuallyextinguished,andthedemandsof the lawhavingbeenperfectlysatisfied, theycannolongerholdhiminbondage."ItisGodthatJUSTIFIETH:Whoishethatcondemneth?"Rom.viii.33,34.

Page 278: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(2.) They are delivered also from the bondage of sin as an inherentprincipleoftheirnature.Thisdeliveranceiscommencedinregeneration,and is carried on and perfected in sanctification, as we saw underchaptersx.andxiii.Alawstillremainsintheirmemberswarringagainstthelawoftheirmind,andbringingthemintocaptivitytothelawofsinwhich is in their members (Rom. vii. 23); nevertheless the indwellingHolySpiritworkswiththemtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure,andthussecuresthem,uponthewhole,thevictory.Seechapterxvii.

(3.) They thus have peace with God. This includes the two preciousbenefitsofGod'sreconciliationtousthroughthepropitiationofourHighPriest,andourreconciliationtohimthroughtheworkoftheHolyGhost.Thuswearedeliveredfromthatfearwhichhathtormentandgenderethtobondage,andhavethatfilial,submissive,confidingloveshedabroadinour hearts which casteth out all fear. 1 John iv. 18. The Holy Ghosthimselfistheearnestofourinheritance,andwitnessethwithourspiritsthatwearethechildrenofGod.Rom.viii.16.ThushavingaHighPriestoverthehouseofGod,wehavegreatconfidenceinenteringintotheveryholiest through the new and living way opened by Christ, where Godmakestheclearestrevelationsandfullestcommunicationsofhisgracetohisbeloved.

(4.) They are delivered from the bondage of Satan and the dominatinginfluence of this present evil world. The power of the "world." and the"devil"dependsupon the "flesh,"or the corrupt stateof theman'sownheart.Christ "was inallpoints tempted likeasweare,yetwithoutsin."Heb. iv. 15.Theactof justificationhasconsecrated thebeliever toGod.Theworkofsanctificationbreaksthepoweroftemptation,Godineverycaseeithergraciouslyenablingus to resist andcomeoff conquerors,orprovidentiallyopeningawayof escape forus. 1Cor. x. 13. Thus Satan,too, is subject tohis power;hehelpsus to resist Satan andput him toflight,andtheexcessofhismalignantpowerhepreventsandrestrains.

(5.)Theyaredeliveredfromtheevilofafflictionsandthestingofdeath.Thestingofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinisthelaw,butChristhasdeliveredthemfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforthem.Injustificationthebeliever'srelationtothelawispermanentlychanged.Itis no more the basis of his salvation. And death, and all the sorrows

Page 279: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

incident to this life, which are the consequences of sin, which to thereprobatearepartsofthepenaltyofsininflictedinpursuanceoflaw,tothe true believers are elements ofGod's chastening grace, designed fortheirimprovement.Heb.xii.6--11.BythedeathofChristbelieversaredeliveredfromthefearofdeath.Heb.ii.14,15.

(6.)Theyarealsodeliveredfromthevictoryofthegraveandeverlastingdamnation. The first effect of his redemption which the true believersensiblyexperiencesistheforgivenesofhissins.Ifhissinsareforgiven,the penal consequences of themmust be removed. "There is thereforenowno condemnation to themwhichare inChrist Jesus."Rom.viii. 1.There can therefore be nothing to fear beyond death. Even ourmortalbodies aremembersofChrist and templesof thatHolyGhostwhowillquicken them and transform them into the likeness of our gloriousRedeemer.1Cor.vi.15,19;Rom.viii.11;Phil.iii.21.

2. In certain respects believers under the Gospel enjoy this ChristianlibertyinahigherdegreethanitwasenjoyedbybelieversundertheOldTestament:--(1.)TheNewTestamentbeliever isdelivered from theobligationof theceremoniallaw.ThislawwastotheOldTestamentbelievertherevelationof thegospel of the Son ofGod, and therefore an inestimable blessing;but it was comparatively so obscured with material symbols andceremonies,andenforcedobediencesolargelybycoercivemeasures,thattheapostlecalled thewholesystem" theelementsof theworld,"underwhichtheJewswere"inbondage"(Gal.iv.3);a"yokeofbondage"(Gal.v. 1), and " carnal ordinances imposeed on them until the time ofreformation." Heb. ix. 10. And in contrast therewith he exhorts theChristian Galatians to "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hathmadeusfree."Gal.v.1.WeenjoytheclearlightshedfromthepersonandworkofouradorableRedeemerinperson.Wehavethedirectinsteadofthe reflected ray -- immediate access to the Father instead of aconstrained approach through the medium of priests and an outwardsanctuary.

(2.) In connection with this, believers under the present dispensationhavegreaterboldnessinapproachingGod,andfullercommunicationsofhis Spirit. The greater boldnessnow enjoyed evidently results from the

Page 280: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

clearer and fuller revelation now enjoyed of the method andcompleteness of redemption and the greater fulness in thecommunications of the Holy Ghost. This divine person, as we know,inspired theOld Testament prophets and sanctified theOld Testamentsaints;neverthelessthenewdispensationispre-eminentlycharacterizedbytheclearnesswithwhichthetruthwithrespecttotheofficeoftheHolyGhost isrevealedandthe fulnesswithwhichhis influence isdispensed.ChristpromisedthegiftoftheHolyGhostinthispre-eminentmeasureofit after his ascension. John xv. 26. Previously it was said, " The HolyGhostwasnotyetgiven,becausethatJesuswasnotyetglorified."Johnvii.39.Afterhisascension,onthegreatdayofPentecost,PetersaidthatinfulfilmentoftheOldTestamentprophecy(Isa.xliv.3;Ezek.xxxvi.27;Joelii.28,29,)andthepromiseofChrist,"hebeingbytherighthandofGodexalted,andhavingreceivedof theFather thepromiseof theHolyGhost,hathshed forth this,whichyenowseeandhear."Acts ii. 16, 17,33.

SECTION: II. God alone is Lord of the conscience,[10] and hath left itfree from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are, inanything, contrary to his Word; or beside it, if matters of faith, orworship.[11] So that, to believe such doctrines, or to obey suchcommands,outofconscience,istobetraytruelibertyofconscience:[12]and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blindobedience,istodestroylibertyofconscience,andreasonalso.[13]

10.James4:12;Rom.14:4,10;ICor.10:2911.Acts4:19,5:29;ICor.7:22-23;Matt.15:1-6,9;23:8-10;IICor.1:2412.Col.2:20-23;Gal.1:10;2:4-5;4:9-10;5:113.Rom. 10:17; Isa. 8:20;Acts 17:11; John4:22;Rev. 13:12, 16-17; Jer.8:9;IPeter3:15

SECTION:III.Theywho,uponpretenseofChristianliberty,dopracticeany sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christianliberty,whichis,thatbeingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,wemightserve theLordwithout fear, inholinessandrighteousnessbeforehim,allthedaysofourlife.[14]

14.Gal.5:13;IPeter2:16;IIPeter2:19;Rom.6:15;John8:34;Luke1:74-

Page 281: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

75

IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the libertywhich Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, butmutuallytoupholdandpreserveoneanother,theywho,uponpretenseofChristianliberty,shallopposeanylawfulpower,orthelawfulexerciseofit, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God.[15]And, for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of suchpractices,asarecontrarytothelightofnature,ortotheknownprinciplesofChristianity(whetherconcerningfaith,worship,orconversation),ortothepowerofgodliness;or,sucherroneousopinionsorpractices,aseitherintheirownnature,orinthemannerofpublishingormaintainingthem,are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hathestablished in the church, theymay lawfully be called to account, andproceededagainst,bythecensuresofthechurch.[16]

15.IPeter2:13-14,16;Rom.13:1-8;Heb.13:17;IThess.5:12-1316.Rom.1:32;16:17;ICor.5:1,5,11-13;IIJohn1:10-11;IIThess.3:6,14;ITim.1:19-20;6:3-4;Titus1:10-11,13-14;3:10;Matt.18:15-17;Rev.2:2,14-15,20

Thesesectionsteachthefollowingpropositions:--1.GodaloneisLordofthehuman,conscience,whichisresponsibleonlytohisauthority.

2. God has authoritatively addessed the human conscience only in hislaw, the only perfect revelation of which in this world is the inspiredScriptures.HenceGodhimselfhassetthehumanconsciencefreefromallobligation to believe or obey any such doctrines or commandments ofmenasareeithercontrarytoorasidefromtheteachingsofthatWord.

3.Hencetobelievesuchdoctrines,ortoobeysuchcommandmentsasamatterofconscience, istobeguiltyofthesinofbetrayingthe libertyofconscience and its loyalty to its only Lord; and to require such anobedienceofothersistobeguiltyofthesinofusurpingtheprerogativeofGodandattemptingtodestroythemostpreciouslibertiesofmen.

4.ThisChristianlibertyisnot,however,absolute.Ithasitsdistinctend

Page 282: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

andlimits.Itsend,isthateveryperson,withouthindranceofhisfellow-men, should have opportunity to serve God according to his will. Thelimitsofthislibertyareoftwokinds:(a.)TheauthorityofGod,theLordofconscience.(b.)Theequallibertiesandrightsofourfellow-men,withwhomwedwellinorganizedsocieties.

5.SinceGodhasestablishedboththeChurchandtheState,obediencetothelegitimateauthoritiesofeither,actingwithintheirrightfulsphere,isanessentialpartofobediencetoGod.

6.TheChurchhastherightfromGodofexercisingitsdisciplineuponanywhomaintainorpractiseopinionsoractionsplainlycontrarytothelightofnature,thedoctrinesoftheScripture,orthepeaceandwelfareoftheChristiancommunity.

1.That,inthehighestandonlyabsolutesense,GodaloneisLordofthehuman conscience, has never been denied. The real question raised byRomanists, and those in general who have claimed the authority ofbinding and loosing the consciences of their fellow-men, relates to thestandardwhichGodhasgivenusofhiswill,andthemeanshehaschosentoenforceit.TheRomanistsmaintainthatthetruestandardandorganofthewillofGodintheworld is the infallible inspiredChurch,orbodyofbishops ordained regularly in a direct line from the apostles, and incommunionwiththeSeeofRome.TheyholdthatthisChurchhaspowerto define doctrines and enact laws in God's name, binding theconsciencesofmen;and that itpossesses, in thepowerof thekeys, theright,inexecutionoftheselaws,toabsolveorcondemninGod'sname,tobindorloosethesubject,andopenorshutthekingdomofheaven,andtoimposeecclesiasticalpenalties.ByfarthelargerpartofwhattheChurchof Rome actually enforces, in the way of faith and practice, is derivedfrom ecclesiastical tradition and, evidently perverted interpretations ofScripture.

The Erastian State Churches of Germany and England have oftenattempted to enforce outwarduniformity in profession andworship, inspiteoftheconscientiousscruplesofmultitudesoftheirbestcitizens,onthepleathattherightandresponsibilityofregulatingtheecclesiasticalas

Page 283: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

wellasthecivilinterestsofthenationdevolveuponthecivilmagistrate.

Inoppositiontoallthis,Protestantsinsist--2. That God has given only one, and that a perfect, rule of faith andpractice in spiritualmatters in the inspired Scriptures, and that he hashencesetfreethehumanconsciencefromallobligationtobelieveorobeyanysuchdoctrinesorcommandmentsofmenasarecontrarytoorasidefromtheteachingsofthatWord.

We have already proved, under chapter i. sections 6, 7, 9, 10, thatScriptureisatonceacompleteandperspicuousruleoffaithandpractice,andthesupremejudgeofallcontroversies.Ithencefollowsself-evidently--(1.)ThatnothingcontrarytoScripturecanbetrue;(2.)Thatnothinginadditiontowhat is revealedorcommanded inScripturecanbebindingupontheconscience;and(3.)That,sincetheScripturesareperspicuous,every believer is personally responsible for interpreting Scripture andjudging of all human doctrines and commandments by Scripture forhimself.Thisisfurtherproved--

(a.)Because theScripturesareaddressed immediately either toallmenpromiscuously,orelsetothewholebodyofbelieversassuch.Dent.vi.4--9;Lukei.3;Rom.i.7;1Cor.i.2;Gal.i.2,etc.

(b.) All Christians promiscuously are commanded to search theScriptures (John v. 39; Acts xvii. 11; 2 Tim. iii. 15 -- 17), and to give areason for their faith (1 Pet. iii. 15), and to resist the authority even oflegitimate church rulers when it is opposed to that of the Lord ofconscience.Actsiv.19,20.

(c.) The "Church" which Christ promises to guide into all truth and topreservefromfatalerrorisnotahierarchyorabodyofofficers,butthebodyofthe"called"or"elect"--thebodyofbelieversassuch.1Johnii.20,27;1Tim.iii.15;Matt.xvi.18;Eph.v.27;1Pet.ii.5;Col.i.18,24.

(d.)Thosewho claim, as the successors of the apostles, to exercise thisAuthority,areutterlydestituteofallthe"signsofanapostle."2Cor.xii.12;1Cor.ix.1;Gal.i.1,12;Actsi.21,22.Whileprovisionwasmadefortheregularperpetuationoftheofficesofdeaconandpresbyter(1Tim.iii.

Page 284: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1 -- 13), there was no direction given for the perpetuation of theapostolate.Theyareutterlywithoutcredentials.

The question as to the right of the civilmagistrate to impose religiousarticlesoffaithorrulesofworshipwillrecuragainunderchapterxxiii.,section3.Ithencefollows--3.Thatitisagreatsin,involvingatthesametimesacrilege,andtreasontothehumanrace,foranymanorsetofmentoarrogatetheprerogativeofGodandtoattempttobindtheconsciencesoftheirfellow-menbyanyobligationnotcertainlyimposedbyGodandrevealedinhisWord.Atthesame time it is a sin of disloyalty to God, and a violation of our ownnatureasmoralandrationalbeings,toyieldtoanysuchimposition,andto accept as a matter truly binding the conscience anything notauthoritativelytaughtandimposedintheScriptures.

4. It is of the highest importance, on the other hand, clearly tounderstand thatChristian liberty is not an absolute liberty to do aswechoose,butaregulatedlibertytoobeyGodwithouthindrancefromman.Itisafreedomfromusurpedauthority,inorderthatwemaybethemoreperfectly subject to the only legitimate authority. It is hence absurd, aswellaswicked,foramantomakehisChristianlibertytoobeyonlyGodapleatodisobeyGod,ashedoeswheneverheviolatesanyoftheprinciplesof natural right or of revealed truth which express at once theunchangeable nature and the all-perfect will of God. There can be nolibertywhichsetsamanindependentofthatwill;andthisisalwaysthewillofGodconcerningus,evenoursanctification.1Thess.iv.3.

Christianlibertyisalsofurtherlimitedbythemutualdutiesweoweoneanother.Theeatingofmeatofferedtoidolsisinitselfathingindifferent,becausenoteithercommandedorforbidden.TheChristian,therefore,isatlibertyeithertoeatornottoeat.ButPaulcommandstheCorinthiansto "take heed lest by any means this liberty of theirs become astumblingblocktothemthatareweak."1Cor.viii.9.Toallowthiswouldbeasin.TheChristian, therefore,maybeat liberty toeatornottoeat,buthe isnotatall at liberty so tousehis liberty thathis fellow-manisinjured thereby. The liberty ceases to be liberty, and becomeslicentiousness,when it transcends the lawofGodor infringesupon therightsofourfellows.

Page 285: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5.and6.Sinceboth theChurchand theStatearedivine institutions, itfollowsnecessarilythattheauthorityoftheofficersofeach,whenactinglegitimatelywithin their respective spheres, represents the authority ofGodandbindstheChristiantoobedienceforconscience'sake.Itfollowsalsothatboththecivilmagistrateandtheecclesiasticalcourtsmusthavethe right of enforcing obedienceby amodeof discipline appropriate toboth spheres of authority. These matters, however, come upappropriatelyunderchaptersxxiii.,xxv.,andxxx.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthesubjectofthischapter?

2.HowdoesitdifferfromthatofWCF9?

3.WhatisimpliedinChristianliberty?

4.Inwhattwoaspectsisthislibertysetforthinthischapter?

5.Whatseveralparticularsareembracedinthatlibertywhichiscommontoallbelievers?

6.HowhaveChristiansfreedomfromtheguiltofsinandthecurseofthemorallaw?

7.Howhavetheylibertyfromthebondageofsin?

8.InwhatsensehavetheypeacewithGod?

9.HowhavetheylibertyfromthedominionofSatanandtheworld?

10.Howhave they freedom from the evil of afflictions and the sting ofdeath?

11.Howaretheydeliveredfromthevictoryof thegraveandtheseconddeath?

Page 286: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

12.Inwhatrespectsdobelieversunderthegospelenjoythislibertymorefullythandidbelieversunderthelaw?

13.Howisthebelieverunderthepresentdispensationdeliveredfromtheobligationtoobservetheceremoniallaw,andwhyisthatanadvantage?

14. Why have believers now greater boldness in approaching God andfullercommunicationsofhisSpirit?

15.What is the firstproposition taught in the second, third, and fourthsections?

16.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

17.Whatisthethirdtheretaught?

18.Whatisthefourththeretaught?

19.Whatisthefifththeretaught?

20.Whatisthesixththeretaught?

21.HasiteverbeendeniedbytheiststhatintheabsolutesenseGodistheonlyLordoftheconscience?

22.WhatistheRomishpositiononthissubject?

23.WhatthatoftheErastianStatechurchesofEurope?

24.What,on thecontrary, is thecommonProtestantdoctrineas to thetruestandardofGod'swillinallquestionsofconscience?

25.Inwhatpartofthisbookisthisquestiondiscussed?

26. If the Scriptures are a complete and perspicuous rule of faith andpractice,whatfollows?

27. Show that the Scriptures are addressed directly to all men, or toChristiansassuch.

Page 287: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

28.ShowthatallbelieversarecommandedtosearchtheScripturesandtojudgeofthetruthofeverydoctrinebythatstandard.

29. Show that the Church which Christ has promised to lead to theknowledgeofthetruthisnotapriesthood,buttheentirecompanyofthefaithful.

30.ShowthattheRomishhierarchyhavenosupportfortheirclaims.

31. Where will the questions concerning the authority of the civilmagistrateinmattersofconsciencebediscussed?

32.Whatisthenatureoftheirsinwhoattempttoimposetheirauthorityupontheconsciencesofothers?

33.What is thenatureof their sinwhogiveup theirconsciences to thecontrolofothers?

34.WhatisthefirstlimittoChristianliberty?

35.WhatisthesecondlimittoChristianliberty?

36.Showthatitmustbelimitedinboththeseways.

37. Where will the questions relating to the authority of the civilmagistrateandoftheecclesiasticalcourtsbediscussed?

--------

[1]CatechismoftheCouncilofTrent,i.10,18;BellarmineEccle.Mil.,ch.xiv.;CatechismoftheCouncilofTrent,i.11,4.

ChapterTwenty-oneOfReligiousWorshipandtheSabbathDay

Page 288: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

SECTION I:The light of nature showeth that there is aGod,whohathlordshipandsovereigntyoverall,isgood,anddothgooduntoall,andisthereforetobefeared,loved,praised,calledupon,trustedin,andserved,withalltheheart,andwithallthesoul,andwithallthemight.[1]ButtheacceptablewayofworshipingthetrueGodisinstitutedbyhimself,andsolimitedbyhisownrevealedwill,thathemaynotbeworshipedaccordingto the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan,underanyvisiblerepresentation,oranyotherwaynotprescribedintheHolyScripture.[2]

1.Rom.1:20;Psa.19:1-4a;50:6;86:8-10;89:5-7;95:1-6;97:6;104:1-35;145:9-12; Acts 14:17;Deut. 6:4-5 2.Deut. 4:15-20; 12:32;Matt. 4:9-10;15:9;Acts17:23-25;Exod.20:4-6,John4:23-24;Col.2:18-23

SectionII.ReligiousworshipistobegiventoGod,theFather,Son,andHoly Ghost; and to him alone; [3] not to angels, saints, or any othercreature:[4] and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in themediationofanyotherbutofChristalone.[5]

3. John 5:23; Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14; Eph. 3:14; Rev. 5:11-14; Acts10:25-264.Col.2:18;Rev.19:10;Rom.1:255.John14:6;ITim.2:5;Eph.2:18;Col.3:17

THESEsectionsteach:--1.ThattheobligationtorendersupremeworshipanddevotedservicetoGodisadictateofnatureaswellasadoctrineofrevelation.

2.ThatGodinhisWordhasprescribedforushowwemayworshiphimacceptably; and that it is an offence to him and a sin in us either toneglecttoworshipandservehiminthewayprescribed,ortoattempttoservehiminanywaynotprescribed.

3.ThattheonlyproperobjectsofworshiparetheFather,Son,andholyGhost;andthat,sincethefall,thesearetobeapproachedonlythroughaMediator,andthroughthemediationofnoneotherthanChristalone.

4.Thatreligiousworshipisuponnopretencetoberenderedtoangels,ortosaints,nortoanyothercreature.

Page 289: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1. That it is a dictate of natural reason and conscience that a Being ofinfinite and absolute perfection, the Creator, Possessor and sovereignLord, the Preserver and bountiful Benefactor of all creatures, and theabsolutemoralGovernorofallmoralagents,shouldbeadored,praised,thanked, supplicated, obeyed, and served, is self-evident, and iswitnessed to by the common consent of all nations of all ages. Thereasons for this are -- (1.) His absolute perfection in himself. (2.) Hisinfinitesuperioritytous.(3.)HisrelationtousasCreator,Preserver,andmoralGovernor.(4.)Ourabsolutedependenceuponhimforeverygood,and our obligations for his infinite goodness to us. (5.)His commandsrequiring this at ourhands. (6.) The impulse of ournature as religiousbeingsandmorallyresponsibleagents.(7.)Thefactthatourfacultiesfindtheirhighestexercise,andourwholebeing itshighestdevelopmentandblessedness,inthisworshipandservice.

2.Wehavealreadyseen,underchapter i., thatGodhasgivenus in theHoly Scriptures an infallible, authoritative, complete, and perspicuousruleoffaithandpractice.That"thewholecounselofGod,concerningallthingsnecessaryforhisowngloryandman'ssalvation,faith,andlife,iseither expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessaryconsequence may be deduced from Scripture." It hence necessarilyfollows that since God has prescribed the mode in which we areacceptablytoworshipandservehim,itmustbeanoffencetohimandasininusforuseithertoneglecthisway,orinpreferencetopractiseourown. Itmaywellhavebeen that in thenatural stateofman,and in themoral relations to God in which he stood before the fall, his naturalreason, conscience, and religious instinctsmighthave sufficed todirecthim in his worship and. service. But since man's moral nature isdepraved,andhisreligious instinctsperverted,andhisrelationstoGodreversed by sin, it is self-evident that an explicit, positive revelation isnecessary,notonlytotellmanthatGodwilladmithisworshipatall,butalsotoprescribe 'theprinciplesuponwhich,andthemethods inwhich,that worship and service may be rendered. As before shown fromScripture,notonlyallteachingfordoctrinethecommandmentsofmen,butallmannerofwill-worship,ofself-chosenactsandformsofworship,areanabominationtoGod.Atthesametime,ofcourse,thereare,as,theConfessionadmits,chapteri.,section6,"somecircumstancesconcerning

Page 290: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

the worship of God, and the government of the Church, common tohuman actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light ofnature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of theWord." These relate obviously to the application of the principles and"general rules" laiddown inScripture, forourguidance inworshipandecclesiasticalgovernment,tothevaryingtimesandcircumstancesofthecaseinhand.Butwehaveinnocaseanyright,uponthegroundoftaste,fashion,orexpediency,togobeyondtheclearwarrantofScripture.

3.ThatthedivineworshipistobeaddressedequallytoFather,Son,andHolyGhost,followsnecessarilyfromwhatwehaveprovedunderchapterii.,section8--thatFather,Son,andHolyGhost,beingdistinctpersons,areyeteachequally, in thesameabsolute sense, theonesupremeGod.ThatGodcannowbeacceptablyapproachedonlythroughaMediatorisprovedbywhatwehavealreadyproved,-- (1,)Astotheguiltofmanbynatureandinconsequenceofhabitualtransgression;(2.)AstothejusticeofGod;and(3.)AstothefactthatGodhasfrometernitydeterminedtodealwithmen,asthesubjectsofredemption,onlythroughamediator.IfChristasourHighPriest trulyrepresentstheelectbeforetheFather, inobeying and suffering vicariously in their stead and in makingintercession in their behalf; and if he is themedium throughwhich allgracious benefits come to us from God,-- it follows that all ourapproaches toGod should bemade through him. ThatGod is the onlyproper object ofworship, and that Christ is the onlyMediator throughwhomwemayapproachGod,willbeshownunderthenexthead.

4.Religiousworship isuponnopretence tobeoffered toangels,nor tosaints,nortoanyothercreature,nortoGodthroughanyothermediatorsaveChristalone.

The most authoritative Standards of the Church of Rome teach -- (1.)That theVirginMaryandsaintsandangelsare toreceive truereligiousworship,inproportiontotheirrespectiveranks.(2.)Thattheyaretobeinvokedtohelpusinourtimesofneed.(3)Thattheyaretobeinvokedtointercede with God or with Christ for us. (4.) Some of their mostauthoritativebooksofworshipteachthatGodistobeaskedtosaveandhelpusonthegroundofthemeritsofthesaints;(5.)Thatthepictures,images,andrelicsof saintsandmartyrs, are tobe retained in churches

Page 291: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

andworshipped.

Toavoidthechargeofidolatrymadeuponthemforthesepractices,theydistinguishbetween(a.)Latria,orthehighestreligiousworship,whichisduetoGodalone,and(b.)Doulia,orthatinferiorreligiousworshipwhichis due in various degrees to saints and angels, according to their rank.Sonicalsomarkamiddledegreeofworship,which isdue to theVirginMaryalone,bythetermHyperdoulia.Theyalsodistinguishbetween(a.)thatdirectworshipwhichisdueseverallytoGod,totheVirgin,ortothesaintsandangels,and(b.) that indirectworshipwhichterminatesuponthepictureorimagewhichrepresentstotheworshipperthedirectobjectofhisworship.

The objections to this entire system are -- (1.) That it has neither as awholenorinanyelementofitashadowofsupportinScripture.(2.)ThatthereasonsforworshippingGodapplytotheworshipofnootherbeing.That reason and revelationunite in teachingus that aBeing of infiniteand absolute perfection, our Creator, Preserver, and moral Governor,standsapartfromallotherobjects,andthereforeisnottobeclassedasanobjectofworshipwithanyother.

(3.)Thesinofworshippingothergodsandangelsisexplicitlyforbidden.Ex.xx.3,5;Col. ii. 18.When thepeopleofLystraproposed toworshipSaintPaulandSaintBarnabas,"theyrenttheirclothes,andraninamongthe people," saying, "We also aremen,......and preach unto you that yeshouldturnfromthesevanitiesuntothelivingGod."Actsxiv.14,15.

(4.) The worship of images, or of God, Christ, or saints by images, isforbiddenintheSecondCommandment.Ex.xx.4,5.

(5.)ThedistinctionstheymakebetweenthedifferentdegreesofworshipduetoGodandtoholycreatures,andbetweentheindirectworshipwhichterminates upon the image or picture and the direct worship whichterminates upon the person represented by it, are not their peculiarproperty,but,aseverymissionarytotheheathenknows,arecommontothemwiththeeducatedclassamongallidolaters.IftheRomanistsbenotidolaters, the sins forbidden in the First and Second Commandmentshaveneverbeencommitted.

Page 292: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(6.)The invocationof thesaints isapureabsurdity, forunless theyareomnipresent and omniscient, they cannot hear us; and inmany cases,unless they are omnipotent, they cannot help us. The Romishexplanation,thatGodmayperhapstellthesaintswhatwepray,inorderthatthesaintsmayinturntellGod,isworthyofthedoctrineitexplains.

(7.)Thesaintsandangelsarenotmediatorsbetweenus andGodorusandChrist -- (a.)Because it is explicitlyasserted thatChrist is theonlyMediatorbetweenGodandman.1Tim.ii.5.(b}Christhasexhaustivelydischarged every requisite mediatorial function, both on earth and inheaven.Heb. ix. 12,24;vii.25;x. 14. (c.)Becauseweare "complete" inChrist;andweareexhortedtocomeimmediatelytoGodthroughChrist,and to comewith the utmost boldness and sense of liberty. Col. ii. 10;Eph. ii. 18; iii. 12; Heb. iv. 15, 16; x. 19 -- 22. The very suggestion ofsupplementing theworkof JesusChristwith that of othermediators isinfinitelyderogatory tohim. (d.)Therecanbenoroomfor intercessorsbetweenusandChrist,becauseChristisourtenderBrotherMatt.xi.28),andbecauseitistheonceoftheHolyGhosttodrawmentoChrist.Johnvi. 44; xvi.18, 14. (e.) Even if therewere need for othermediators, thesaintswouldnotbe fit for theplace.Theyare absent; they cannotbearwhenwecry.Theyaredependent; they cannothelpothers.Aswehaveseen,theyhavenosupererogatorymerits,andthereforecannotlayinourbehalf a foundation for our acceptance with God. They are busyworshipping and enjoying Christ in person, and have neither the time,theopportunity,northeabilitytomanagetheaffairsoftheworld.

SECTION III: Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part ofreligiousworship,[6]isbyGodrequiredofallmen:[7]and,thatitmaybeaccepted, it is tobemade in thenameof theSon,[8]by thehelpofhisSpirit,[9] according to his will,[10] with understanding, reverence,humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance;[11] and, if vocal, in aknowntongue.[12]

6.Phil.4:6;ITim.2:1;Col.4:27.Psa.65:2;67:3;96:7-8;148:11-13;Isa.55:6-78.John14:13-14; IPeter2:59.Rom.8:26;Eph.6:18 10. I John5:1411.Psa.47:7;Eccl.5:1-2;Heb.12:28;Gen.18:27;James1:6-7;5:16;Mark11:24;Matt.6:12,14-15;Col.4:2;Eph.6:1812.ICor.14:14

Page 293: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

SectionIV.Prayeristobemadeforthingslawful;[13]andforallsortsofmenliving,orthatshall livehereafter:[14]butnot forthedead,[15]norfor thoseofwhom itmaybeknown that theyhave sinned thesinuntodeath.[16]

13.IJohn5:14,16;John15:714.ITim.2:1-2;John17:20;IISam.7:29;IIChr. 6:14-42 15. Luke 16:25-26; Isa. 57:1-2; Psa. 73:24; II Cor. 5:8, 10;Phil1:21-24;Rev.14:1316.IJohn5:16

OurConfessionhaving established the general truth as to the object towhom religious worship is to be rendered, and as to the source of ourknowledgeofitsnatureandpropermethods,nowproceedstostatemoreparticularlywhattheScripturesteachonthissubject.

Thesesectionsteach--

1.Thatprayerisaprincipalpartofreligiousworship.Theword"prayer"is used constantly in a more general and a more specific sense. In itsmore specific sense it is equivalent to supplication, the act of the soulengagedinpresentingitsdesirestoGod,andaskingGodtogratifythemand to supply all the necessities of the supplicant. In its general sense,prayer is used to express every act of the soul engaged in spiritualintercoursewithGod.Inthissensethemainelementsitembracesare--(1.) Adoration, (2.) Confession, (3.) Supplication, (4.) Intercession, (5,)Thanksgiving. Thus prayer in its wide sense includes all direct acts ofworship. And hymns and psalms of praise are in their essence onlymetricalandmusically-utteredprayers.

2.TheConfessionhereassertsthatprayerisrequiredofallmen.Thisisabsolutely true, even of the heathen who know not God, and of theunregenerate who are morally unable to pray in a manner pleasing toGod;becauseneitherourknowledgeofmoraltruthsnorourmoralabilitytodowhatisrightisthemeasureofourresponsibility.ThedutyofprayerisanaturaldutygrowingoutofournaturalrelationstoGod,manifestedby thenatural conscience, and enjoined in theScripturesuponallmenindiscriminately.1Thess.v.17;Actsviii.22,23;Lukexi.9--13.WearetoldnotonlytoprayafterwereceivetheHolySpirit,buttoprayalsothatwemayreceivehim.

Page 294: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.InorderthatprayermaybeacceptabletoGodandeffectual,itisheretaught that it is necessary -- (1.) That it should be offered through themediation. of Christ. It has been shown above, under sections 1 and 2,that all religious worship must be presented through Christ; that is,relying upon his merits, and approaching God through his presentpersonal intercession. Prayer is a kind of religious worship. What,therefore,istrueoftheclassistrueofallitselements.Besides,thistruthfollowsfromallthatisrevealedofourredemptionthroughthemeritsofChrist,andisdirectlytaughtinScripture.Johnxiv.13,14;xvi.23,24.(2.)ItmustbemadebythehelpoftheHolyGhost.ThesamewordparacleteisappliedtoChristandtotheHolyGhost:itistranslatedwhenappliedtoChrist advocate (1 John ii. 1), and comforterwhen applied to theHolyGhost.Johnxiv.16.ThusChristasourAdvocatemakesintercessionforus in heaven (Rom. viii. 34); the Holy Ghost as our Advocate makesintercessionwithinus,inditingourprayers,kindlingourdesiresforthatwhichisaccordingtothewillofGod,andthusmaintainingharmonyinthe constant current of petition ascending from Christ the Head inheavenandhismembersonearth.Rom.viii.26,27.(3.)Itisessentialtoacceptable prayer that the heart of the worshipper should. be in theproperstate,andthathisprayerbeofferedinreverenceforthemajestyand moral perfections of God; humility, because of our guilt andpollution;submissiontohiswill;confidenceinhisabilityandwillingnessto help us, and upon his covenanted grace; intelligent apprehension oftherelationswesustain,thenatureoftheserviceweareengagedin,andthe subject-matter of our prayer and objects of petition; and realearnestness and fervency of heart, corresponding fully to all thewordswherebyourprayerisexpressed;andwithimportunityandperseverance.Lukexviii.1--8.Andwhentheprayeriscommonbetweentwoormorepersons,itisself-evidentthatitmustbeexpressedinalanguagecommontoall;otherwise,itmustceasetobeinanysensetheprayerofthosewhofailtounderstandit.ThispointisaimedattheRomishcustomofutteringmany of her public prayers in Latin, which to the vastmajority of herworshippers is an unknown tongue. This is explicitly forbidden. 1 Cor.xiv.1--33.

4. As to the objects of petition, we are here taught that they cover thewholegroundofthingsthatareatoncedesirableandlawful.Thisisself-

Page 295: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

evident,becausewedependuponGodforallthings,andthereforeshouldaskhimforeverythingweneed;yet,ofcourse,givingaprecedenceinourdesires for the "best things,' " seeking first thekingdomofheavenandGod's righteousness." 1 Cor. xii, 31; Matt. vi. 33. Desires for unlawfulthings are of course unlawful desires, and should be laid aside andrepentedof.Evenconcerningthosethingswhichitisingenerallawfulforustodesire,theremaybeinmanyinstancesuncertaintywhetheritisthewill of God that we should have them at the time and in the way wedesire. In every such case we should, of course, make our petitionsconditionaluponGod'swill,asourblessedLorddidinGethsemane.Lukexxii.42;1Johnv.14.

Astothesubjectsofintercession,wearetaughttoprayforallmenlivingortolive.1Tim.ii.1,2;Johnxvii.20.Butnotforthosealreadydead,norforthoseknowntohavecommittedtheunpardonablesin.

ThedoctrineoftheRomishChurchconcerningprayersforthedeadisadependentpartoftheirdoctrineconcerningthestateofthesoulsofmenafterdeath.Theyholdthatthosewhoareperfectatthetimeofdeathgoimmediately to heaven; those who are infidels or die in mortal sin goimmediately to hell; but the great mass of imperfect Christians go topurgatory,wheretheymuststayuntiltheygetfitforheaven.Concerningpurgatory,theCouncilofTrentteaches--(1.)Thatthereisapurifyingfirethroughwhich imperfect Christian soulsmust pass. (2.) That the soulstemporarilysufferingthereinmaybemateriallybenefitedbytheprayersof their fellow-Christians and themasses offered up in their behalf onearth.(CouncilofTrent,sess.25.)

Butifthereisnopurgatory,aswillbeshownunderchapterxxxii.,therecan be no prayers for the dead, since those in heaven need nointercession,andforthoseinhellnonecanavail.Itisaspresumptuousasit isfutiletoassailthethroneofGodwithsupplications"whenoncetheMasterof thehousehasshut to thedoor."Lukexiii.25.TheScripturesteach of only two states of existence beyond death, and of a great,impassablegulf fixedbetween.Lukexvi.25,26.Besides, thepracticeofprayingforthedeadhasnowarrant,directorbyremoteimplication, inScripture.SECTIONV:ThereadingoftheScriptureswithgodlyfear,[17]the sound preaching [18] and conscionable hearing of the Word, in

Page 296: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and reverence,[19]singing of psalms with grace in the heart;[20] as also, the dueadministration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted byChrist,areallpartsof theordinaryreligiousworshipofGod:[21]besidereligious oaths,[22] vows,[23] solemn fastings,[24] and thanksgivingsuponspecialoccasions,[25]whichare,intheirseveraltimesandseasons,tobeusedinanholyandreligiousmanner.[26]

17.Luke4:16-17;Acts15:21;Col.4:16;IThess.5:27;Rev.1:318.IITim.4:2;Acts5:4219.James1:22;Acts10:33;Matt.13:19;Heb.4:2;Isa.66:220.Col.3:16;Eph.5:19;James5:13;ICor.14:1521.Matt.28:19;ICor.11:23-29; Acts 2:42 22. Deut. 6:13; Neh. 10:29; II Cor. 1:23 23. Psa.116:14; Isa. 19:21; Eccl. 5:4-5 24. Joel 2:12; Est. 4:16;Matt. 9:15; Acts14:23 25. Exod. 15:1-21; Psa. 107:1-43;Neh. 12:27-43; Est. 9:20-22 26.Heb.12:28.

SECTIONVI:Neitherprayer,noranyotherpartofreligiousworship, isnow,underthegospel,eithertiedunto,ormademoreacceptablebyanyplace inwhich it is performed, or towardswhich it is directed:[27] butGod is to be worshiped everywhere,[28] in spirit and truth;[29] as, inprivatefamilies[30]daily,[31]andinsecret,eachonebyhimself;[32]so,more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly orwillfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God, by his Word orprovidence,calleththereunto.[33]

27.John4:2128.Mal.1:11;ITim.2:829.John4:23-2430.Jer.10:25;Deut.6:6-7;Job1:5;IISam.6:18,2031.Matt.6:11;seeJob1:532.Matt.6:6;16-18;Neh.1:4-11;Dan.9:3-4a33.Isa.56:6-7;Heb.10:25;Psa.84:1-12;100:4;122:1,Luke4:16;Acts2:42;13:42,44

Thesesectionsproceed toparticularize thedifferentways inwhichGodrequiresusunderthepresentdispensationtoworshiphim.Thesearetheregularandtheoccasionalactsofworship.TheregularworshipofGodisto be conducted in the public assembly, in the private family, andpersonally in secret. The worship of God in the public assembly is toconsist in the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word; prayer,singing of psalms; and the administration and receiving of thesacraments instituted by him. In theWord, read or properly preached,

Page 297: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Godspeakstous,andweworshiphimbyhearingwithreverence,diligentattention,andself-applicationandobedience. Inprayerandthesingingof praise we address to God the holy affections, desires, andthanksgivingsinspiredinourheartsbyhisHolySpirit.InthesacramentsGod communes with and enters into covenant with our souls, and wecommunewithandenterintocovenantwithhim.Andtheacceptabilityofthisworship depends not at all, as Ritualists fondly imagine, upon thesanctityoftheplaceinwhichitisrenderedorthedirectioninwhichitisaddressed.Thedispensationinwhichworshipwaslimitedtoholyplaces,persons,andseasons,hasbeendoneawaywithbyourLord,aswehaveseenunderchaptersvii.andxix.,andasChristplainlyteachesthewomanofSamaria.Johniv.20--24.Butitsacceptancedependsupon--(1.)Itsbeingaccompaniedwith.andfoundeduponthepure,unadulteratedtruthofGod'sWord;(2.)ItsbeingthefruitoftheHolyGhost,theresultofen-lightened, reverent, and fervent love; (3.) Its being offered entirelythroughthemediationoftheLordJesus.

"Besidesthepublicworshipincongregations,itistheindispensabledutyofeachperson,aloneinsecret,andofeveryfamilybyitselfinprivate,topraytoandworshipGod.

"SecretworshipismostplainlyenjoinedbyourLord.Matt.vi.6;Eph,vi.18. In this duty every one, apart by himself, is to spend some time inprayer, reading the Scriptures, holy meditation, and serious self-examination. The many advantages arising from a conscientiousdischargeof thesedutiesarebestknown to thosewhoare found in thefaithfuldischargeofthem.

"Familyworship,whichoughttobeperformedbyeveryfamily,ordinarilymorning and evening, consists in prayer, reading the Scriptures, andsingingpraises.

"Theheadofthefamily,whoistoleadinthisservice,oughttobecarefulthat all the members of his household duly attend; and that nonewithdrawthemselvesunnecessarilyfromanypartoffamilyworship;andthatallrefrainfromtheircommonbusinesswhiletheScripturesareread,andgravelyattendtothesame,nolessthanwhenprayerandpraiseareofferedup.

Page 298: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

"Let the heads of families be careful to instruct their children andservantsintheprinciplesofreligion.Everyproperopportunityoughttobeembracedforsuchinstruction.ButweareofopinionthattheSabbathevenings, after public worship, shouldst be sacredly preserved for thispurpose. Thereforewehighly disapprove of paying unnecessary privatevisits on the Lord's day; admitting strangers into the families, exceptwhen necessity or charity requires it; or any other practices, whateverplausiblepretencesmaybeofferedintheir favour, if they interferewiththe above important and necessary duty." [American] Directory forWorship,chap.xv.

The occasional modes by which God may be in proper seasonsworshippedaresuchasreligiousoaths,andvows,andfasting,andspecialthanksgiving.Ofoathsandvowswewilltreatunderchapterxxii.Oftheproprietyandusefulnessofspecialseasonsoffastingandofthanksgiving,theexamplesofGod'sWord(Ps.cvii.;Matt.ix.15)andtheexperienceoftheChristianChurchinmoderntimesleavenoroomfordoubt.

SECTION: VII. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a dueproportionoftimebesetapartfortheworshipofGod;so,inhisWord,bya positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in allages,hehathparticularlyappointedonedayinseven,foraSabbath,tobekeptholy unto him:[34]which, from the beginning of theworld to theresurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week,[35] and, from theresurrectionofChrist,waschangedintothefirstdayoftheweek,which,in Scripture, is called theLord's day,[36] and is to be continued to theendoftheworld,astheChristianSabbath.[37]

34.Exod.20:8-11;Isa.56:2-735.Gen.2:2-3;ICor.16:1-2;Acts20:736.Rev.1:1037.Matt.5:17-18;Mark2:27-28;Rom.13:8-10;James2:8-12

SECTION:VIII.ThisSabbathisthenkeptholyuntotheLord,whenmen,after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their commonaffairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, fromtheirownworks,words,andthoughtsabout theirworldlyemploymentsandrecreations,[38]butalsoaretakenup,thewholetime,inthepublicandprivate exercises of hisworship, and in the duties of necessity andmercy.[39]

Page 299: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

38.Exod.16:23,25-26,29-30;20:8;31:15-17;Isa.58:13-14;Neh.13:15-2239.Isa.58:13-14;Luke4:16;Matt.12:1-13;Mark3:1-5

Underchapterxix.wesawthatthedifferentlawsofGod,whenclassifiedaccording to their respective grounds or reasons, might be grouped asfollows:(1.)Thosehavingtheirgroundinthedivinenature,andthereforeuniversalandimmutable.(2.)Thosehavingtheirground,asfarasknownto us, simply and purely in the divine will, hence called positivecommandments,andbindingonlysofarandsolongascommanded.(3.)Thosehavingtheirgroundandreasoninthetemporarycircumstancestowhichtheywereadapted,andtowhichalonetheywereintendedtoapply,sothattheyceasetobebindingassoonasthosecircumstancesceasetoexist.(4.)Thosewhichhavetheirgroundintheuniversalandpermanentstateandrelationsofmeninthisworld,andhenceareintendedtobeasuniversalandaspermanentasthoserelations.

ItisevidentthattheScripturallawastotheSabbathcomespartlyunderthefourthandpartlyalsounderthesecondoftheseclasses.

1. The law of the Sabbath in part has its ground in the universal andpermanent needs of human nature, and especially of men embracedunder an economy of redemption. It is designed -- (1.) To keep inremembrancethefactthatGodcreatedtheworldandall its inhabitants(Genii.2,3;Ex.xx.11),whichisthegreatfundamentalfactinallreligion,whethernaturalorrevealed.(2.)Aschangedtothefirstdayoftheweekitis designed to keep in remembrance the fact of the ascension of thecrucifiedRedeemerandhissessionattherighthandofpower,thegreatcentral fact in the religion of Christ. (3.) To be a perpetual type of theeternalSabbathofthesaintswhichremains.Heb.iv.3--11.(4.)ToaffordasuitabletimeforthepublicandprivateworshipofGodandthereligiousinstructionofthepeople.(5.)Toaffordasuitableperiodofrestfromthewearand tearof labour,which is renderedalikephysically andmorallynecessary from the present constitution of humannature and from theconditionofmaninthisworld.

AllofthesereasonsfortheinstitutionoftheSabbathhavetheirgroundinhumannature,andremaininfull forceamongallmenofallnations,inallstagesofintellectualandmoraldevelopment.HencetheSabbathwas

Page 300: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

introducedasadivineinstitutionatthecreationoftherace,andwasthenenjoined uponman asman, and hence upon the race generally and inperpetuity.Gen.ii.2,3.HencewefindthattheJews(Gen.vii.10;viii.10;xxix. 27, 28; Job ii. 13), and all Gentile nations also, as the Egyptians,Arabians,Indians,etc.,dividedtheir timebyweeks,orperiodsofsevendays,fromtheearliestages.HencebeforethegivingofthelawtheJewswererequiredtoobservetheSabbath.Ex.xvi.23.HencealsothelawwithrespecttotheSabbathhasbeenincorporatedintotheDecalogue,asoneof the tenrequirements inwhich the entiremoral law, touchingall ourrelationstoGodandtoourfellow-men,isgeneralizedandcondensed.ItwaswrittenbythefingerofGodonstone.Itisputsidebysidewiththecommandmentswhichrequireus to loveGod, tohonourhisname,andwhich forbid unchastity and murder. It was put, as a part of the"testimonies of God," under the "mercy-seat," at the foundation of histhrone.Andhence,when thegreat commandment isuttered,Goddoesnotsay,"IappointtoyouaSabbath-day,"but,"remembertheSabbath-day,tokeepitholy,"--evidentlyimplyingthathewasreferringtoawell-known and pre-existent institution common to the Jews with theGentiles.And the reasonannexed for the enactmentof the law isnotafactpeculiartoJewishhistory,butafactunderlyingalltherelationsGodsustainstotheentirerace,and,asbeforeshown,thefactoutofwhichtheSabbatic institutionhadoriginated thousandsof yearsbefore --"For insixdaystheLordmadeheavenandearth,thesea,"etc.Ex.xx.8--ll.SoChristsays,"TheSabbathwasmadeforman;"thatis,formankind.Markii.27.

2. The law of the Sabbath, in fact, is also a positive commandment,having its ground in the will of God as supreme Lord. That a certainportion of time should be set apart for the worship of God and thereligious instruction ofmen is a plain dictate of reason. That a certainportionoftimeshouldbesetapartforrestfromlabourisbyexperiencefoundtobe,onphysiologicalandmoralgrounds,highlydesirable.Thatsomemonumentof the creationof theworldandof the resurrectionofChrist, and that some permanent and frequently-recurring type of therest of heaven, should be instituted, is eminently desirable for man,considered as a religious being. But that all these ends should becombined and secured by one institution, and that precisely onewhole

Page 301: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

dayinsevenshouldbeallottedtothatpurpose,andthatthisonedayinsevenshouldbeatonetimetheseventhandafterwardthefirstdayoftheweek,isevidentlyamatterofpositiveenactment,andbindsusaslongastheindicationsofthedivinewillinthematterremainunchanged.

Thetimeofobservancewaschangedfromtheseventhtothefirstdayoftheweekintheageoftheapostles,andconsequentlywiththeirsanction;andthatday,as"theLord'sday"(Rev.i.10),haseversincebeenobservedin the stead of the ancient Sabbath, in all portions and ages of theChristianChurch.Weacceptthischangeasitcomestous,andbelieveittobeaccording to thewillofGod -- (1.)Becauseof itsapostolicorigin;(2.)BecauseofthetranscendentimportanceoftheresurrectionofChrist,which is thus associatedwith the creation of the world by God, as thefoundation of the Christian religion; and (3.) Because of the universalconsent of Christians of all generations and denominations, and theapprobation of the Holy Ghost that dwelleth in them that is impliedthereby.

AstotheobservanceoftheChristianSabbath,theobviousgeneralruleis,that it is to be observed, (1.)Not in the spirit of the law, which ChristcondemnsMatt.xii.1;Lukexiii.15),butintheholyandfreespiritofthegospel, (2.) In accordance with the ends for which it is instituted, andwhichhavebeenaboveenumerated.

SinceGodhasappointedtheSabbathtobeonedayinseven,weshouldconsecrate the whole day, without curtailment or alienation, to thepurposes designed; that is, to rest fromworldly labour, theworship ofGod, and the religious instruction of our fellow-men. We should bediligentinusingthewholedayforthesepurposes,andtoavoid,and,asfarasliethinus,leadourfellow-mentoavoid,allthathindersthemostprofitableapplicationofthedaytoitsproperends.Andnothingistobeallowedto interferewiththisconsecrationof thedayexcepttheevidentand reasonable demands of necessity as far as our own interests areconcerned,andofmercyasfarasthenecessitiesofourfellow-menandofdependentanimalsareconcerned.

Page 302: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstandsecondsections?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethirdtheretaught?

4.Whatisthefourththeretaught?

5. Show that it is a dictate of natural conscience that God should beworshipped.

6.Whatarethegroundsoftheobligation?

7. Show the reasonswhywe are shutup toworshipGod in thosewaysonlywhichhehasprescribed?

8.How far, according toourConfession, is ourmannerofworshippingGodleftopentoourdiscretion?

9.Statetheonlyproperobjectofworship.

10.ProvethatGodcan,sincethefall,beapproachedbymenonlythroughaMediator.

11.WhatdotheStandardsoftheRomishChurchteachastotheworshipandinvocationoftheVirginandofsaintsandangels?

12.WhatdistinctiondotheymakebetweenthedifferentkindsofworshipduetoGodandtocreatures?

13.Whatdistinctiondotheymakebetweenthedifferentkindsofworshipto be rendered to an image or picture and to the person therebyrepresented?

14.Showthattheworshipofsaintsandangelsisnotcommandedandisnotapprovedbyreason,andisforbidden.

15.Dothesamewithrespecttotheworshipofimages.

Page 303: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

16.ShowthattheRomanistsdonotdifferfromotheridolaters.

17.Showwhytheinvocationofsaintsisapureabsurdity.

18.ProvethatsaintsandangelsarenotmediatorsbetweenusandGod,orbetweenusandChrist.

19.TowhatdoestheConfessionproceedinthethirdandfourthsectionsofthischapter?[WCF21:3-4]

20.Whatisthefirstpropositionheretaught?

21.Inwhattwodifferentdegreesoflatitudeisthewordprayerused?

22.Whatelementsareembracedinthewidersenseoftheterm?

23.Who,accordingtotheConfession,oughttopray?

24.Showwhyeventheunregenerateoughttopray.

25.Showthatinordertobeacceptable,prayermustbeofferedthroughChrist.

26.ShowthatitmustbeofferedwiththehelpoftheHolyGhost.

27.WhatstateofmindisnecessaryonthepartofoneapproachingGodinprayer?

28.Whyshouldallsocialvocalprayerbeofferedinaknowntongue?

29.Whatissaidastotheobjectsforwhichwemaypray?

30.Ofthingslawfulwhatistohaveprecedenceinourprayers,andwhy?

31.What relation should ourdesires expressed inprayer sustain to thewillofGod?

32.Forwhomoughtwetointercede?

Page 304: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

33.Provethatitisrighttoprayforthosenotyetborn.

34.WhatistheRomishdoctrineastotheintermediatestateandprayersforthedead?

35.Provethattheirdoctrineisfalse.

36.Whattwogeneralclassesofactsofworshiparespokenofinthefifthandsixthsections?

37.IntowhattwoclassesaretheactsconcernedintheregularworshipofGodsubdivided?

38.OfwhatelementsdoestheregularpublicworshipofGodconsist?

39.Uponwhatdoestheacceptabilityofthisworshipnotdepend?

40.Uponwhatdoesitdepend?

41.WhatdoesourDirectoryofWorshipteachastosecretworship?

42.Whatdoesitteachastofamilyworship?

43.Whatastotheinstructionofchildrenandservants,astothepersonsupon whom the obligation rests, and as to the proper time for theperformanceoftheduty?

44. What are the kinds of action by which God may be occasionallyworshipped?

45.HowmaythedifferentlawsofGodbeclassified?

46.TowhichclassdoesthelawoftheSabbathbelong?

47.StatethedifferentendstheSabbathisdesignedtosubserve.

48.Showfromthenatureoftheseendsthatitisdesignedtobeperpetualanduniversal.

49. Show that the Sabbath was originally enjoined upon mankind in

Page 305: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

general,andthatitisnotaninstitutionpeculiartotheJews.

50.Showthesamefromthehistoryofitssubsequentpromulgationandobservance.

51.WhatelementsofthelawoftheSabbatharepurelypositive?

52.Whenandwhywasthetimeofobservancechangedfromtheseventhtothefirstdayoftheweek?

53.StatethereasonsforourbelievingthatthischangecorrespondswiththewillofGod.

54. State the first general principle which determines the manner inwhichtheSabbathistobeobserved.

55.Statethesecondgeneralprinciplewhichdeterminesthesame.

56. Why should the whole day be devoted to the special ends of theSabbath?

57.Statetheonlyexceptionsallowed.

------------

[1] Council of Trent, Sess. 25: "Bonum atque utile esse, ... ad eorumorationes,opem,auxiliumqueconfugere."Cat.Rom.,iii.2,10;iv.5,8;andiii.2,8.

[2]CouncilofTrent,Sess.25;Cat.Rom.iii.2,23,andiii.2,8.

[3]CouncilofTrent,Sess.25.

Page 306: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterTwenty-twoOfLawfulOathsandVows

SECTIONI.Alawfuloathisapartofreligiousworship,[1]wherein,uponjustoccasion,thepersonswearingsolemnlycallethGodtowitnesswhathe asserteth, or promiseth, and to judge him according to the truth orfalsehoodofwhathesweareth.[2]

1.Deut.10:20;Isa.45:23;Rom.14:11;Phil.2:10-112.Exod.20:7;Lev.19:12;Rom.1:9;IICor.1:23;11:31;Gal.1:20;IIChr.6:22-23

SECTIONII.ThenameofGodonlyisthatbywhichmenoughttoswear,andthereinitistobeusedwithallholyfearandreverence.[3]Therefore,to swear vainly, or rashly, by that glorious and dreadful Name; or, toswearatallbyanyotherthing,issinful,andtobeabhorred.[4]Yet,asinmattersofweightandmoment,anoathiswarrantedbytheWordofGod,under the new testament aswell as under the old;[5] so a lawful oath,beingimposedbylawfulauthority,insuchmatters,oughttobetaken.[6]

3.Deut.6:12;Josh.23:74.Exod.20:7;Jer.5:7;Matt.5:33-37;James5:125.Heb.6:16;IICor.1:23;Isa.65:166.IKings8:31;Neh.13:25;Ezra10:5

SECTION III. Whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider theweightinessofsosolemnanact,andthereintoavouchnothingbutwhatheisfullypersuadedisthetruth:[7]neithermayanymanbindhimselfbyoathtoanythingbutwhat isgoodandjust,andwhathebelievethsotobe,andwhatheisableandresolvedtoperform.[8]Yetitisasintorefuseanoathtouchinganythingthatisgoodandjust,beingimposedbylawfulauthority.

7.Exod.20:7;Lev.19:12;Jer.4:2;Hosea10:48.Gen.24:2-9;Neh5:12-13;Eccl.5:2,5

SECTIONIV.Anoathistobetakenintheplainandcommonsenseofthe

Page 307: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

words,withoutequivocation,ormentalreservation.[9]Itcannotobligetosin; but in anything not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance,althoughtoaman'sownhurt.[10]Norisittobeviolated,althoughmadetoheretics,orinfidels.[11]

9.Jer.4:2;Psa.24:410.ISam.25:22,32-34;Psa.15:411.Ezek.17:16-19;Josh.9:18-19;IISam.21:1

Thesubjects treatedof in thesesectionsare -- 1.Thenatureofa lawfuloath.2.Theonlynameinwhichitislawfultoswear.3.Theproprietyanddutyoftakingoathsuponproperoccasions.4.Thesenseinwhichanoathis to be interpreted. And, 5. The extent and grounds of its bindingobligation.

1. A lawful oath consists in calling upon God, the occasion being ofsufficient seriousness and importance, to witness the truth of what weaffirm as true, or our voluntary assumption of an obligation to dosomethinginthefuture--withanimpliedimprecationofGod'sdisfavourifwe lie or prove unfaithful to our engagements. This last is generallyexpressed by the phrase forming the concluding part of the formula ofmostoaths,"SohelpmeGod;"--i.e.,LetGodsohelpmeasIhavetoldthetruth,orasIwillkeepmypromise.

Henceanoathisanactofsupremereligiousworship,sinceitrecognizesthe omnipresence, omniscience, absolute justice and sovereignty of thePersonwhoseaugustwitnessisinvoked,andwhosejudgmentisappealedtoasfinal.

2.IthencefollowsthatitisasinequivalenttothatofworshippingafalsegodifweswearbyanyotherthantheonlytrueandlivingGod;andasinof idolatry if we swear by any thing or place, although it be associatedwiththetrueGod.ThosewhoswearwithupliftedhandswearbytheGodwho created, preserves, and governs all things. Those who swear withhanduponorkissingtheBible,swearbytheGodwhorevealshimselfintheBible--thatis,bythetrueChristianGod.Itisevidentthatnonewhobelieve inthetrueGodcan,consistentlywiththeir integrity,swearbyafalsegod.Anditisnolessevidentthatitisdishonestforanatheisttogo

Page 308: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

through the form of swearing at all; or for an infidel to swearwith hishandupontheChristianScriptures,therebyprofessingtoinvokeaGodinwhoseexistencehedoesnotbelieve.

ThisprincipleisfullyrecognizedinScripture.WearetoldtoswearbythetrueGod:"Untomeeverykneeshallbow,everytongueshallswear,"Isa.xlv.23;"HethatswearethintheearthshallswearbytheGodoftruth,"Isa.1xv.16;"ThoushaltfearJEHOVAHthyGodandservehim,andshaltswearbyhisname,"Deut.vi.13.Weareforbiddentoswearbythenameof false gods: " How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children haveforsakenme,andswornbythemthatarenogods."Jer.v.7;Josh.xxiii.7.

3. The literalmeaning of the Third Commandment is, "Thou shalt nottakethenameofthyGodinthatwhichisfalse"--thatis,toconfirmanuntruth.Thecommandnottotakeafalseoath,oranyoathuponatriflingoccasion, by implication carrieswith it the permission to call upon theGodof truth toconfirmthe truthuponallworthyoccasions.Hence theoath is enjoined in the Old Testament as a recognized religiousinstitution.Deut.vi.13;x.20,etc.Christhimself,whenputuponoathintheformcommonamongtheJews,didnothesitatetoanswer.Matt.xxvi.63,64.PauloftenappealstoGodforthetruthofhisstatements--thus:"Godismywitness;""IcallGodforarecorduponmysoul."Rom.i.9;2Cor.i.23.InHeb.vi.13--18,PauldeclaresthatGod,inorder"toshewuntotheheirsofpromisetheimmutabilityofhiscounsel,confirmeditbyanoath;" and that, "becausehe could swearbynogreater,he swarebyhimself."

Itisevident,therefore,thatthewordsofourSaviour(Matt.v.33--37),"Swear not at all," cannot be intended to forbid swearing upon properoccasionsinthenameofthetrueGod,butmustbedesignedtoforbidthecallinguponhisnameinordinaryconversationandontriflingoccasions,andtheswearingbythatwhichisnotGod.

Theproperoccasionsuponwhichanoathmaybetakenareall those inwhichseriousandperfectlylawfulinterestsareinvolved,andinwhichanappeal to thewitnessofGod isnecessary to secure confidenceandendstrife(Heb.vi.16);andalsowhenevertheoathisimposedbycompetentauthorityuponthosesubjecttoit.Inthelattercase,ourConfessionsays

Page 309: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thatthetakingtheoathisaduty,anditsrefusalasin.

Theoath,ofcourse,bothbecauseofitsnatureasanactofdivineworshipand because of the effect designed to be attained by it -- namely, theestablishment of confidence among men -- ought always to beadministered and taken in a reverent manner, and with whateveroutwardaction--suchasraisingthehand,placingitupontheScripturesorkissingthem--asbycommonconsentisgenerallyunderstood,byallpartiesandwitnesses,tosignifythattheGodappealedtoisthetrueGodofcreation,ofprovidence,andoftheChristianrevelation.

4. The oath is always to be interpreted and kept sacred by the persontakingit,inthesenseinwhichhehonestlybelievesthatitisunderstoodby the personwho imposes it. It is evident that if the government, thejudge,themagistrate,oraprivatefellow-citizen,requireanoathfromusfortheirsatisfaction,andifweputaprivatesenseuponthematteruponwhichwe invoke thewitnessofGoddifferent fromthatwhichweknowtheyunderstandbyit,thatwedeceivethemintentionally;and,bycallingGodtowitnessourtruthwhileweareengagedintheveryactofalie,wecommitthesinofperjury.

5.Theobligationoftheoatharises(1.)outoftheoriginalanduniversalobligation to speak the truth and to keep faith in all engagements; (2.)and, in addition to this, our obligation to honour God, and to avoiddishonouring him by invoking his witness to a falsehood; (3.) theprofanity involved in suspending our hopes of God's favour upon thetruthofthatwhichweknowandintendtobefalse.

An oath cannot bind to that which is in itself unlawful, because theobligationofthelawisimposeduponusbythewillofGod,andthereforetakesprecedenceofallobligationsimposeduponusbythewillofmenorby ourselves; and the lesser obligation cannot relieve from the greater.Thesinisintakingtheoathtodotheunlawfulthing,notinbreakingit.ThereforeLutherwasrightinbreakinghismonasticvows.Neithercananoath to do that which is impossible bind, for its impossibility is anexpressionofthewillofGod.

Butanoathtodowhatisinitselfrightandbindingimposesanadditional

Page 310: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

obligation to perform it -- the obligation imposed by the law, and theobligationvoluntarilyassumedbyourselves.Andanoathtodoanythingwhichislawfulbindsbothfortruth'ssakeandforGod'ssake.And--

(1.) This obligation evidently does not depend upon the goodness orbadness of the persons imposing the oath. An oath to an infidel or aheretic binds asmuch as an oath to a saint. TheRomanists excuse thepracticeoftheirChurchofreleasingpersonafromtheobligationofoathstoinfidelsorheretics,andofbreakingfaithgenerallywithallwithwhomshehascontroversy,onthepleathatanoathcannotbindtothatwhichisunlawful or release from a prior obligation, and that the highest of allobligationsistosubserveatallcost the interestof theChurch.Buttheydeliberatelymake theoath inorder tobreak it, and there- foreboth lieandprofaneGod'sholyname in themaking and thebreaking.Besides,theinterestoftheChurchisnotthesuperiorlawwhichtakesprecedenceofalloaths,buttheclearlyrevealedwillofGodonly.

(2.)Theobligationoftheoathbindsevenwhenamanswearstohisowndisadvantage.Ps.xv.4.

(3.)Nor is the obligation impairedwhen the oath is extorted either byviolence or fraud. Thus the oaths imposed by conquerors upon thevanquishedbind,because theyarevoluntarilyassumed inpreference tothe alternatives presented. And thus Joshua kept the oath which theGibeonites had induced him through deceit to swear in their behalf.Joshuaix.8--27.

SECTION V. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, andoughttobemadewiththe likereligiouscare,andtobeperformedwiththelikefaithfulness.[12]

12.Num.30:2;Isa.19:21;Eccl.5:4-6;Psa.61:8;66:13-14

SECTIONVI.Itisnottobemadetoanycreature,buttoGodalone:[13]and,thatitmaybeaccepted,itistobemadevoluntarily,outoffaith,andconscienceofduty,inwayofthankfulnessformercyreceived,orfortheobtaining ofwhatwewant,wherebywemore strictly bind ourselves tonecessaryduties;or,tootherthings,sofarandsolongastheymayfitly

Page 311: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

conducethereunto.[14]

13.Psa.50:14;76:11;116:1414.Deut.23:21-23;Gen.28:20-22;ISam.1:11;Psa.66:13-14;132:2-5

SECTIONVII.NomanmayvowtodoanythingforbiddenintheWordofGod,orwhatwouldhinderanydutythereincommanded,orwhichisnotinhisownpower,andfortheperformancewhereofhehathnopromiseofability from God.[15] In which respects, popish monastical vows ofperpetualsinglelife,professedpoverty,andregularobedience,aresofarfrombeingdegreesofhigherperfection, that theyaresuperstitiousandsinfulsnares,inwhichnoChristianmayentanglehimself.[16]

15.Acts23:12-14;Mark6:26;Num.30:5,8,12-1316.Matt.10:11-12;ICor.7:2,9;Heb.13:4;Eph.4:28;IThess.4:11-12;ICor.7:23

ThevowisapromisemadetoGod.Intheoath,thepartiesarebothmen,andGodisinvokedasawitness.Inthevow,Godisthepartytowhomthepromiseismade.Itisoflikenaturewithanoath,becauseweareboundto observe them on the same grounds -- because of our obligation totruth,andbecauseofourobligationtoreverenceGod.Lightlytovowonatriflingoccasion,orhavingvowedtofailtokeepit,isanactofprofanitytoGod.

Asinthecaseoftheoath,wehaveabundantScripturalsanctionforthevow.Eccles.v.4;Ps.1xxvi.11;1Sam.i.11;andthecaseofPaul,Actsxviii.18. Reception of either of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord'sSupper involves very sacred andbinding vows toGod; and the same isrepeated whenever in prayer, orally or in writing, we formally orinformallyrenewourcovenantpromisestoGod.Thusavow,asanyotherpromise, may bind generally to loyal obedience or specially to someparticularaction.

Avowcannotbindtodothatwhichisunlawfulorimpossible,forreasonsbeforeexplainedinrelationtoanoath;norwhenmadebyachildorotherpersonunder authority anddestitute of the right tobind themselvesoftheirownwill.Num.xxx.1 --8.Norcan itcontinuetobind incases in

Page 312: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

which its continued observance is found clearly to be inconsistentwithourspiritualinterests;forthenitiscertainthatGoddoesnotwishit,andapromise cannever bindwhen theparty towhom it ismadedoesnotdesireitkept.

Whenthematterofthevowisnotunlawful,butmorallyindifferent,thevow is binding; but experience abundantly proves that to accumulatesuch obligations is very injurious. The Word of God in the Scripturesimposesuponusbyhisauthorityallthatitishiswillorforourinterestfor us to observe. Themultiplication of self-imposed duties dishonourshim,andgreatlyharassesusandendangersoursafety.Vowshadbetterberestricted to the voluntary assumptionandpromise to observe,withthehelpofdivinegrace,duties imposedbyGodandplainly revealed intheScriptures.

QUESTIONS1. What are the subjects treated of in the first four sections of thischapter?[WCF22:1-4]

2.Whatisalawfuloath?

3.Whatisimpliedinit,andhowisthisimplicationgenerallyexpressed?

4.Showhowtheoathisanactofreligiousworship.

5. Inwhosenamemustevery lawfuloathbe taken?andshowwhy it issinfultoswearinanyothername.

6.WhomayandwhomaynotconsistentlyswearbythetrueGod?

7.ProvefromScripturethatitiswrongtoswearbyfalsegods.

8.ProvefromScripturethatitisrighttoswearbythetrueGodonproperoccasions.

9.WhatwastheexampleofPaulandofChristonthispoint?

Page 313: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

10. Inwhat sense are thewordsof ourSavior, "Swearnot at all" (Matt5:33-37),tobetaken?

11.Uponwhatoccasionsandforwhatpurposeisitpropertoswear?

12.Inwhatmannerandwithwhatformsisitrighttoswear?

13.Inwhatsenseisthematteroftheoathtobeinterpretedandwhy?

14.Fromwhatdoestheobligationtokeeptheoatharise?

15.Underwhatcircumstancesdoestheobligationofanoathfailtobind?

16. If thematterof theoath is in itselfaduty,does theoathadd to theobligationalreadyexisting,andwhy?

17.Does the obligation of the oath dependupon the character of thosewhoimposeit?

18.OnwhatprinciplesdotheRomanistsdefendtheflagrantviolationsofoathsofwhich theirChurch is guilty, andherassumed right toabsolvehermembersfromtheobligationsoftheiroaths?

19.Isamanboundbyanoaththeexecutionofwhichwouldworkhisowndisadvantage?

20.Isamanboundbyanoathextortedfromhimbyviolenceordeceit,andwhy?

21.Whatisavow,andhowdoesitdifferfromanoath?

22.Uponwhatprincipledoestheobligationofavowrest?

23.ShowfromScripturethatitisrighttovowuponproperoccasions.

24.Whendoesavowfail,andwhendoesitceasetobind?

25.Whatisthelessonexperienceteachesastothewisdomofmultiplyingvows?

Page 314: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

26. Show, that as a general thing, our vows should relate to thingsindifferent, or to duties antecedently binding; i.e., to matters imposeduponusbythewillofGod,andnotbyourownwill.

-----

[1]Dr.CharlesHodge'sLecturesontheLaw.

ChapterTwenty-threeOftheCivilMagistrate

SectionI:God,thesupremeLordandKingofalltheworld,hathordainedcivilmagistrates,tobe,underhim,overthepeople,forhisownglory,andthepublicgood:and,tothisend,hatharmedthemwiththepowerofthesword,forthedefenseandencouragementofthemthataregood,andforthepunishmentofevildoers.[1]

1.Rom.13:1-4;IPeter2:13-14

II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of amagistrate,whencalled thereunto:[2] in themanagingwhereof, as theyought especially tomaintain piety, justice, and peace, according to thewholesome laws of each commonwealth;[3] so, for that end, theymaylawfully, now under the new testament, wage war, upon just andnecessaryoccasion.[4]

2. Gen. 41:39-43; Neh. 12:26; 13:15-31; Dan. 2:48-49; Prov. 8:15-16;Rom.13:1-43.Psa.2:10-12;82:3-4;ITim.2:2;IISam.23:3;IPeter2:134.Luke3:14;Rom.13:4;Matt.8:9-10;Acts10:1-2

THESEsectionsteachasfollows:--1. Civil government is a divine institution, and hence the duty ofobediencetoourlegitimaterulersisadutyowedtoGodaswellastoourfellow-men.Somehavesupposedthattherightorlegitimateauthorityofhumangovernmenthas its foundationultimately in "the consentof the

Page 315: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

governed," "the will of the majority," or in some imaginary "socialcompact"enteredintobytheforefathersoftheraceattheoriginofsociallife. It is self-evident, however, that the divine will is the source of allgovernment;andtheobligationtoobeythatwill,restinguponallmoralagents,theultimategroundofallobligationtoobeyhumangovernments.Thisiscertain--(1.)BecauseGodistheCreatorandabsolutePossessorof allmen. (2.)Becausehe has formed their constitution as intelligent,morally responsible, freeagents, and is theLordof the conscience. (3.)Because he is the supreme moral Governor of a11 moral agents, andbecause his all-embracingmoral law of absolute perfection requires allthatismorallyrightofeverykind,andforbidsallthatismorallywrong.Hence everymoral obligationof everykind is adutyowed toGod. (4.)BecauseGodhasconstitutedmanasocialbeinginhiscreation,andhasprovidentially organized him in families and communities, and thusmade civil government an absolute necessity. (5.) Because as theprovidential Ruler of the world God uses civil government as hisinstrumentinpromotingthegreatendsofredemptionintheupbuildingofhiskingdomintheworld.(6.)ThisisexplicitlyaffirmedinScripture:"ThereisnopowerbutofGod;thepowersthatbeareordainedofGod.Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance ofGod."Rom.xiii.1,2.Tothegoodthemagistrateis"theministerofGodforgood;"andtotheevilheisa"ministerofGod,anavengertoexecutewrathuponhimthatdoethevil.'Rom.xiii.4.

OfcourseGodhasnotprescribedforallmenanyparticularformororderof succession of civil government. He has laid the general foundationbothforthedutyandnecessityofgovernmentintheconsciencesandinthe social natures of all men, and in the circumstances of allcommunities,whilehehaslefteverypeoplefreetochoosetheirownformof government in their own way, according to their various degrees ofcivilization, their social and political condition, their historicalantecedents, and as they are instructed by his Word, and led andsustainedbyhisprovidence.

In this sense God as Creator, as revealed in the light of nature, hasestablishedcivilgovernmentamongmenfromthebeginning,andamongall peoples and nations, of all ages and generations. But in the

Page 316: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

developmentoftheplanofredemptiontheGod-manasmediatorialKinghasassumedthegovernmentoftheuniverse.Matt.xxviii.18;Phil.ii.9--11;Eph. i. 17 -- 23.As the universe constitutes one physical andmoralsystem,itwasnecessarythathisheadshipasMediatorshouldextendtothewholeandtoeverydepartmentthereof,inorderthatallthingsshouldworktogetherforgoodtohispeopleandforhisglory,thatallhisenemiesshould be subdued and finally judged and punished, and that allcreaturesshouldworshiphim,ashisFatherhaddetermined.Rom.viii.28; 1 Cor. xv. 25; Heb. x. 13; i. 6; Rev. v. 9 -- 13. Hence the presentprovidential Governor of the physical universe and "Ruler among thenations"isJesusofNazareth,theKingoftheJews,towhosewillalllawsshouldbeconformed,andwhomallnationsandallrulersofmenshouldacknowledgeandserve."Hehathonhisvestureandonhisthighanamewritten,KINGOPKINGS,ANDLORDOFLORDS.Rev.xix.16.

2. The proximate end for which God has ordained magistrates is thepromotionof thepublicgood,andtheultimateend is thepromotionofhisownglory.Thisevidentlyfollowsfromtherevealedfactthatthegloryor manifested excellence of the Creator is the chief end he had in thegeneral system of things, and hence the appointed chief end of eachintelligentagent.Rom.ix.22,23;xi.36;Col.i.16;Eph.i.5,6;1Pet.iv.11.IfthegloryofGodisthechiefendofeveryman,itmustbethechiefend equally of all nations and communities ofmen; and it ought to bemade the governingpurposeof every individual in all his relations andactions, public and official, as well as private and personal. And if theglory of God is his chief end, it is that to which all other objects anddesigns are subordinated as ends. The specific way in which the civilmagistrate is to endeavour to advance the glory of God is through thepromotion of the good of the community (Rom. xiii. 4) in temporalconcerns,includingeducation,morals,physicalprosperity,theprotectionoflifeandproperty,andthepreservationoforder.And--

3.Christianmagistratesshouldalsoseekintheirinfluentialpositionstopromotepietyaswellasorder.1Tim.ii.1,2.Thistheyaretodo,notbyassumingthefunctionsoftheChurch,norbyattemptingbyendowmentsofficially to patronize or control the Church, but personally by theirexample,andofficiallybygivingimpartialprotectionandallduefacility

Page 317: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

fortheChurchinitswork;bytheexplicitrecognitionofGodandofJesusChrist "as Ruler among the nations;" and by the enactment andenforcement of all laws conceived in the true spirit of the Gospel,touchingallquestionsuponwhichtheScripturesindicatethewillofGodspecificallyoringeneralprinciple,andespeciallyastouchingquestionsofthe Sabbath-day, the oath, marriage and divorce, capital punishments,etc.,etc.

4. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the once of amagistrate. This is evident enough. Indeed, in the highest sense, it islawfulfornoneotherthanChristianstobemagistratesoranythingelse,sinceitisaviolationofGod'swillthatanymanisnotaChristian.Andthegreaterthenumberandtheimportanceoftherelationsamanassumes,thegreaterbecomeshisobligationtobeaChristian,inorderthathemaybequalifiedtodischargethemallforthegloryofGodandthegoodofallconcerned.

5. Christianmagistratesmay lawfully, under theNew Testament, wagewaruponjustandnecessaryoccasions.Therightanddutyofself-defenseis established by the inalienable instincts of nature, by reason,conscience,theWordofGod,andtheuniversalconsentofmankind.Ifitis right for an individual to take life in self-defense, itmust be equallyrightforacommunitytodosoonthesameprinciple.

It is very difficult to decide in particular cases when it is right for aChristian nation to go to war, and it is not our place to consider suchquestions. But the following general principles are very plain and verycertain:--Warisanincalculableevil,becauseofthelivesitdestroys,themisery itoccasions,and themoraldegradation it infalliblyworksonallsides -- upon the vanquished and the victor, the party originally in therightandthepartyinthewrong.Ineverywaronepartyatleastmustbeinthewrong,involvedinthetremendousguiltofunjustifiablewar,andinthe vast majority of cases both parties are in the wrong. No plea ofhonour,gloryoraggrandizement,policyorprofit,canexcuse,muchlessjustify,war;nothingshortofnecessity to theendof thepreservationofnationalexistence.Inorder tomakeawarright inGod'ssight, it isnotonlynecessarythatourenemyshouldaimtodousawrong,butalso(1.)That the wrong he attempts should directly or remotely threaten the

Page 318: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

nationallife;and(2.)Thatwarbetheonlymeanstoavertit.Eveninthiscase every other means of securing justice and maintaining nationalsafetyshouldbeexhaustedbeforerecourseishadtothislastresort.Awarmaybepurelydefensive inspiritandintentwhile it isaggressive in themannerinwhichitisconducted.Thequestionofrightdependsupontheformer,not the latter -- upon thepurpose forwhich, andnotupon themereorderinwhich,ortheatreuponwhich,theattackismade.

Section III: Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves theadministrationoftheWordandsacraments;orthepowerofthekeysofthekingdomofheaven;[5]or,intheleast,interfereinmattersoffaith.[6]Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civilmagistrates to protect thechurch of our common Lord, without giving the preference to anydenomination of Christians above the rest, in such a manner that allecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full, free, andunquestionedlibertyofdischargingeverypartof theirsacred functions,without violence or danger.[7] And, as Jesus Christ hath appointed aregular government and discipline in his church, no law of anycommonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exercisethereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination ofChristians,accordingtotheirownprofessionandbelief.[8]Itisthedutyof civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all theirpeople,insuchaneffectualmannerasthatnopersonbesuffered,eitheruponpretenseofreligionorofinfidelity,toofferanyindignity,violence,abuse,orinjurytoanyotherpersonwhatsoever:andtotakeorder,thatallreligiousandecclesiasticalassembliesbeheldwithoutmolestationordisturbance.[9]

5.IIChr.26:18;Matt.16:19;18:17;ICor.4:1,12;12:28-29;Eph.4:11-12;Rom.10:15;Heb.5:46.John18:36;Acts5:29;Eph.4:11-127.Isa.49:23;Rom.13:1-68.Psa.105:159.Rom.13:4;ITim.2:2

IV. It is the duty of people to pray formagistrates [10], to honor theirpersons,[11] to pay them tribute or other dues,[12] to obey their lawfulcommands,andtobesubjecttotheirauthority,forconscience'sake.[13]

Page 319: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Infidelity,ordifference in religion,dothnotmakevoid themagistrates'justandlegalauthority,norfreethepeoplefromtheirdueobediencetothem:[14]fromwhichecclesiasticalpersonsarenotexempted,[15]muchless hath the pope any power and jurisdiction over them in theirdominions,oroveranyoftheirpeople;and,leastofall,todeprivethemoftheirdominions,orlives,ifheshalljudgethemtobeheretics,oruponanyotherpretensewhatsoever.[16]

10.ITim.2:1-311.IPeter2:1712.Matt.22:21;Rom.13:6-713.Rom.13:5Titus3:114.IPeter2:13-1615.Rom.13:1;Acts25:9-11;IIPeter2:1,10-11;Jude1:8-1116.Mark10:42-44;Matt.23:8-12;IITim.2:24;IPeter5:3

These sections teach that the Church and the State are both divineinstitutions, having different objects and spheres of action, differentgovernments and officers, and hence,while owingmutual good offices,areindependentofeachother.Thisisopposed--

1. To the Papal doctrine of the relation of the State to the Church.According to the strictly logical ultramontane view, the whole nationbeing in all its members a portion of the Church universal, the civilorganization is comprehended within the Church for certain endssubordinatetothegreatendforwhichtheChurchexists,andisthereforeultimately responsible to it for the exercise of the authority delegated.Hence, whenever the Pope has been in a condition to vindicate hisauthority, he has put kingdoms under interdict, released subjects fromtheirvowofallegiance,anddeposedsovereignsbecauseof theassumedheresyor insubordinationof thecivilrulersof the land.OurConfessionteachesthattheStateisinitssphereentirelyindependentoftheChurch,and that it has civil jurisdiction over all ecclesiastical persons, on thesame principles and to the same extent it has over any other class ofpersonswhatsoever.

2. The statements of these sections are opposed also to the ErastiandoctrineastotherelationoftheStatetotheChurch,whichhasprevailed

Page 320: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

inallthenationsandnationalchurchesofEurope.ThisdoctrineregardstheStateasadivineinstitution,designedtoprovideforallthewantsofmen, spiritual as well as temporal, and that it is consequently chargedwiththedutyofprovidingforthedisseminationofpuredoctrineandforthe proper administration of the sacraments and of discipline. It is thedutyofthecivilmagistrate,therefore,tosupporttheChurch,toappointits officers, to define its laws, and to superintend their administration.Thus in the State Churches of Protestant Germany and England thesovereignisthesupremeruleroftheChurchaswellasoftheState,andthecivilmagistratehaschosenandimposedtheconfessionsoffaith,thesystem of government, the order of worship, and the entire course ofecclesiasticaladministration.

Inopposition to this,ourConfession teaches that religious liberty is aninalienableprerogativeofmankind(chapterxx.),andthatitinvolvestheunlimitedrightuponthepartofeverymantoworshipGodaccordingtothedictatesofhisownconscience.Hence,ecclesiasticalrulers,althoughendowedwith thepower of the keys, arenot allowed to apply any civilpains or disabilities to coerce men to obey the laws they administer.Hence,also,thecivilmagistrate,whileboundtoprotectchurchmembersandecclesiasticalorganizationsinthepeacefulenjoymentoftheirrightsand discharge of their functions, is nevertheless allowed no officialjurisdictionwhateverintheaffairsoftheChurch.Thesamepersonmaybeacivilmagistrateandachurchmember.Intheonecaseheisaruler--intheotherasubject.Orthesamepersonmaybeacivilmagistrateandachurch officer, and rule at the same time in both spheres. But hisjurisdiction in each case would have entirely independent grounds,objects,spheres,modesandsubjectsofoperation.

These sections also teach that obedience to civil magistrates, whenmakingorexecutinglawswithinthepropersphereoftheState,isadutybindinguponall thesubjectsofgovernment forconscience' sakebytheauthorityofGod.Thisfollowsdirectlyfromthefact,asbeforeshown,thatcivil government is an ordinance ofGod -- that the powers that be areordainedofGodforcertainends;henceobediencetothemisobediencetoGod.Itfollowshence--(1.)Thatthisobedienceoughttobefromtheheartandforconscience'sake,andnotofconstraint.Hencewewillpray

Page 321: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

for and voluntarily assist our rulers, as well as render mere technicalobedience.(2.)Rebellionisagrievoussin,sinceitisdisobediencetoGod,and since it necessarilyworks such permanent physical ruin and socialdemoralization among our fellow-men. The limit of this obligation toobediencewillbefoundonlywhenwearecommandedtodosomethingcontrarytothesuperiorauthorityofGod(Actsiv.19;v.29);orwhenthecivil government has become so radically and incurably corrupt that ithas ceased to accomplish the ends for which it was established.Whenthatpointhasunquestionablybeen reached,whenallmeansof redresshave been exhaustedwithout avail, when there appears no prospect ofsecuring reform in the government, itself, and some good prospect ofsecuring itbyrevolution, then it is theprivilegeanddutyofaChristianpeople to change their government -- peacefully if theymay, forcibly iftheymust.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstandsecondsectionsofthischapter?[WCF23:1-2]

2.Whathasbysomebeenpresumedtobetheultimatefoundationofcivilgovernment?

3.State theproof, from thegeneral facts ofGod's relation to theworldanditsinhabitants,thatcivilgovernmentisreallyadivineordinance.

4.ProvethesamefromScripture.

5. To whom has God left the decision of the particular form ofgovernmenttobeadoptedbyanypeople?

6. What circumstances and what rule are to determine them in thechoice?

7. Was civil government originally instituted by God as Creator or asRedeemer?

Page 322: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

8.WhatdivinepersonisnowthesupremeRuleramongthenationsandheadofallgovernments?

9.Provetheansweryougive.

10. What is the ultimate end to promote which the civil magistrate isappointed?

11.Proveyouranswer.

12.Whatistheproximateendheisintendedtopromote?

13.Inwhatspecialsphereandbywhatmeansishetopromotethepublicgood?

14.Bywhatmeansisthecivilmagistratetoseektopromotepietyaswellaspeaceandjustice?

15.ShowwhyitislawfulforChristianstoacceptciviloffice.

16. Upon what ground may the lawfulness of defensive wars bemaintained?

17.Whatistheonlyproperexcuseforwar?

18. What ought in every case a Christian people to attempt beforeappealingtothearbitramentofwar?

19.Whatdothethirdandfourthsectionsteach?

20. What is the Papal doctrine as to the relation of the State to theChurch?

21.WhatdoesourConfessionteachinoppositiontoit?

22.WhatistheErastiandoctrineastotherelationoftheChurchtotheState?

23.Whatchurchesareorganizeduponthisprinciple?

Page 323: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

24.WhatdoesourConfessionteachinoppositiontothatdoctrine?

25.WhatdutydothecivilmagistratesowewithrespecttotheChurch?

26.WhatisthedutyoftheChurchwithrespecttotheState?

27.Onwhatgroundsdothesubjectsofcivilgovernmentoweobediencetothoseinauthorityoverthem?

28.Whatkindofobediencedotheyowe?

29.Whyisrebellionagainstlegitimateauthorityagreatsin?

30.Whenisresistancetocivilrulerslawful?

ChapterTwenty-fourOfMarriageandDivorce

I.Marriageistobebetweenonemanandonewoman:neitherisitlawfulforanymantohavemorethanonewife,norforanywomantohavemorethanonehusband,atthesametime.[1]

1.Gen.2:24;Matt.19:4-6;Rom.7:3;Prov.2:17

II.Marriagewasordainedforthemutualhelpofhusbandandwife,[2]fortheincreaseofmankindwithlegitimateissue,andofthechurchwithanholyseed;[3]andforpreventingofuncleanness.[4]

2.Gen.2:18;Eph.5:28;IPeter3:73.Gen.1:28;9:1;Mal.2:154.ICor.7:2,9

III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able withjudgment to give their consent. [5] Yet it is the duty of Christians tomarry only in the Lord.[6] And therefore such as profess the truereformed religion should not marry with infidels, papists, or otheridolaters: neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by

Page 324: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

marryingwith such as are notoriouslywicked in their life, ormaintaindamnableheresies.[7]

5.Heb.13:4;ITim.4:3;ICor.7:36-38;Gen.24:57,586.ICor.7:397. Gen. 34:14; Exod. 34:16; see II Cor. 6:14; Deut. 7:3-4; I Kings 11:4;Neh.13:25-27;Mal.2:11-12ITistaughtinthesesections:--1. That marriage was ordained. of God, and is therefore a divineinstitution,involvingareligiousaswellasacivilcontract.

2.Theendsdesignedtobepromotedbymarriagearespecified.

3. It isaffirmedthat the lawofmarriageallows it tobecontractedonlybetweenonemanandonewoman,andthatamancanhavebutonewifeandawomanbutonehusbandatthesametime.

4. The pre-eminent sanctity of a life of celibacy is denied, and thelawfulnessofmarriageforallclassesofmenisaffirmed.

5. It is taught thatpersonsofdifferent religions shouldnot intermarry,andthattruebelieversshouldnotbeunequallyyokedwiththeungodly.

1.Marriage was ordained of God, and is therefore a divine institution.This is so -- (1.) Because God created man male and female, and soconstitutedthem,physicallyandmorally,thattheyaremutuallyadaptedto each other and aremutually helpful to each other under the law ofmarriage, andnot otherwise; and (2.)Because the lawofmarriage, theconditionsof itscontract,continuanceanddissolution,arelaiddownintheWordofGod.

Henceitfollowsthatmarriageisareligiousaswellasacivilcontract.NoStatehasanyrighttochangethelawofmarriage,ortheconditionsuponwhich it, may be lawfully constituted or dissolved, as these have beenordainedbyGod.Neitherhasanymanorwomanarighttocontractanyrelationdifferentinanyrespect,astoitscharacterorduration,fromthatwhich God has ordained as marriage. Hence marriage is a humancontractunderthelimitsandsanctionsofadivineconstitution,andthe

Page 325: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

parties contracting pledge their vows of truth and constancy toGod aswellastoeachotherandtosociety.

Butitisalsoacivilcontract,becauseeveryStateisboundtoprotectthefoundations upon which social order reposes, and every marriageinvolves many obvious civil obligations and leads to many civilconsequences touchingproperty, the custodyof children, etc.TheStatemust therefore define the nature and civil effects of marriage, andprescribeconditionsuponwhichandmodesinwhichitshallbepubliclyacknowledged and ratified or dissolved. It is of the highest importancethat the laws of the State donot contravene the laws ofGodupon thissubject, butbemade in all respects to conform to them. In all cases ofsuch conflict Christians and Christianministersmust obey God ratherthan men. In Great Britain the civil authorities have transgressed theauthority of God in this matter, chiefly by declaring marriages, reallybinding in God's sight, to be null and void ab initio, because of sometrivial illegality as to the time inwhich or the persons bywhom itwassolemnized.Inthiscountry[America]thesinischieflycommittedinthematterofallowingthemarriagebondtobedissolvedformanycausesnotrecognized as valid in the Word of God. The law of the land is to beobeyed for conscience sakewhenever it doesnot contravene thehigherlaw of God. When it plainly does so, then Christian men and churchsessionsare toact themselvesand to treatothers just as if theungodlyhumanenactmenthadnoexistence,andthentaketheconsequences.

2.Themainendsdesignedtobepromotedbymarriagearestatedtobe--(1.)Themutualhelpofhusbandandwife.(2.)Theincreaseofmankindwitha legitimate issue. (3.)The increaseof theChurchofChristwithaholyseed.(4.)Thepreventionofuncleanness.

3.The lawofGodmakesmarriagea contract for life betweenonemanandonewoman.Theproofofthisisasfollows:--(1.)Godinstitutedmarriageatfirstbetweenonemanandonewoman.

(2.)Hehasprovidentiallypreservedinallagesandamongallnationsanequalnumberofbirthsofeachsex.

(3.) Experience shows that physically, economically, and morally,

Page 326: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

polygamy defeats all the ends forwhichmarriagewas designed, and isinconsistent with human nature and the relations of the sexes, whilemonogamyprovesinthehighestdegreeadaptedtoeffectthoseends.

(4.) This original law of God and of nature is of course dispensable inspecial cases and under peculiar conditions by the Lawgiver; andwhenever,and towhatsoeverextent, it is thusdispensed it ceases tobebinding,and itsnon-observanceceases tobe sin.ThusMoses, asGod'sagent,allowedadispensationofthis lawofmonogamy,whichhadbeenlong disregarded among the ancestors of the Israelites, "but from thebeginningitwasnotso."Matt.xix.8.

(5.)Christexpresslywithdrawsthisdispensation,andrestoresthelawofmarriagetoitsoriginalbasis:"Whosoevershallputawayhiswife,exceptitbefor fornication,andshallmarryanother,committethadultery:andwhosomarriethherwhichisputawaydothcommitadultery."Matt.xix.9.Itisobviousthatitisnottheputtingawayawifeimproperly,butitisthemarryinganotherbeforesheisdead,thatistheactofadultery.Andonthewoman'ssidetheadulterycannotconsistinbeingputaway,butinmarryinganothermanwhileherhusbandlives.Henceforamantohavetwowives,orawomantwohusbands,livingatthesametime,divorcedornot,isadultery,withthesoleexceptionsnotedabove.

4.OurConfession teaches thatmarriage is lawful forall sortsofpeoplewho have intelligence sufficient to consent. The Romish Church allowsthatmarriageis lawfulforthegreatmassofmenasaconcessiontotheweakness of the flesh, but maintains that a life of celibacy is bothmeritoriousandmoreconducivetospiritualelevation.HencetheysayalifeofcelibacyisrecommendedbyChrist(Matt.xix.10-12)asoneofhisevangelical counsels, by-the observance of which supererogatory meritmaybeattained;andhencetheRomishChurchimposesitasauniversalandimperativeobligationuponitsclergy.

ThisallProtestantsdenyforthefollowingreasons:--(1.)Godcreatedmanmaleandfemale,andconstitutedtherelationofthesexes, and ordained marriage in Paradise when man was innocent.Marriage,therefore,mustbepurelygood,andameansofgoodinitself,exceptwhenabusedbyman.

Page 327: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(2.)Therelationishonouredinbeingselectedasthehighestearthlytypeofthegrandestheavenlyfact--namely,themysticalunionoftheeternalWord with his Bride the Church. Eph. v. 28 -- 33. (3.) Reason andexperience unite in showing that the relation is the best conceivableconditionforthebringingoutandeducatingthenoblestmoralinstinctsand faculties of human nature. The best and noblest men of the OldWorldandtheNewhavebeenformedinthefamily.

(4.)Thevastexperimentofcelibacyonthepartofthepriesthoodandofthe monastic houses of the Roman Church proves our position byshowing the impoverishing and degrading tendency of the oppositesystem.ThetruemeaningofwhatistaughtbyourSaviour,Matt.xix.10--12,andbyPaul,1Cor,vii. 1-40, is, that theunmarriedareexposedtolessworldlycarethanthemarried;therefore,thatintimesofpersecutionandpublicdanger,andwithreferencetosomespecialkindofservicetowhichGodprovidentiallycallsaman,itmaybebothhisinterestandhisdutynottomarry.Itappearsevidentthat,eveninthepresentage,somekinds of missionary service both at home and abroad might be moreefficientlyaccomplishedforthegloryofGodandthegoodofmenifouryounger ministers would consent to regard marriage as less thanabsolutely essential, and in this respect also "seek' first the kingdomofGodandhisrighteousness."

5. The principle that professors of the true should not intermarry withprofessors of a false religion, and that true believers should notintermarrywith the ungodly, touches not thatwhich is essential to thevalidityofmarriage,butthatwhichbelongstoitsperfection,andbringsinquestionnottherealityofthemarriagewhenformed,buttheproprietyofformingit.Paulteachesthatifoneofthepartiesofapreviousmarriagebecomes a Christian, the other remaining a heathen, the Christianbrotherorsisterremainsboundbythemarriage-tieasbefore,unlesstheheathen party voluntarily abandon them, and so dissolve the relation,whentheChristian isno longerbound.1Cor.vii.12--15.Onthesameprinciple, the marriages at present so common between the convertedand the unconverted are unquestionably valid, and to be respected assuch.

ItneverthelessremainstruethattrueChristiansoweitbothtoChristand

Page 328: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

to theirownsoulsnot to contract suchalliances.Forhowcanonewhopossesses the mind and the spirit of Christ, whose affections are as apracticalfactsetuponthingsabove,whosemotives,aimsandaspirationsareheavenly,becomeonefleshandheart,dwell inthemost intimateofallpossiblecommunion,withasouldeadintrespassesandsins?(See2Cor.vi.14-18.)Ifsuchaunion is formed, itmust follow,either that thesacred ordinance ofmarriage is desecrated by a union of bodieswherethereisnounionofhearts,orintheintimatefellowshipofsoulwithsoulthe believer will be greatly depressed in his inward, spiritual life, andgreatlyhinderedinhisattemptstoservehisMaster intheworld.1Cor.vii.39.

IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity oraffinity forbidden by theWord.[8] Nor can such incestuous marriageseverbemadelawfulbyanylawofmanorconsentofparties,soasthosepersonsmay live togetherasmanandwife.[9]Themanmaynotmarryanyofhiswife'skindred,nearerinbloodthenhemayofhisown:northewomanofherhusband'skindred,nearerinbloodthanofherown.

8.Lev.18:6-17;24-30;Lev.20:19;ICor.5:1;Amos2:79.Mark6:18;Lev.18:24-28

V. Adultery or fornication committed after a contract, being detectedbefore marriage, giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolvethatcontract.[10]Inthecaseofadulteryaftermarriage,itislawfulfortheinnocentparty tosueoutadivorce:[11]and,after thedivorce, tomarryanother,asiftheoffendingpartyweredead.[12]

10.Matt.1:18-20;seeDeut.22:23-2411.Matt.5:31-3212.Matt.19:9;Rom.7:2-3

VI.AlthoughthecorruptionofmanbesuchasisapttostudyargumentsundulytoputasunderthosewhomGodhathjoinedtogetherinmarriage:yet, nothing but adultery, or such willful desertion as can no way beremedied by the church, or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient ofdissolvingthebondofmarriage:[13]wherein,apublicandorderlycourseofproceedingistobeobserved;andthepersonsconcernedinitnotleft

Page 329: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

totheirownwills,anddiscretion,intheirowncase.[14]

13.Matt.19:8-9;ICor.7:15;Matt.19:614.Deut.24:1-4

These sections teach the divine law of marriage as to incest and as todivorce.

l.INCESTconsistsofsexualintercoursebetweenpartiesforbiddenbythedivine law to marry, because of their relationship. Marriage betweenthesepartiesisimpossible;andnomatterwhatmaybetheprovisionsofhumanlawsorthedecisionsofhumancourts,suchpretendedmarriagesarevoidabinitio--invalidinessenceaswellasimproperandinjurious.Sincethedegreesofrelationshipwithinwhichmarriageisexcludeddifferin nearness, so the crime of incest differs, according to these varyingdegrees, from the highest to the least measure of criminality. Theobligation to avoid intermarriage between near blood-relations is adictateofnatureaswellasoftheWordofGod.

TheonlylawonthissubjectintheScripturesistheLeviticallawrecordedinLev.xviii.6--23;xx.10--21.Ifthislawisstillbinding,itcarrieswithit theprinciple that it is incest foramantocohabitwithanyoneofhisdeceasedwife'srelationsnearerinblood.thanitislawfulforhimtodoofhis own. If this law is not binding now, there is no other law of Godremainingonthesubjectofincestexceptthelawofnature.

TheGreekandRomanCatholicChurchesagreeinholdingthatthislawisstill binding, since the reason of the law rests upon permanentrelationships,andnotuponanyspecialcircumstancespeculiartosocietyamong the Jews. All branches of the Protestant Church -- Episcopal,Lutheran, and Presbyterian -- have maintained the same principle intheirConfessionsofFaithorcanonsofdiscipline.It isassertedinthesesectionsofourConfession.Butagreatdiversityofsentimentandpracticeprevailsindifferentpartsofour[theAmerican]Church,onthissubject,and for themost part the enforcement of this rule has been left to thediscretionofthemajorityofeachlocalchurchcourt.Severaleffortshavebeenmade, in 1826 and 1827, and 1843, 1845, and 1847, to have thissectionofthischapterchanged,butwithouteffect.

Page 330: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.Thedivine lawas toDIVORCE is, thatmarriage is a contract for lifebetweenonemanandonewoman,andthatitis,ipsofacto,dissolvedonlybydeath(Rom.vii.2,8);andthattheonlycausesuponwhichanycivilauthoritycandissolvetheunionofthosewhomGodhasjoinedtogetherare(a.)adultery,(b.)willful,causeless,andincurabledesertion.

(1.)Theonlycausesuponwhichitislawfultograntadivorceare--(a.)adultery; this isexplicitlyallowedbyChristMatt.v.31,32;xix.9);and(b.)willful,causeless,andincurabledesertion.ThisisallowedbyPaultotheChristianhusband,orwifedesertedbytheirheathenpartner.1Cor.vii. 15.The reason in the case is also self-evident, since suchdesertion,beingtotalandincurable,makesthemarriageanemptyname,voidofallreality; and, being causeless, leaves the deserting party withoutremainingrightstobedefended.

(2.)Suchcauses,however,donot,ipsofacto,dissolvethemarriagebond,butonlygivetherighttotheinnocentparty, if theysoelect,todemandthatitshallbedissolvedbycompetentauthority.Andiftheydodemandthedissolution, theyarenot left to theirowndiscretion inthecase,butthey must seek for the vindication of their rights at the hands of thepublicauthoritiesandaccordingtothelawoftheland.

(3.)Thecivil law,however,hasnoauthoritytograntdivorcesuponanyother grounds than those above defined as allowed by the law of God.Whenever theydo so, as is constantlydone in fact, the civil authoritiesputthemselvesintodirectconflictwiththelawofGodinthecase.HenceallChristiansandchurchcourtsareboundinsuchcasestodisregardthejudgment of the civil authority, and to regard and treat such unlawfuldivorcesasnullandvoid.Andifthepartiestoamarriageunrighteouslydissolvedmarryagain,theyaretoberegardedandtreatedbythosewhofearGodaslivinginthosenewmarriagesinthesinofadultery.Matt.xix.8,9;Actsiv.19;v.29.

QUESTIONS

1.What is the first proposition taught in the first three sections of this

Page 331: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

chapter?[WCF24:1-3]

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethirdtheretaught?

4.Whatisthefourththeretaught?

5.Whatisthefifththeretaught?

6.Provethatmarriageisadivineinstitution.

7. What is involved in saying that it is a religious as well as a civilcontract,andwhatconsequencesfollowtherefrom?

8.What is involved in saying that it is also a civil contract, and whatconsequencesfollowtherefrom?

9.Which should control theother—thedivine lawor thehuman lawofmarriage?andincasesofconflictwhichshouldtakeprecedence?

10. Inwhat respects have the civil laws ofmarriage inEngland for themostparterred?

11.Inwhatrespecthavetheychieflyerredinthiscountry?

12.Whatarethemainendsdesignedtobepromotedbymarriage?

13. Prove that polygamy is not lawful according to the original law ofmarriage.

14.Howcouldithavebeenrightinthepatriarchstopracticepolygamy?

15.ShowthatChristexplicitlywithdrewthepermission.

16.OnwhatgrounddotheRomanistsmaintainthesuperiorsanctityofalifeofcelibacy,andenjoinituponalltheirpriests?

17.UponwhatgroundsdoallProtestantsmaintaintheoppositeopinion?

Page 332: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

18.What is thetruemeaningof theteachingsofChrist, (Matt19:10-12)andofPaul(1Cor7:1-40)?

19. What practical bearing have these teachings upon the duties ofChristiansinthesedays?

20.Doesdifferenceofreligioninvalidatethemarriagebond?

21. Prove that true believers ought not to be unequally yokedwith theungodly.

22.Whatisthesubjectofthefourthsection?

23.Whatisincest?

24.Showthatmarriagewithintheforbiddenrelationshipisimpossible.

25.WhereistheBiblicallawofincesttobefound?

26.Whatdoes that law teachas to theprohibiteddegreesof affinity aswellasrelationship?

27.WhathasbeenhistoricallythejudgmentoftheChristianChurchastothecontinuedobligationoftheLeviticallaw?

28.What is theprevailingopinionandpracticeofourChurch inrecenttimes?

29.Whateventalone,ipsofacto,dissolvesamarriage?

30.What causes alone justify the dissolution of a marriage by humantribunals?

31.Provethatnoothercausesjustifydivorce.

32.Howmustadivorceuponthesejustifiablegroundsbeobtained?

33.HowoughtChristianandchurchcourts toact incases inwhich thecivilauthoritieshavegranteddivorces,andpermittednewmarriagesnotallowedbythelawofGod?

Page 333: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

34.Provethetruthofyouranswer.

-----

[1]SeeBaird'sDigest,pp.163-168.

ChapterTwenty-fiveOftheChurch

SECTIONI.Thecatholicoruniversalchurch,whichisinvisible,consistsofthewholenumberoftheelect,thathavebeen,are,orshallbegatheredintoone,underChristtheHeadthereof;andisthespouse,thebody,thefullnessofhimthatfillethallinall.[1]

1.Eph.1:10,22-23;5:23,27,32;Col.1:18

SECTIONII.Thevisiblechurch,whichisalsocatholicoruniversalunderthegospel(notconfinedtoonenation,asbeforeunderthelaw),consistsofallthosethroughouttheworldthatprofessthetruereligion;[2]andoftheir children:[3] and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ,[4] thehouseandfamilyofGod,[5]outofwhichthereisnoordinarypossibilityofsalvation.[6]

2.ICor.1:2;12:12-13;Psa.2:8;Rev.7:9;Rom.15:9-123. I Cor. 7:14; Acts 2:39; Gen. 17:7-12; Ezek. 16:20-21; Rom. 11:16; seeGal.3:7,9,14;Rom.4:12,16,244.Matt.13:47;Isa.9:7;Luke1:32-33;Acts2:30-36;Col.1:135.Eph.2:19;3:156.Acts2:47

SECTION III. Unto this catholic visible church Christ hath given theministry,oracles,andordinancesofGod,forthegatheringandperfectingof the saints, in this life, to theendof theworld: anddoth,byhisown

Page 334: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectualthereunto.[7]

7.ICor.12:28;Eph.4:11-13;Matt.28:19-20;Isa.59:12

THEwordcatholicmeansuniversal, and therefore is theproper titleofthe true Church of Christ, viewed as one body, composed of manymembers, existing in different places and at different times; and isconsequently very improperly applied to that corrupt and schismaticalbody,theChurchofRome.

The word in the New Testament corresponding to the English wordchurchisecclesia(ekklesia);thisisderivedfromthewordcalein(kalein),to call, to call out, and thus constitute a separate body; which word isused to express the effectual call of theHoly Spirit, whereby he bringsdeadsoulstolifeintheworldofregeneration.Rom.viii,28--30;1Pet.ii.9;v. 10.Theword"church," therefore, isacollective term includingthewholebodyofthe"called"(kletoi)orthe"elect"(eklektoi),orof"believers."Rev.xvii.14;1Cor.i.2,24.

To this Church, or collective body of the "effectually called," all thepromises of the Gospel are addressed. It is said to be the "pillar andgroundof the truth " (1Tim. iii, 15); the "body" and "fulnessofChrist"(Eph. i. 22, 23); "the Bride, the Lamb'swife" (Rev. xxi. 2, 9); and it isaffirmedthat"thegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit."Matt.xvi.18

As every part of this entire body possesses the common nature of thewhole,thecommonterm"Church"isnaturallyappliedsometimestotheentirebody,ofallnationsandages,conceivedofasaunit(Col.i.18);andsometimestothechurchofaparticularprovinceorcity,as"thechurchoftheThessalonians,"or"thechurchofEphesus"(2Thess.i.1;Rev.ii.1);orinthepluralfortheseveralindividualchurchesofaprovince,as"thechurchesinAsia,"or"thechurchesofMacedonia,"orof"Galatia"(1Cor.xvi. 1; 2 Cor. viii. 1; Rev. i. 4); and sometimes the word is applied todesignatesomeChristianfamily,as"thechurchinthehouseofPriscillaandAquila."Rom.xvi.5;Col.iv.15;Philem.2.

OurConfessionteachesinthesesections--

Page 335: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1. That there is a collective body, comprising all the elect ofGod of allnationsandgenerations,calledtheChurchinvisible.Thefactthatthereissuchabodymustbebelievedbyeverypersonwhobelievesthatallmen,ofeveryageandnationsinceAdam,whoreceivedChristandexperiencedthepowerofhisredemption,aretobesaved,andthatallwhorejecthimwillbelost.Thatthisentirebodyinits idealcompleteness,notonetruememberwanting,notonefalsemembermarringitssymmetry,hasbeenconstantlypresenttothemindofGodfrometernity,mustbebelievedbyallpersonswhoacknowledgeeitherorboththedivineforeknowledgeandforeordination.

Thisbody, thusseen in itsabsolute fulnessandperfectionbyGod frometernity,willbeatlastrevealedtotheuniverseinallitscompletenessandglory, so that it will transcend all the otherworks of God in its visibleexcellences.Anditisseeninpartbyusnowinthesuccessiveagesasitisgathered in, because everymemberof it is amanorwoman living andacting in the world, and the spiritual life whereby they are constitutedmembersoftheChurchmakesitselfmanifestbyitsfruits.ThisChurchiscalled"invisible,"however,(1.)Becausetheportionsof itatanytimeorplace visible are immeasurably small in comparisonwith the body as awholeinitsfullcomplementofsaintsofallnationsandgenerations;and(2.)Becauseeveninthesectionsofthisbodyvisibletousitsoutlinesareveryuncertain.Manywhoappearaspartsofitdonotreallybelongtoit,andmanymayreallybelongtoitwhoseunionwithitisnotmanifest.Thelinesarenot tohumaneyedrawnwithanydegreeof accuracybetweenthe Church and the world. In the meantime, the true Church, not yetperfectlydevelopedandmanifested,lurksinthephenomenalChurch,asthe grain of the growing corn lurks in the ear, and in this sense it isinvisible.ForthatwhichconstitutestheessenceofthisChurchisnotthevisibleprofessionorfruitfulness,butthatinvisibleindwellingdivinelife,fromwhichtheprofessionandthefruitfulnessproceed.

2. These sections teach that there is also a catholic or universal visibleChurch,consistingofthoseofeverynationwhoprofessthetruereligion,togetherwith their children. This proposition involves -- (1.) The truththat the trueChurch, consisting of persons, a part ofwhomare alwaysliving,and,withmoreorlessfaithfulness,bringingforthvisiblefruitsof

Page 336: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

holinessontheearth,ofcourseisitselfalwaysinpart,andwithgreaterorless clearness, visible. The universal visible Church is therefore not adifferentChurchfromthatwhichhasjustbeendescribedasinvisible.Itisthesamebody,as itssuccessivegenerationspass in theirorderandareimperfectly discriminated from the rest ofmankind by the eye ofman.(2.) The truth that God has commanded his people to organizethemselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, withconstitutions,lawsandofficers,badges,ordinancesanddiscipline,forthegreat purpose of giving visibility to his kingdom, ofmaking known thegospelofthatkingdom,andofgatheringinallitselectsubjects.Eachoneof these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the greatKing is an integral part of the visible Church; and all together, of allnames and nations, constitute the catholic or universal visible Church.The conditions of human life, physical, political, and social, and theimperfectionsofChristians, render impossibleapracticalorganicunionof all theseorganizedbodies; yet that theyall areonevisibleChurch isself-evident, from the fact that they are all visible parts of the truespiritualorinvisibleChurch,which,being"thebodyofChrist,"canneverbedivided.(3.)ThetruthalsothatsincetheChurchisrenderedvisiblebytheprofessionandoutwardobedienceofitsmembers;andsincenoclassofmenareeverendowedwiththepowerofdiscriminatingwithabsoluteaccuracy the genuineness of Christian characteristics, it necessarilyfollows that a credible profession, as presumptive evidence of realreligion, constitutes a person a member of the visible Church. By acredibleprofessionismeantaprofessionofthetruereligionsufficientlyintelligentandsufficientlycorroboratedbythedailylifeoftheprofessorto be credited as genuine. Every such profession is ground for thepresumption that the person is a member of the true Church, andconsequentlyconstituteshimamemberofthevisibleChurch,andlaysanobligationuponallotherChristianstoregardandtreathimaccordingly.ThisvisibleChurch iscalled"thekingdomofheaven"ontheearth;anditsnatureandprogressaresetforthintheparablesofthe"sowerandtheseed," the "wheat and the tares," the "mustard seed," the "leaven," the"netwhich was cast into the sea and gathered fish of every kind," etc.Matt.xiii.(4.)Alsothetruththatthechildrenofallprofessorsofthetruereligion are, on that account, fellow-memberswith their parents of thevisible Church. This important principle will properly come up for

Page 337: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

discussionandproofunderchapterxxviii.section4.

3. These sections teach that God has given to this universal visibleChurch, inall itsbranchesandconstituentelements--(1.)TheinspiredScripturesasan infallibleoracleandruleof faithandpractice;(2.)TheGospel ministry -- an order not qualified and indicated by manualcontact, but by the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost; (3.) Theordinances, such as preaching, prayer, singing of praise, and the holysacramentsofBaptism, and theLord'sSupper, anddiscipline.And (4.)Thatthegreatenddesignedtobeaccomplishedbythisgrant is (a.) thegathering in of the elect from the children of the Church or from theworld,and(b.)theperfectingofthesaintswhenthusgathered.Eph.iv.11--13.And(5.)Thatthesuccessoftheseagenciesinattainingthisendissecuredbeyondperadventureby thepromiseofChrist tobewith themandtorenderthemeffectualuntiltheendoftheworld.Matt.xxviii.20.

4. These sections teach that out of the bounds of this universal visibleChurch there is no ordinary possibility of salvation. This proposition isbelievedbyourChurchandby all other evangelicalChristians to applyonly to adults who are out of the pale of the visible Church. A11 themembers of the human race dying in infancy are believed to be savedthrough the merits of Christ. Since, then, the universal visible Churchconsistsofalltheprofessorsofthetruereligionintheworld,tosaythatoutofitthereisordinarilynopossibilityofsalvationisonlysaying--(1.)ThatGodhasneverinanywayrevealedhisintentionofsavinganysaneadult destitute of the personal knowledge of Christ. (2.) That anunexceptionalexperienceinheathenlandsleadsustotheconvictionthatnoneinsuchaconditionaresaved.(3.)ThatGodhasveryemphaticallydeclared that those who deny his Son before men shall not be saved.Matt.x.33.(4.)Thateverymanwhohearsthegospel iscommandedtoconfessChristbeforemen--thatis,tobecomeapublic,visibleprofessorofthetruereligion.Matt.x.32.TheconditionsofsalvationlaiddowninRom.x.9,10are--"IfthoushaltconfesswiththymouththeLordJesus,andshaltbelievewiththyheartthatGodhathraisedhimfromthedead,thoushaltbesaved.Forwiththeheartmanbelievethuntorighteousness;and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." There areobviously various ways in which Christ may be publicly acknowledged

Page 338: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

andconfessed.InsomewayeverypersonhavingtheloveofChristinhisheartwill confess him. But our Confession intends in these sections toteach further that ordinarily, where there is the knowledge andopportunity,Godrequireseveryonewho lovesChrist toconfesshim intheregularwayofjoiningthecommunityofhispeopleandoftakingthesacramental badges of his discipleship.That this is commandedwill beshownunderchaptersxxvii.-xxix.Andthatwhenprovidentiallypossibleevery Christian heart will be prompt to obey in this matter, is self-evident. When shame or fear of persecution is the preventingconsideration, then the failure to obey is equivalent to the positiverejection of Christ, since the rejection of him will have to be publiclypretended in such case in order to avoid the consequences attendinguponthepublicacknowledgmentofhim.

SECTION IV. This catholic church hath been sometimes more,sometimes less visible.[8]Andparticular churches,which aremembersthereof,aremoreorlesspure,accordingasthedoctrineofthegospelistaught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worshipperformedmoreorlesspurelyinthem.[9]

8.Rom.11:3-5;Acts2:41,47;9:31;18:8-109.Acts2:41-42;ICor.5:6-7;Rev.ch.2-3

SECTION V. The purest churches under heaven are subject both tomixtureanderror;[10]andsomehavesodegenerated,as tobecomenochurchesofChrist,butsynagoguesofSatan.[11]Nevertheless,thereshallbealwaysachurchonearth,toworshipGodaccordingtohiswill.[12]

10.ICor.13:12;Rev.ch.2-3;Matt.13:24-30,4711.Matt.23:37-39;Rom.11:18-2212. Matt. 16:18; Psa. 45:16-7; 72:17; Matt. 28:19-20; I Cor. 15:51-52; IThess.4:17

SECTIONVI. There is no other head of the church but the Lord JesusChrist.[13]NorcanthepopeofRome,inanysense,beheadthereof;[14]but is thatAntichrist, thatmanof sin, and sonofperdition, that exaltshimself,intheChurch,againstChristandallthatiscalledGod.

Page 339: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

13.Col.1:18;Eph.1:2214.Matt.23:8-10;IPeter5:2-4

AllthatistaughtinthesesectionsnecessarilyfollowsfromwhatwehaveaboveascertainedastothenatureofthevisibleChurch:--

1. Since the catholic or universal visible Church consists of all theprofessors of the true religion in the world, and of all the particularecclesiastical organizations which continue loyal to the Head, andmaintaindoctrinesessentiallysound, itmustnecessarily followthat theChurchasawhole is inanyagemoreor lessvisible,andanyparticularconstituentchurchmoreorlesspureinproportion--(1.)Tothepurityofthedoctrinetheyprofessandtheworshiptheymaintain;(2.)Totheirzealand spiritual character and energy; and (3.) To the purity of theirmembership maintained by discipline. In proportion as these are alladvancedinperfection,andprevailgenerallythroughoutthewholebody,in the same degree will the entire Church appear more visiblydiscriminated from theworldandmanifest inherentireoutline. In thesamemeasure, also, will every individual ecclesiastical organization bepure -- that is, free fromheterogeneous elements -- and consecratedtotheaccomplishmentoftheendsforwhichitisdesigned.

2. It follows, also, from the very nature of the visible Church and itscondition in thisworld, that its purity is amatter of degree, varying atdifferenttimesandindifferentsections.TheteachingofScriptureas tothe nature of the kingdomunder the present dispensation (Matt. xiii.),thenatureofmanyetimperfectlysanctified,andtheuniversalexperienceof thechurches, leadus to theconclusionthat theverypurestchurchesareyetveryimperfect,andwillcontinuesototheend,andthatsomewillbecome so corrupt as to lose their character as true churches of Christaltogether.ThiswasthecasewiththeancientChurchunderthereignofAhab,whenthechildrenofIsraelhadapostatizedfromtheserviceofthetrueGod tosuchanextent thatElijah thoughthewas theonlyone leftfaithful.EveninthatstateofaffairstheLorddeclared,"YetIhaveleftmeseventhousandinIsrael,allthekneeswhichhavenotboweduntoBaal."1 Kings xix. 18. Even more entire deterioration has happened to theancient churches founded by the apostles in the East and by theirsuccessors in Northern Africa. The churches which acknowledge the

Page 340: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

supremacyoftheBishopofRomehaveabandonedthefaithandobscuredthe glory of their Lord in one direction, while many professedlyProtestant churches -- as the English and American Socinians and theGermanRationalists--havemadeanequalapostasyinanother.

The Church of Romemaintains that the promise of Christ secures theinfallibleorthodoxyandpurityofthevisibleorganization,insubjectiontoapostolically-ordainedbishops, to the endof theworld.But theChurchwhoseinfallibleorthodoxyandpurityisguaranteedbythedivinepromiseisnooutwardvisibleorganizationorsuccessionofbishopsorpriests;itisthe particular Church of no nation or generation, but it is the trueinvisiblebodyoftheelectoroftruebelieversofallnationsandages.Thatitissoisproved--(1.)Fromthefactthatforeighteenhundredyearsthepromise has been fulfilled in the sensewe have defined, but has neverbeen fulfilled in the sense the Romish Church demands. They havethemselvesledthedefectionfromthefaithandpracticeof theapostolicChurch. And among Romanists and Protestants alike, visibleecclesiasticalorganizationsarecontinuallychangingtheircharactersandrelations to the truth. (2.) Several of theEpistles are addressed to "theChurch,"andthesalutationsexplainthatphrasebytheequivalents"thecalled," "the saints," etc. See the salutations of First and SecondCorinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, First and Second Peter, and Jude.The sameattributesareascribed to themembers of the trueChurch inthebodyoftheEpistles.1Cor.i.30;iii.16;vi.11;Eph.ii.3--8,19--22;Col. i. 21, 22; ii. 10; 1Pet. ii. 9. (3.) The attributes ascribed to the trueChurchproveittobespiritual,and,inthesenseexplained,invisible,andnotanoutwardorganizedsuccession.Eph.v.27;1Pet.ii.5;Johnx.27;Col.i.18,24.

3. It follows, nevertheless, from the relation which the visible ChurchsustainstotheinvisibleChurch,thatsince,accordingtodivinepromise,thelattercanneverentirelyfailfromtheearth(Matt.xvi.18),solikewise,however the former may be obscured by heresies or lessened bydefection,itcanneverbeentirelywanting.WhereverthetrueChurchis,itwillbemoreor lessvisible;not inproportion,however, to thesizeorpretension of the organization with which itmay be associated, but inproportion to the purity of its faith and the spiritual activity and

Page 341: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

fruitfulnessofitsmembership.

4.ThattheLordJesusChrist is theonlyabsoluteandsupremeHeadoftheChurchisself-evident,isabundantlyassertedinScripture(Col.i.18,andZph.i.20--23),andhasneverbeendeniedbyanyChristians.

Manyhave,however,maintainedthat,asthevisibleChurchonearthhasagovernmentandlaws,andsincethesemustbeadministeredbyavisibleauthority,sotheChurchmusthaveanearthlyvisiblehead, actinguponauthority delegated by Christ and is his representative. The Church ofRomeclaimsthisforthePope:"SohasChrist--theHeadandSpouse--placed over his Church,which he governs by hismost inward Spirit, aman to be the vicar andminister of his power; for as a visible churchrequiresavisiblehead,ourSaviourappointedPeterheadandpastorofallthefaithful."Cat.Rom.,parti.ch.x.,q.11.

The Erastian State Churches of Germany and Great Britain haveacknowledged their respective sovereigns as supreme heads of theChurchaswellasof theState.HenryVIII.was recognizedas "supremeheadof theChurchofEngland," and itwas enacted "That theking,hisheirs,etc.,shallbe taken,accepted,andreputedtheonlysupremeheadonearthof theChurchofEngland, calledAnglicanaEcclesia; and shallhaveandenjoy,annexedandunitedtotheimperialcrownofthisrealm,aswell the styleand title thereof, as all honours, dignities, immunities,profitsandcommoditiestothesaiddignityofsupremeheadofthesaid.Church belonging and appertaining." 26 Henry VIII., cap. i. Thissupremacy of the reigning sovereign over the Church is evenmade anarticleoffaith,beingincorporatedintotheThirty-seventhArticleoftheChurch of England: "The Queen's majesty has the chief power in thisrealm of England, and other her dominions; unto whom the chiefgovernmentofallestatesofthisrealm,whethertheybeecclesiasticalorcivil,inallcausesdothappertain."

In both these cases, and in all cases of like claims to ecclesiasticalsupremacy, it isamerequestionof factandevidence. If,asamatteroffact, Christ delegated his authority either to the Pope or to nationalSovereigns, andmade them, ashis victors, visibleheads of hisChurch,thenweought toobey them,andourdisobedience is treason toChrist.

Page 342: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Onthecontrary,iftheyhavenosuchauthority,andareunabletoprovetheirclaimsbyunquestionablecredentials,thentheirassumptionofsuchpower isablasphemous intrusionupondivineprerogativesand treasontothehumanrace.Itisobviousthatneitherpartycanshowanyplausiblefoundationfortheirclaims,andthatupontheslightestinterrogationtheyfalloftheirownweight.

IntheabsenceofanydulyaccreditedvisibleheadoftheChurch,weareforcedbacktodirectdependence for lawand itsadministration,aswellas for redemption,upon thegreat invisibleHead.Hepresidesoverandgoverns his Church -- (1.) Through his inspiredWord, which is, as wehave seen, an infallible, complete, and perspicuous rule of faith andpractice. (2.) Through the apostolical institutions transmitted to us, astheministry, the sacraments, the ordinances, etc. Eph. iv. 11. And (3.)Through his own spiritual presence,which extends to all hismembers,andendurestotheendoftheworld.Matt.xviii.20;xxviii.20.

Theword"Antichrist"occursintheNewTestament in1Johnii.18,22;iv.3;2John7.Thecomingofthe"manofsin,"the"sonofperdition,"ispredicted in 2 Thess. ii. 3, 4. Interpreters have differed as to whetherthese phrases were intended to designate a personal opponent of theLord, or principles and systems antagonistic tohimandhis cause.TheauthorsofourConfessioncanhardlyhaveintendedtodeclarethateachindividualPopeofthelongsuccessionisthepersonalAntichrist,andtheyprobablymeantthatthePapalsystemisinspirit,form,andeffect,whollyantichristian,andthatitmarkedadefectionfromapostolicalChristianityforeseenandforetoldinScripture.Allofwhichwastrueintheirday,andistrueinours.Wehaveneed,however,torememberthatastheformsofevilchange,andthecomplicationsofthekingdomofChristwiththatofSatan vary with the progress of events, "even now are there manyAntichrists."1Johnii.18.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthetruesenseandrightapplicationoftheword"catholic"?

Page 343: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.Whatistheetymologyandusageofthewordtranslated"church"intheNewTestament?

3.ProvethatitistheinvisiblespiritualChurchtowhichthepromisesoftheGospelareaddressed.

4. In what more general and more particular senses are the words"church"and"churches"used?

5.WhatdoesourConfessionteachastotheuniversalinvisibleChurch?

6.WhyisthisChurchcalled"invisible"?

7.Whenwillitbeseeninitscompletenessandunveiledglory?

8.WhatrelationdoestheuniversalvisibleChurchsustaintotheinvisibleChurch?

9.HowdoesthefactoforganizationaffectthevisibilityoftheChurch?

10. How can you prove that all the various ecclesiastical organizationsextantconstitutebutoneChurch?

11.WhoaremembersofthevisibleChurch?

12.WhydoesthemerefactofprofessionofthetruereligionconstituteapersonamemberofthevisibleChurch?

13.Whatconstitutesacredibleprofession?

14.BywhatfiguresisthevisibleChurch—itsnatureandgrowth—setforthinScripture?

15.WhobesidesprofessorsofthetruereligionaremembersofthevisibleChurch?

16.WithwhatgiftshasGodspeciallyendowedthevisibleChurch?

17.Toeffectwhatendswerethesegiftsgiven?

Page 344: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

18. What is meant by the assertion that outside of the bounds of thevisibleChurchthereisnoordinarypossibilityofsalvation?

19.WhataretheconditionsofsalvationsetdowninRom10:9-10?

20.HowarementoconfessChrist?

21.InwhatsenseisitnecessaryforsalvationformentoconfessChristbycommunionwiththevisibleChurch?

22. What is the first proposition taught in the fourth, fifth and sixthsections?

23. How does the truth of this proposition result from what has beentaughtaboveastothenatureandrelationsofthevisibleChurch?

24.Howcan it be shown that thepurityof the visibleChurchvaries indifferentagesandsections?

25.Statesomehistoricalinstancesofecclesiasticaldeterioration.

26. On what ground does the Church of Rome maintain that she isincapableofdoctrinalormoraldeterioration?

27.HowcanyoushowthatthesepromisesofScripturearenotaddressedto any visible organization or succession, but to the great company ofGod'selectofallagesandnations?

28.Howmay the perpetual continuance of the visible Church in someformontheearthbeargued?

29. Who acknowledges the Lord Jesus as the supreme Head of theChurch?

30.WhatdoestheRomishChurchteachastotheheadshipofthePope?

31.What is thedoctrineof theChurchofEnglandas totheheadshipoftheSovereign?

Page 345: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

32.Uponwhatgroundsareallsuchclaimstobedecided?

33.Whatisthenatureofsuchclaimsiftheyfailtobeproved?

34. Upon which party—the claimants, or those denying their claims—doestheburdenofprooflie?

35.Intheabsenceofavisiblehead,howdoesChristactasthetrueHeadofthewholeChurch?

36.InwhatpassagesofScriptureisthedoctrineofAntichristtaught?

37.WhatismeantbythedeclarationthatthePopeisAntichrist?

---------

[1]The26HenryVIII.,cap.i.

ChapterTwenty-sixOftheCommunionoftheSaints

SECTIONI.Allsaints,thatareunitedtoJesusChristtheirHead,byhisSpirit, and by faith, have fellowshipwith him in his graces, sufferings,death, resurrection, and glory:[1] and, being united to one another inlove, theyhave communion in each other's gifts and graces,[2] and areobliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as doconducetotheirmutualgood,bothintheinwardandoutwardman.[3]

1.IJohn1:3;Eph.2:5-6;3:16-18;John1:16;Phil.3:10;Rom.6:5-6;8:17;IITim.2:122.Eph.4:15-16;ICor.3:21-23;12:7,12;Col.2:193.IThess.5:11,14;Rom.1:11-12,14;IJohn3:16-18;Gal.6:10

SECTION II. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holyfellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performingsuchotherspiritualservicesastendtotheirmutualedification;[4]asalsoin relieving each other in outward things, according to their several

Page 346: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

abilitiesandnecessities.Whichcommunion,asGodofferethopportunity,istobeextendeduntoallthosewho,ineveryplace,calluponthenameoftheLordJesus.[5]

4.Heb.10:24-25;Acts2:42,46;Isa.2:3;ICor.11:205.IJohn3:17;IICor.ch.8-9;Acts2:44-45;11:29-30

SECTION III.This communionwhich the saintshavewithChrist,dothnotmaketheminanywisepartakersofthesubstanceofhisGodhead;ortobeequalwithChristinanyrespect:eitherofwhichtoaffirmisimpiousand blasphemous.[6] Nor doth their communion one with another, assaints,takeaway,orinfringethetitleorproprietywhicheachmanhathinhisgoodsandpossessions.[7]

6.Col.1:18-19;ICor.8:6;Psa.45:6-7;Heb.1:6-9;John1:14;20:177.Exod.20:15;Eph.4:28;Acts5:4

COMMUNIONisamutualinterchangeofofficesbetweenparties,whichflowsfromacommonprincipleinwhichtheyareunited.Thenatureanddegreeof the communionwilldependupon thenatureand intimacyoftheunionfromwhichitproceeds.

Thischapterteaches:--1.OftheunionofChristandhispeople.

2.Thefellowshipbetweenhimandthemresultingtherefrom.

3TheunionbetweenthetruepeopleofChristgrowingoutoftheirunionwithhim.

4.Thecommunionofsaintsgrowingoutoftheirunionwitheachother.

5.Themutualdutiesofallwhoprofesstobesaintswithregardtoalltheirfellow-professors.

1.All saintsareunited to theLordJesus.Weneed toknowwhat is thefoundationandwhatisthenatureofthisunion,andhowitisestablished.

(1.)Astothefoundationoftheunionsubsistingbetweenthetruebeliever

Page 347: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

and the Lord Jesus, the Scriptures teach that it rests in the eternalpurposeoftheTriuneGod,expressedinthedecreeofelection(wewere"chosen inhimbefore the foundationof theworld,"Eph. i. 4), and theeternalcovenantofgraceformedbetweentheFatherandhisWordasthemediatorialheadofhispeople,treatingwiththeHeadforthemembers,andwith themembers in theHead,andproviding for theirsalvation inhim.Johnxvii.2,6.

(2.) As to the nature of this union of the believer with Christ, theScriptures teach -- (a.) That it is federal and representative, wherebyChrist acts in all things as our federalHead, in our stead, and for ourbenefit. Hence our legal status is determined by his, and his rights,honours,relations,allaremadeoursincopartnershipwithhim.(b.)Thatitisavitalandspiritualunion.ItsactuatingsourceandbondistheSpiritoftheHead,whodwellsandworksinthemembers.1Cor.vi.17;xii.13;1John iii. 24; iv. 13. Hence our spiritual life is derived from him andsustainedanddeterminedbyhislife,whichweshare.Gal.ii.20.(c.)Thatit is a union between our entire persons and Christ, and therefore oneinvolvingourbodiesthroughoursouls.1Cor.vi.15,19.

(3.)As to themanner inwhich thisunion is established, theScripturesteachthattheelect,havingbeeninthedivineideacomprehendedundertheheadshipofChristfrometernity,areintimeactuallyunitedtohim--(a.)BythepowerfuloperationofhisSpirit,wherebytheyare"quickenedtogetherwithChrist"Eph.ii.5);whichSpiritevermoredwellsinthemasthe organ of Christ's presence with them, the infinitemedium throughwhichthefulnessofhisloveandlife,andallthebenefitspurchasedbyhisblood,passoverfreelyfromtheHeadtothemembers.(b.)Bytheactingsoffaithupontheirpart,wherebytheygraspChristandappropriatehimand his grace to themselves, andwhereby they ever continue to live inhimandtodrawtheirresourcesfromhim.Eph.iii.17.

ThisunionisillustratedinScripturebytherelationsubsistingbetweenafoundation and its superstructure (1 Pet. ii. 4 -- 6); a, tree and itsbranches(Johnxv.5);themembersofthebodyandthehead(Eph.iv.15,16); a husband and wife (Eph. v. 31, 32); Adam and his descendants.Rom.v.12-19.

Page 348: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Thisunionhasbeencalledbytheologiansa"mystical"union,because,itnever couldhavebeenknownunless revealedby theLordhimself, andbecauseitissoincomparablyintimateandexcellentthatittranscendsallother unions of which we have experience. Nevertheless it is notmysterious in the sense of involving any confusion between Christ'spersonality and ours, nor does itmake us in anywise partakers of hisGodhead or to be equalwith him in any respect. It is a union betweenpersons in which each retains his separate identity, and in which thebeliever, although immeasurably exalted and blessed, nevertheless isentirelysubordinatedtoandcontinuesdependentuponhisLord.

2.Onthebasisofthisunionamostintimatefellowshiporinterchangeofmutual offices ever continues to be sustained between believers andChrist.

(1.)TheyhavefellowshipwithChrist(a.)Inallthecovenantmeritsofhisactive andpassive obedience. Forensically they are " complete in him."Col. ii. 10.HisFather,his inheritance,his throne,hiscrown,are theirs.AstheirmediatorialHeadheactsasprophet,priest,andking.Inunionwithhimtheyarealsoprophets,priests,andkings.1Johnii.27;1Peterii.5;Rev. iii.21;v.10.TheyhavefellowshipwithChristalso (b.) In thetransforming,assimilatingpowerofhis life. "Ofhis fulnesshaveallwereceived, and grace for grace." John i. 16. Thus theyhave the " Spirit,"and"themind"ofChrist,andbearhis"likeness"or"image."Rom.viii.9; Phil. ii. 5; 1 John iii. 2. This includes the bodies also,making themtemples of theHolyGhost; and in the resurrectionour glorifiedbodiesaretobelikehis.1Cor.vi.19;xv.43,49.TheyhavefellowshipwithChrist(c.) In all their experiences, inward and outward, in their joys andvictories, in their labours, sufferings, temptations,anddeath.Rom.viii.37;2Cor.xii.9;Gal.vi.17;Phil.iii.10;Heb.xii.3;1Pet.iv.13.

(2.)Christhasfellowshipwiththem.Theybelongtohimasthepurchaseof his blood. They are devoted to his service. They are co-workerstogether with him in building up his kingdom. They bear fruit to hispraise, and shine as stars in his crown. Their hearts, their lives, theirpossessions,areallconsecratedtohim,andareheldbythemintrustforhim.Prov.xix.17;Rom.xiv.8;1Cor.vi.19,20.

Page 349: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3. Since all true believers are thus intimately united to Christ as thecommonHead of thewhole body, and the Source of a common life, itfollowsthattheymustbeintimatelyunitedtogether.IftheyhavebutoneHead,andareallmembersofonebody,theymusthaveonecommonlife,andbeallmembersoneofanother.

The Romish and Ritualistic view is, that individuals are united to theChurch through thesacraments,and through theChurch toChrist.Thetrueviewis,thattheindividualisunitedtoChristtheHeadbytheHolyGhostandbyfaith;andbybeingunitedtoChristheis,ipsofacto,unitedto all Christ's members, the Church. The holy catholic Church is theproduct of theHolyGhost.Wherever the Spirit is, there theChurch is.The presence of the Spirit is known by his fruits, which are "love, joy,peace,"etc.Gal.v.22,23.Allbelievers receiving thesameSpiritarebyhimbaptizedinto"onebody;"andthustheyallbecome,"thoughmanymembers," but " one body," " the body of Christ " and " members inparticular."1Cor.xii.13--27.

4.Hencetruebelievers,allbeingunitedinonelivingbody,sustainmanyintimaterelations,anddischargemanyimportantofficesforoneanother,whicharesummarilyexpressedbythegeneralphrase,"Thecommunionofsaints."

(1.)TheyhaveacommonHead,andcommondutieswithrespecttohim;acommonprofession,acommonsystemoffaithtomaintain,acommongospeltopreach,acommonworshipandservicetomaintain.

(2.) They have a common life, and one Holy Ghost dwelling in andbinding together inone thewholebody.Hence theyare involved inthetiesofsympathyandidentityofinterest.Onecannotprosperwithoutallprosperingwithhim--onecannotsufferwithoutallsufferingwithhim.

(3.) As they constitute one body in the eyes of the world, they have acommon reputation, and are all severally and collectively honoured ordishonoured with each other. Hence all schisms in the body, injuriouscontroversies, malignant representations of Christian by Christian, areself-defamingaswellaswicked.

Page 350: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(4.)Thebodyofsaintsislikethenaturalbodyinthisalso,that,althoughonebody,eachseveralmemberisanorganoftheHolyGhostforaspecialfunction, and has his own individual difference of qualification, andconsequentlyofduty.Hence,intheeconomyofthebody,eachmemberistocontributehisspecialfunctionandhisspecialgraceorbeauty,andhasin his turn fellowship in the gifts and complementary graces of all therest.Eph.iv.11--16;1Cor.xii.4--21.Thisshallbeperfectlyrealizedinheaven.Johnx.16;xvii.22.

5.SincethisistheunionofalltruebelieverswiththeLordandwitheachother, and since, consequently, a " communion of saints" so intimatenecessarily nourishes among true believers in proportion to theirintelligenceandtheiradvancementingrace,itfollowsthatallbranchesofthevisibleChurch,andalltheindividualmembersthereof,shoulddoallwithintheirpowertoactupontheprincipleofthe"communionofsaints"intheirintercoursewithallwhoprofessthetruereligion.IftheChurchisone,thechurchesareone.Ifallsaintsareone,andareembracedinthisholy "communion," thenallwhoprofess tobe saints should regardandtreat all their fellow-professorson thepresumption that they are saintsand"heirstogetherwiththemofthegraceoflife."Thinkofit!Inspiteofallcontroversiesandjealousies,oneintheeternalelectingloveofGod!--one in thepurchaseofChrist'ssacrificialblood! --one in thebeatifyingindwellingof theHolyGhost! --one in theeternal inheritanceofglory!Surelyweshouldbealsooneinallthecharities,sympathies,andhelpfulofficespossible,intheseshortandevildaysofearthlypilgrimage.Thesemutualdutiesare,ofcourse,someofthempublic--asbetweendifferentevangelical churches --andmayof themprivateandpersonal.Manyofthemrelate to thesouls,andmanyalso to thebodiesof the saints.Therule is, the lawof love in theheart, and theprinciplesandexamples ofsaintsrecordedinScriptureappliedtothespecialcircumstancesofeveryindividualcase.Butwhilethesemutualrelationsandofficesofthesaintssanctify,theyarenotdesignedtosupersedethefundamentalprinciplesofhumansociety,astherightsofpropertyandthefamilytie.

QUESTIONS

Page 351: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1.Whatiscommunion,andwhatdoesitpresuppose?

2.Whatisthefirstsubjecttaughtinthesesections?

3.Whatisthesecondsubjectheretaught?

4.Whatisthethird?

5.Whatisthefourth?

6.Whatisthefifth?

7.WhatisthefoundationoftheunionofthebelieverandChrist?

8.Whatthreepointsareheretaughtastothenatureofthatunion?

9.Whatdoyoumeanbysayingthatitisfederal?

10.Whatbysayingthatitisvitalandspiritual?

11.Whatbysayingthatitinvolvestheentireperson?

12.Howisthisunionaccomplished?

13.WhatistheofficeoftheHolySpiritinrespecttoit?

14.Whatistheofficeoffaithinrespecttoit?

15.Bywhatsimilitudeisthisunionillustrated?

16.Whyhasthisunionbeencalled"mystical"?

17.Inwhatsenseisitnotmysterious,andwhatisnotinvolvedinit?

18.WhatisthegreatpracticalconsequenceofourunionwithChrist?

19.InwhatrespectsdoesthebelieverhavefellowshipwithChrist?

20.InwhatrespectsdoesChristhavefellowshipwiththebeliever?

Page 352: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

21.WhatfollowsifallbelieversareunitedtotheoneChrist?

22.WhatistheRomishandRitualisticandwhatthetrueviewastotheway in which the individual members are united to Christ and to theworld?

23.HowcanthepresenceoftheHolySpiritbedetermined?

24.Whatisthegreatpracticalconsequentwhichflowsfromtheunionofallsaintsin"onebody?"

25.Statetheprincipalparticularswhichareinvolvedinthe"communionofsaints."

26. What practical duties hence belong to every branch of the visibleChurchwithreferencetoeveryotherbranch?

27. What practical duties hence belong to every professor of the truereligionwithreferencetoallhisfellow-professors?

28.Whatistheruleforourguidanceinsuchmatters?

29.Towhatconsequencesdoesthisdoctrinenotlead?

ChapterTwenty-sevenOftheSacraments

SECTIONI.Sacramentsareholysignsandsealsofthecovenantofgrace,[1] immediately instituted by God,[2] to represent Christ, and hisbenefits; and to confirmour interest inhim:[3] as also, toputa visibledifferencebetweenthosethatbelonguntothechurch,andtherestoftheworld;[4] and solemnly to engage them to the serviceofGod inChrist,accordingtohisWord.[5]

1.Rom.4:11;Gen.17:7,10,11

Page 353: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2.Matt.28:19;ICor.11:233.Rom.6:3-4;Col.2:12;ICor.10:16;11:25-26;Gal.3:274.Exod.12:48;Gen.34:14;ICor.10:215.Rom.6:3-4;Gal.3:27;IPeter3:21;ICor.5:7-8;10:16

SECTION II. There is, in every sacrament, a spiritual relation, orsacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified:whence itcomestopass,thatthenamesandeffectsoftheoneareattributedtotheother.[6]

6.Gen.17:10;Matt.26:27-28;ICor.10:16-18

LARGERCATECHISM,q. 168.--What are theparts of a sacrament? --Thepartsofasacramentaretwo;theoneanoutwardandsensiblesign,used according to Christ's own appointment; the other, an inward andspiritualgracetherebysignified.[7]

7.Matt.iii.11;1Pet.iii.21.;Rom.ii.28,29.

Theword " sacrament"doesnotoccur in theScriptures. In its classicalusageitdesignatedanythingwhichbindsorbringsunderobligations,asa sumofmoney given in pledge, or an oath, and especially theoathofmilitaryallegiance.

In its ecclesiasticalusage, theword,while retaining its general senseofsomething binding as sacred, was at an early period used as the Latinequivalent of the Greek word mysterion (musterion}, that which isunknown until revealed; and hence any symbol, type, or rite having alatentspiritualmeaning.HencethewordnaturallycametobeappliedinageneralandvaguesensetotheChristianordinancesofBaptismandtheLord'sSupper,andwiththemalsotomanyotherreligiousdoctrinesandordinances.

Itisplainly,therefore,impossibletodeterminethenatureorthenumberof the sacraments from either the etymology or the usage of the word"sacrament."Wewantathoroughdefinitionofthething,notofthename.ThiswecangetonlybytakingBaptismandtheLord'sSupper,whichallmenacknowledgetobegenuinesacraments,and,byastrictexamination

Page 354: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

oftheirorigin,nature,anduses,determine(a.)thetruecharacteroftheclass of ordinances to which they belong, and (b.) whether any otherordinancesbelongtothesameclassornot.Inthiswaythedefinitionofasacrament given in our Standardswas formed. This definition involvesthefollowingpoints:--

1.AsacramentisanordinanceimmediatelyinstitutedbyChrist.L.Cat.,q.162,andS.Cat.,q.92.

2. A sacrament always consists of two elements -- (1.) An outward,sensiblesign;and(2.)Aninward,spiritualgrace,therebysignified.

3.Thesignineverysacramentissacramentallyunitedtothegracewhichit signifies; and out of this union the Scriptural usage has arisen ofascribingtothesignwhateveristrueofthatwhichthesignsignifies.

4. The sacraments were designed to represent, seal, and apply thebenefitsofChristandthenewcovenanttobelievers.S.Cat.,q.92.

5.TheyweredesignedtobepledgesofourfidelitytoChrist,bindingustohis service, and at the same time badges of our profession, visiblymarkingthebodyofprofessorsanddistinguishingthemfromtheworld.

1.Thefirstsectionofthischaptersaysthatasacramentisanordinance"immediately institutedbyGod, to representChrist," etc.This is true iftheword"sacrament"isusedinitsgeneralsensetoincludealsotheOldTestament sacraments of Circumcision and the Passover. But it is animportantdistinctionof theNewTestamentsacramentsofBaptismandtheLord's Supper that theywereboth immediately institutedbyChristhimself. Therefore both the Larger (q. 162) and the Shorter (q. 92)Catechisms have it, "A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted byChrist inhisChurch."This shouldbe remembered,because it serves toexcludemostof thepretendedsacramentsof theChurchofRome fromanyrighttoaplaceinthisclassofChristianordinances.

2.Everysacramentconsistsoftwoelements--(1.)Anoutward,sensiblesign;and(2.)aninward,spiritualgrace,therebysignified.InBaptismtheoutwardsensiblesign is -- (1.)Water,and(2.)Thewaterapplied in the

Page 355: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

nameoftheTriuneGodtothepersonofthesubjectbaptized.Theinward,spiritualgrace,therebysignifiedis--(1.)Primarily,spiritualpurificationby the immediate personal power of the Holy Ghost in the soul; andhence,(2.)Secondarily,theindwellingoftheHolyGhost,hencetheunionof the baptized with Christ, hence regeneration, justification,sanctification, perseverance to the end, glorification, etc.-- i.e., all thebenefitsofthenewcovenant.IntheLord'sSupper,theoutward,sensiblesigns,are--(1.)Breadandwine;and(2.)Theconsecration,andthebreadbroken,andthewinepouredout,distributedto,andreceivedandeatenand drunk by, the communicants. The inward, spiritual grace, therebysignifiedis--(1.)Primarily,Christcrucified(hisfleshandbloodshed)forus,andgivinghimselftoustobespirituallyreceivedandassimilatedastheprincipleofanewlife;andhence,(2.)Secondarily,unionwithChrist,the indwelling of the Spirit, regeneration, justification, sanctification,etc.--i.e.,allthebenefitssecuredbythesacrificialdeathofChrist.

3."Thereisineverysacramentaspiritualrelationorsacramentalunionbetween the sign and the thing signified." This sacramental unionbetween the sign and the grace which it signifies, the Romish andLutheran Churches understand to be, at least in the case of the Lord'sSupper,aliteralidentity.ThuswhenChristtookthebreadandsaid,"Thisismybody,"theyinsistthatitmeansthatthebreadishisbody.AllotherChristians understand the phrase to mean, " This bread representssacramentallymybody."

This sacramental union, therefore, between the sign and the thingsignified is(1.)Symbolicalandrepresentative-- theonesymbolizesandso represents the other; and (2.) Instrumental, because by divineappointment, through the right use of the sign, the grace signified isreallyconveyed.

Thegroundsof this sacramentalunionare -- (1.)Thenatural fitness ofthe sign to symbolize the grace signified, as washing with water tosymbolizespiritualpurificationbytheHolyGhost.(2.)TheauthoritativeappointmentofChristthatthesesigns,rightlyused,shalltrulyrepresentandconveythegracetheysignify.(3.)Thespiritualfaithofthebelievingrecipient,agiftoftheSpiritofChrist,whereby, intheproperuseof thesign,heisenabledto"discerntheLord'sbody."1Cor.xi.29.

Page 356: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Outofthisspiritualrelation,orsacramentalunionbetweenthesignandthe grace signified, which we have thus explained by a natural andlegitimateuseof language, theone isput for theother,andwhatever istrueofthegracesignifiedisassertedofthesignwhichsignifiesit.Thus,toeatthebreadanddrinkthewineintheLord'sSupperistoeatthefleshand drink the blood of Christ; that is, to participate in the sacrificialvirtueofhisdeath.AndwhateveristrueatBaptismwiththeHolyGhostisattributedtoBaptismwithwater.AnaniassaidtoPaul,"Arise,andbebaptized,andwashawaythysins."Actsxxii.16."Christgavehimselfforthe Church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing ofwaterby theWord."Eph.v.26. "Repent,andbebaptized, everyoneofyou in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts ii. 38.HenceRomanistsandRitualistshaveinferredthatthesignisinseparablefrom the grace signified, and that these spiritual effects are due to theoutwardordinance.Hencethedoctrineofbaptismalregeneration.Butitmust be observed that the Scriptures do not assert these spiritualattributesofwaterbaptismin itselfconsidered,butofwaterbaptismasthe sign or emblem of baptism by the holy Ghost. These spiritualattributesbelong"onlytobaptismbytheSpirit,andtheyaccompanythesignonlywhenthesignisaccompaniedbythatwhichitsignifies.Itdoesnotfollow,however,thatthesignisinseparablefromthegrace.Thegraceis sovereign; and experience teachesus that it is often absent from thesign,andthatthesignisleastfrequentlyhonouredbythepresenceofthegracewhenitisitselfmostimplicitlyreliedupon.

4.Thesacramentsweredesigned--(1.)TorepresentthebenefitsofChristandthenewcovenant.Theyareassigns or pictures of the truths they represent, and hence present thosetruths to the eyes and other senses of the recipients in a manneranalogoustothatinwhichtheyarepresentedtotheearsinthepreachingof the Word. This follows from what has just been shown as to theirbeingsoutward,sensiblesigns,signifyinginwardandspiritualgrace.

(2.)Theyweredesignedtobe"seals"ofthebenefitsofthenewcovenant.Thegospel ispresentedunder the formofacovenant.Salvationandallthe benefits of Christ's redemption are offered upon the condition offaith.InthesacramentsGodsensiblyandauthoritativelypledgeshimself

Page 357: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

to invest us with this grace if we believe and obey. In receiving thesacramentwe actively assume all the obligations implied in the gospel,andbindourselvestofulfilthem."Circumcision,"Paulsays,is"thesealoftherighteousnessoffaith,"Rom.iv.11;andBaptismisdeclaredtobe"the circumcision of Christ." Col. ii. 11, 12. We are said to be actually"buried with Christ by baptism" (Rom. vi.4); i.e., united to him in hisdeath.Jesussays,"Thiscupisthenewcovenantinmyblood"(Lukexxii.20); that is, This cup representsmy blood, bywhich the new covenantwas ratified; and therefore it is a visible confirmation of the covenant,sinceitisavisiblerepresentativeoftheblood.Ifamanwascircumcised,hewas"adebtortodothewholelaw."Gal.v.3."AsmanyashavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist."Gal.iii.27.

(3.)Thesacramentsweredesignedto"apply"--i.e.,actuallytoconvey--tobelievers thebenefits of thenewcovenant. If theyare " seals"of thecovenant, they must of course, as a legal form of investiture, actuallyconvey thegrace represented to those towhom itbelongs.Thusadeedconveysanestate,orthekeyhandedoverinthepresenceofwitnessesthepossession of a house from the owner to the renter. Our Confession isexplicit and emphatic on this subject. The old English word "exhibit,"thereused,doesnotmean to show forth;but, in the senseof theLatinexhibere,fromwhichit isderived,toadminister,toapply.Comparethefollowing: "A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ;wherein,bysensiblesigns,Christ,andthebenefitsofthenewcovenant,are represented, sealed, and applied to believers." S. Cat., q. 92. "Asacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church, tosignify,seal,andexhibituntothosethatarewithinthecovenantofgrace,the benefits of his mediation." L. Cat., q. 162. "The grace which isexhibited inorby the sacraments, rightlyused, isnot conferredbyanypowerinthem."Conf.Faith,ch.xxvii.,section3."TheefficacyofBaptismis not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yetnotwithstanding,bytherightuseofthisordinance,thegracepromisedisnotonlyoffered,butreallyexhibitedandconferredbytheHolyGhost,"etc.Conf.Faith,ch.xxviii.,section6.ThistheConfessioncarefullyguardsinthethirdsectionofthischapter,showingthatthesacramentshavenoinherentpowerorvirtueatall,butthattherightuseofthesacramentisbydivineappointmenttheoccasionuponwhichtheHolyGhostconveys

Page 358: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thegracetothosetowhomitbelongs.Sothatthisgrace-conferringvirtuedependsupontwothings:(1.)Thesovereignwillandpowerof theHolySpirit. (2.) The lively faith of the recipient. The sacrament is a mereinstrument;butITISANINSTRUMENTOFDIVINEAPPOINTMENT.

5.Thesacramentsbeingsealsofthecovenantofgrace--atoncepledgesofGod'sfaithfulnesstousandofourobligationtohim--theyofcourse(1.)Markusas thedivineproperty,andbind,us to theperformance ofour duty; and hence are (2.) Badges of our profession, and, putting avisibledifferencebetweenthosewhobelongtotheChurchandtherestoftheworld, give visibility to theChurch, and separate itsmembers fromtheworld.

SECTIONIII.Thegracewhichisexhibitedinorbythesacramentsrightlyused,isnotconferredbyanypowerinthem;neitherdoththeefficacyofasacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that dothadminister it:[7] but upon the work of the Spirit,[8] and the word ofinstitution,which contains, togetherwith a precept authorizing the usethereof,apromiseofbenefittoworthyreceivers.[9]

7.Rom.2:28-29;IPeter3:218.ICor.12:139.Matt.26:26-28;28:19-20;Luke22:19-20;ICor.11:26

Havingassertedthatthesacramentsactuallyconferthegracewhichtheyrepresenttoworthyrecipients,ourConfessioninthissectionproceedstoguard this important truth fromabuse,bycarefullyshowinguponwhatthisgrace-conveyingefficacyofthesacramentsdoesnot,anduponwhatitdoesdepend.

1. This grace is not contained in the sacraments themselves, nor is it"conferred by any power in them." According to the Romish andRitualisticview,thegracesignifiediscontainedinthesacramentitself,asqualities inhere in substances, and it is togetherwith the outward signpresentedinareal,objectivesense,toeveryrecipient,whetherbelieverorunbeliever. They hold also that the sacrament confers this grace uponevery recipientwhodoesnotpositively resist, as anopusoperatum thesoleforceofthesacramentalaction,ashotironburns.

Page 359: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ThiswholeviewisexplicitlyrejectedasfalsebyourConfession;andthewholeefficacyofthesacramentissaidtodepend,notuponanypartofitseparately,noruponthewholetogether,butuponthesovereignpowerofthe Holy Ghost, who is always present, and uses the sacrament as hisinstrumentandmedium.

2. The efficacy of the sacraments does not depend upon either thepersonalpietyorthe"intention"ofthepersonwhoadministersthem.

TheRomanistsadmitthattheefficacyofthesacramentsdoesnotdependupon the personal piety of the administrator; but they insist that itdepends -- (1.) Upon the fact that the administrator is canonicallyauthorized; (2.) Upon the fact that the administrator exercises at themoment of administration the secret "intention" of doing therebywhatthe Church intends in the definition of the sacrament. The priest mayoutwardlypronounceeverywordandperformeveryactionprescribedintheritual, and the recipientmay fulfil every condition required of him,andyet if thepriest fails in the secret intentionof conferring the gracethroughthesacramentthenandthere,therecipientgoesawaydestituteof thegracehesupposeshimself tohave received,andwhich thepriesthasostensiblyprofessedtoconfer.

3. But the efficacy of the sacraments depends -- (1.) Upon their divineappointmentasmeansandchannelsofgrace.Theywerenotdevisedbymanas suitable in themselves toproduceamoral impression.But theywereappointedbyGod,andwearecommandedtousethemasmeansofgrace; and hence God virtually promises to meet every soul who usesthemrightlyinthesacrament.Christsealshisgraciouscovenantbythem,andhenceintheiruseinvestswiththegraceofthatcovenanteverysoulto which it belongs. (2.) The efficacy of the sacrament resides in thesovereignandever-presentpersonalagencyoftheHolyGhost,whousesthesacramentsashis instrumentsandmediaofoperation.TheSpirit isthe executive ofGod.He takes of the things of Christ and shows themunto us. Through him even the humanity of Jesus is virtuallyomnipresent,andallthebenefitssecuredbyhissacrificearerevealedandapplied.

SECTIONIV.TherebeonlytwosacramentsordainedbyChristourLord

Page 360: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

intheGospel;thatistosay,baptism,andtheSupperoftheLord:neitherofwhichmaybedispensedbyany,butbyaministeroftheWordlawfullyordained.[10]

10.Matt.28:19;ICor.4:1;11:20,23;Eph.4:11-12

Aswehaveseen,theword"sacrament"wasusedveryindefinitelyintheearly Church to include any religions rite which had a latent spiritualmeaning.Apre-eminencewasalwaysawardedtoBaptismandtheLord'sSupper,asformingaclassbythemselves;butthenumberofordinancestowhichtheterm"sacrament"wasappliedvariedatdifferenttimesandin different places from two to twelve. At last the number seven wassuggestedduringthetwelfthcentury,anddeterminedauthoritativelybytheCouncilofFlorence, 1439,andby theCouncilofTrent, 1562.Theseare Baptism, Confirmation, the Lord's Supper, Penance, ExtremeUnction, Orders, Marriage. In order to prove that "there be only twosacraments ordained byChrist our Lord in the gospel -- that is to say,Baptismand the Supper of theLord" --we have only to show that theotherfiveso-calledsacramentsclaimedbytheRomanistsdonotbelongtothesameclassofordinanceswithBaptismandtheLord'sSupper;andwedothisbyapplyingthedefinitionofasacramentabovegiven.Thus--Penance,Confirmation,andExtremeUnctionarenotdivineinstitutionsinanysense.

Marriage was instituted, not by Christ, but by God; and Orders wereinstituted by Christ: but neither of these ordinances (a.) consists of anoutward,visiblesign,signifyinganinward,spiritualgrace;nor{b.)doeseither of them "represent, seal, or conferChrist and the benefitsof thenewcovenant."

Our Confession also adds that no one has a right to administer thesacraments save a lawfully ordained minister. This is not said in theinterestofanypriestlytheoryoftheministry,asiftherewereanygraceorgrace-conferringvirtuetransmittedbyordinationinsuccessionfromtheapostles to the person ordained. But since the Church is an organizedsociety,underlawsexecutedbyregularlyappointedofficers,itisevidentthatordinances--whicharebadgesofChurchmembership,thegatesofthefold,theinstrumentsofdiscipline,andsealsofthecovenantformed

Page 361: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

bythegreatHeadoftheChurchwithhislivingmembers--canproperlybe administered only by the highest legal officers of the Church, thosewho are commissioners as ambassadors for Christ to treat in his namewithmen.1Cor.iv.1;2Cor.v.20.

SECTION V. The sacraments of the old testament, in regard of thespiritual things therebysignifiedandexhibited,were, forsubstance, thesamewiththoseofthenew.[11]

11.ICor.10:1-4;Rom.4:11;Col.2:11-12

We saw, under chapter vii., sections 5 and 6, that the old and the newdispensationswereonlytwodifferentmodesinwhichtheonechangelesscovenant of grace was administered and its blessings dispensed. Thesacramentalsealsofthecovenantmust,therefore,beessentiallythesamethenandnow.Thedifference is -- (1.)That theyweremoreprospectiveand typical then, and that they are more commemorative now. Theysignifiedagracetoberevealedthen;theysignifyagracealreadyrevealednow. (2,)Theywere,as to form,moregrossandcarnal then,andmorespiritualnow.

ThusBaptismhastakentheplaceofCircumcisionastheriteofinitiation.Theybothsignifyspiritualregeneration.Deut.x.16;xxx.6.CircumcisionwasJewishbaptism,andBaptism isChristiancircumcision.Gal. iii.27,29;Col.ii.10--12.

ThustheLord'sSuppergrewoutofthePassover.Hetooktheoldbreadandtheoldcup,andgavethemanewconsecrationandanewmeaning.Matt.xxvi.26--29."Christourpassoverissacrificedforus."1Cor.v.7.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatwastheclassicalusageofthewordsacrament?

2.Whatwastheearlyecclesiasticalusageoftheword?

3. On what principles, therefore, are we to form our definition of a

Page 362: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

sacrament?

4.WhatisthefirstpointinvolvedinthedefinitionofasacramentgiveninourStandards?

5.Whatisthesecondpointinvolvedtherein?

6.Whatisthethirdpointinvolved?

7.Whatisthefourthpointinvolved?

8.Whatisthefifthpointinvolved?

9.Whatdoes ourConfession teach as to thepersonbywhomourNewTestamentsacramentswereimmediatelyordained?

10.Ofwhattwopartsdoeseverysacramentconsist?

11.InthecaseofBaptism,whatistheoutwardvisiblesign?

12.Inthecaseofbaptism,whatistheinwardspiritualgracesignified?

13.InthecaseoftheLord'sSupperwhatisthesensiblesign?

14.Inthatcase,whatistheinwardspiritualgracesignified?

15.WhatdotheRomishandLutheranchurchesregardas thenatureofthe "sacramental union" subsisting between the sign and the gracesignified?

16.What, according to the truedoctrine, is involved in the sacramentalunionorrelationbetweenthesignandthegracesignified?

17.Whatarethetruegroundsuponwhichthatrelationrests?

18.Whatmannerofspeakingofthesignorvisiblepartofthesacramentshas grown out of this relation which the sign sustains to the gracesignified?

19.Quote instances of thismanner of speaking in theScriptures in the

Page 363: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

caseofeachofthesacraments.

20.Whatfalse inferencesdoRomanistsandRitualistsdeducefromthismannerofspeaking?

21.What,onthecontrary,isthetrueexplanationoftheusage?

22.Whatisthedesignofthesacraments?

23.Howdothey"represent"thebenefitsofChristandthenewcovenant?

24.Whatismeantbysayingtheyare"seals"ofthecovenantofgrace?

25.Provethattheyareso.

26. In what sense do our Standards use the word "exhibit" in thisconnection?

27.ProvethatourStandardsteachthatthesacramentsdoreallyconveythegracetheysignify.

28.Inwhatsensedotheyaffirmthis,anduponwhatdotheyteachthisgrace-conveyingefficacydepends?

29.Howdothesacramentsbecomebadgesofourprofession?

30.Whatistheobjectofthethirdsectionofthischapter?[WCF27:3]

31. What is the Romish doctrine as to the manner in which thesacraments"contain"and"confer"grace?

32.Whatdoesthissectionteachinoppositiontothis?

33.What do theRomanists teach are the conditions on the part of theadministratoruponwhichtheefficacyofthesacramentsdepends?

34. How does the efficacy of the sacrament depend upon its divineappointment?

35.Howdoes itdependupon the sovereignwill andpowerof theHoly

Page 364: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Ghost?

36. What was taught in the early Church as to the number of thesacraments?

37.Whenwasthenumbersevenauthoritativelyestablished?

38.WhatarethesevensacramentsacknowledgedbytheRomanists?

39.HowcanitbeprovedthatBaptismandtheLord'sSupperformaclassbythemselves?

40.Showthatthedefinitionofasacramentwillnotapplytotherest.

41.Whycanthesacramentsbeadministeredonlybyalawfully-ordainedminister?

42.Whatwerethesacramentalsealsof thecovenantofgraceundertheolddispensation?

43.WhichcorrespondstoBaptismandwhichtotheLordsSupper?

44.Inwhatrespectsdotheydiffer?Andshowthattheyarevirtuallythesame.

------

[1]Conc.Trident.,Sess.vii.,Cans.6and8.

[2]Ibid.,Sess.vii.,Can.11.Dens,vol..v.p.127.

Page 365: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterTwenty-eightOfBaptism

SECTION I.Baptism is a sacrament of thenew testament, ordainedbyJesusChrist,[1]notonlyforthesolemnadmissionofthepartybaptizedintothevisiblechurch;[2]butalso,tobeuntohimasignandsealofthecovenantofgrace,[3]ofhis ingraftingintoChrist,[4]ofregeneration,[5]of remission of sins,[6] and of his giving up unto God, through JesusChrist,towalkinnewnessoflife.[7]Whichsacramentis,byChrist'sownappointment,tobecontinuedinhischurchuntiltheendoftheworld.[8]

1.Matt.28:192.ICor.12:13;Gal.3:27-283.Rom.4:11;Col.2:11-124.Gal.3:27;Rom.6:55.John3:5;Titus3:56.Mark1:4;Acts2:38;22:167.Rom.6:3-48.Matt.28:19-20

SECTIONII.Theoutwardelementtobeusedinthissacramentiswater,wherewiththepartyistobebaptized,inthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost,byaministerofthegospel,lawfullycalledthereunto.[9]

9.Acts8:36,38;10:47;Matt.28:19

SECTIONIII.Dippingofthepersonintothewaterisnotnecessary;butbaptismisrightlyadministeredbypouring,orsprinklingwaterupontheperson.[10]

10.Heb.9:10,13,19,21;Mark7:2-4;Luke11:38

INthesesectionswearetaughtthefollowingpropositions:--l.Baptismisasacramentof theNewTestament, institutedimmediately

Page 366: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

byChrist,andbyhisauthoritytocontinueintheChurchuntiltheendoftheworld.

2. As to the action which constitutes Baptism, it is a washing of thesubjectwithwater(themannerofthewashingnotbeingessential),inthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost,bya lawfullyordainedminister.

3. It is done with the design and effect of signifying and sealing ouringraftingintoChrist,ourpartakingofthebenefitsofhiscovenant,andourengagementtobehis.

1. Christian Baptism is an ordinance immediately instituted by Christhimself,anddesignedtobeobservedintheChurchuntil theendof theworld.Washing the bodywithwater, to represent spiritual purificationand consecration, was a natural symbol which prevailed among allancientEasternnations -- as thePersians,Hindoos,Egyptians,Greeks,and Romans, and pre-eminently among the Jews. Paul summarilydescribestheancientceremonialasconsisting"inmeatsanddrinks,anddivers baptisms." Heb. ix. 10. John, the forerunner of Jesus, camebaptizingalso.But thiswasnotChristianBaptism,because -- (1.) Johnwas the lastOld Testament prophet, and not aNewTestament apostle(Lukei.17);(2.)HedidnotbaptizeinthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon, andof theHolyGhost; (3.)Hisbaptismwasunto repentance,notintothefaithofChrist;(4.)HedidnotbybaptismintroducemenintothefellowshipoftheChristianChurch,astheapostlesdidatPentecost(Actsii.41,47); (5.)ThosebaptizedbyJohnwerebaptizedoveragainby theapostleswhentheywereadmittedtotheChristianChurch(Actsxviii.24-- 28; xix. 1 -- 5). For analogous reasons we believe that the baptismperformedbyhisdisciplespreviousto thecrucifixionof theLord(Johniii.22; iv. 1,2)wasnot thepermanentChristiansacramentofBaptism,binding its subjects to the faith and obedience of the Trinity, andinitiatingthemintotheChristianChurch;butthat,onthecontrary, likethebaptismofJohn, itwasapurifying rite,binding to repentance,andpreparingthewayforthecomingkingdom.

ItiscertainthatwehavethetruewarrantoftheChristiansacramentofBaptism from the lips of the great Head of the Church in person, in

Page 367: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Matthewxxviii. 18 --20: "Allpower is givenuntome inheavenand inearth. Go ye therefore, and disciple all nations, baptizing them in thenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost:teachingthemto observe all thingswhatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I amwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheworld.Amen."

Some,astheQuakers,havenotunderstoodthatthiscommandimposesthe obligation of the perpetual observance of this ordinance. That theobservanceistoendureuntilthesecondcomingofChristisplain--(1.)From the universal maxim that every law continues binding until it isabrogated, or until the reason for it has ceased.But this commandhasneverbeenrecalled,andthereasonforitsobservanceremainspreciselywhat itwaswhen the commandwas given. (2.) The plain terms of thecommand reach (a.) to all nations, and (b.) until the end of thisworld(aion). (3.) The example of the apostles. Acts ii. 38; xvi. 33. (4.) Theconstant practice of all branches of the Christian Church from thebeginningtothepresenttime.

2.Astotheactionwhichconstitutesit,Baptismisawashingwithwater(themannerofwashingbeingindifferent)inthenameoftheFather,andof theSon,andof theHolyGhost,bya lawfullyordainedminister.ThereasonthatBaptismshouldbeadministeredonlybyalawfullyordainedministerhasbeenconsideredunderthelastchapter.

The Confession teaches that the command to baptize is a command towashwithwater inthenameoftheTrinity.It isoften,but erroneously,supposedthatthecontroversybetweenourbaptistbrethrenandtherestof theChristianChurchwith respect toBaptism is a questionofmode;theyaffirmingthattheonlyrightmodeistoimmerse--weaffirmingthatthe best mode is to sprinkle. This is a great mistake. The real Baptistposition -- as stated by Dr. Alexander Carson (p. 55) -- is, that thecommand to baptize is a simple and single command to immerse, inordertosymbolizethedeath,burial,andresurrectionofthebelieverwithChrist.ThetruepositionmaintainedbyotherChristiansis,thatBaptismisasimpleandsinglecommandtowashwithwater,inordertosymbolizethepurificationwroughtbytheHolyGhost.Hencethemodeofwashinghasnothingtodowithit.Itisnecessarilyperfectlyindifferent,sothatitbedecent.According toourview, theessentialmatter is thewater,and

Page 368: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theapplicationofthewaterinthenameoftheTrinity.Accordingtotheirview,theessentialmatteristheburial,totalimmersion,inwaterorsand,asthecasemaybe.TheevidenceofthetruthoftheviewentertainedbythevastmajorityofChrist'sChurchisasfollows:--

(1.)Thewordbaptizo,initsclassicalusage,meanstodip,tomoisten,towet, to purify, to wash. Dr. Carson admits that he has all the lexiconsagainsthim.

(2.)IntheSeptuagint,Baptoandbaptizooccurfivetimes.Thus,Dan.iv.33,Nebuchadnezzarissaidtohavebeenwet(baptized)withthedewofheaven.Ecclus.xxxiv.30:"Hethatbaptizethhimselfafterthetouchingofadeadbody;"--butthispurificationwasperformedbysprinkling.Num.xix.9,13,20.Seealso2Kingsv.14,andJudithxii.7.

(3.) In theNewTestament, baptizo is used interchangeablywith nipto,whichonlymeanstowash.CompareMarkvii.3,4;Lukexi.38;Matt.xv.2, 20: andobserve -- (a.)That to baptize is thereused interchangeablywith to wash. (b.) The washing was to effect purification, for theunbaptizedhandsare called theunwashedanduncleanhands. (c.)Thecommonmodeofwashinghandsinthosecountriesistopourwateruponthem.Therichhaveservantstopourthewaterontheirhands;thepoorpourthewaterontheirownhands.

(4.)WhenJohn'sdisciplesdisputedaboutbaptism,itisexpresslysaidtohavebeenadisputeaboutpurification.Johniii.25;iv.2.

(5.) The same idea is uniformly expressed by the word baptism, orbaptisms,in-theNewTestament.InMarkvii.2-8wereadofthebaptismsof cups, pots, brazen vessels, and tables (couches upon which severalpersons reclined at table). These things could not be, and were not,immersed. The whole object of the service was not burial, butpurification.InHeb.ix.10Paulsaysthatthefirsttabernacle"stoodonlyinmeatsanddrinks,anddiversbaptisms;"andbelow,inverses13,19,21,hespecifiessomeofthesediversbaptism--"Forifthebloodofbullsandofgoats,andtheashesofanheifersprinklingtheunclean,sanctifiethtothepurifyingoftheflesh;"--and"Mosessprinkledboththebookandallthepeople,andthetabernacleandallthevesselsoftheministry."

Page 369: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(6.)Baptismwithwater is emblematical of baptismby theHolyGhost,theobjectofwhichisspiritualpurification.Matt.iii.11;Marki.8;Lukeiii. 16; John i. 26, 33; Acts i. 5; xi. 16. Spiritual baptism is called "thewashing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Tit. iii. 5.BaptismwithwatersymbolizesbaptismbytheHolyGhost.ButbaptismbytheHolyGhostunitesustoChrist,andmakesusonewithhiminhisdeath,inhisresurrection,inhisnewlifeuntoGod,hisrighteousness,hisinheritance, etc., etc. Spiritual baptism carries all these consequences,andwaterbaptismrepresentsspiritualbaptism;thereforewearesaidtobebaptizedintoChrist,intohisdeath,intoonebody--tobeburiedwithhim,torisewithhim,soastowalkwithhiminnewnessoflife--toputonChrist(asagarment),tobeplantedtogetherwithhim(asatree),etc.Noneofthesehaveanythingtodowiththemodeofbaptismbecauseitissimply absurd to suppose that the same action can at the same timesymbolize thingssodifferentasburial,puttingonclothes,andplantingtrees. The real order is: washing with water represents washing of theSpirit;washingof theSpiritunites toChrist;unionwithChrist involvesalltheconsequencesabovementioned.

(7.)BaptismoftheHolyGhost,ofwhichwaterbaptismistheemblem,isneversetforthinScriptureasan"immersion,"butalwaysasa"pouring"and"sprinkling."Actsii.1--4,32,33;x.44--48;xi.15,16.OfthegiftoftheHolyGhost it is said,he" came fromheaven,"was"pouredout,""shedforth,""fellonthem."Isa.xliv.3:"IwillpourmySpirituponthyseed."Isa.lii.15:"Soshallhesprinklemanynations."Ezek.xxxvi.25--27:"ThenwillIsprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean,"etc.Joelii.28,29:"IwillpouroutmySpirituponallflesh."

(8.)Theuniversallyprevalentmannerofeffectingtheriteofpurificationamong the Jews -- from the analogy of which Christian Baptism wastaken--wasbysprinkling,andnotbyimmersion.Thehandsandfeetofthe priests were to be washed at the brazen laver, from which waterpouredout through spoutsor cocks.Ex. xxx. 18 -- 21;2Chron. iv. 6; 1Kingsvii.27--39.SeealsoLev.viii.30;xiv.7,51;Ex.xxiv.5--8;Num.viii.6,7;Heb.ix.12--22.

(9.) In1Cor.x. 1,2, the Israelitesare said tohavebeen"baptizeduntoMoses in the cloud and in the sea." Compare Ex. xiv. 19 -- 31. But the

Page 370: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Egyptianswhowereimmersedwerenotbaptized;andtheIsraeliteswhowerebaptizedwerenotimmersed.Dr.Carson(p.413)saysMosesgot"adrydip!"In1Pet.iii.20,21,itissaidthatBaptismistheantitypeofthesalvationoftheeightsoulsintheark.Yettheverygistoftheirsalvationconsistedintheirnotbeingimmersed.

(10.)AmongalltherecordedinstancesofBaptismperformedbyJohntheBaptistandtheapostles,thereisnotoneinwhichimmersionisasserted,while therearemany inwhich itwashighly improbable -- (a.)Becausethe apostles baptizing and the early converts baptized were all Jews,accustomedtopurifybypouringandsprinkling.(b.)Becauseofthevastmultitudes baptized at one time, and the known scarcity of water inJerusalem and generally in the situations spoken of. The eunuch wasbaptized on the roadside in a desert country. Acts viii. 26 -- 39. Threethousandwere baptized in one day in the dry city of Jerusalem,whichdependsupon rain-water stored in tanks and cisterns.Acts ii. 37 -- 41.VastmultitudesswarmedtoJohn.Matt.iii.5,6.Thejailerwasbaptizedin prison atmidnightActs xvi. 25 -- 33. Paul was baptized by Ananiasright at his bedside. Ananias said, " Standing up, be baptized;" and "standing up he was baptized." Acts ix. 18; xxii. 16. (c.) The earliestpictorial representations of baptism, dating from the second or thirdcentury,allindicatethatthemannerofapplyingthewatertothebodyofthebaptizedwasbypouring.(d.)ItisdoneinthesamewayuniversallybyEasternChristiansatthepresenttime.

That it is essential that this baptismal washing should be done in thenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost,isplain--(1.)From the explicit command to that effect expressed in the words ofinstitution.Matt.xxviii.18--20.(2.)FromthefactthatBaptism,asasealof thecovenantofgrace,andas thedivinelyappointedriteof initiationinto the Christian Church, introduces the baptized into covenant with,and thepublic profession of, the trueGod,who is none other than theFather,andtheSon,andtheHolyGhost.

3.ThedesignofBaptismis--(1.)Tosignify,seal,andconfer,tothosetowhom they belong, the benefits of Christ's redemption. Thus -- (a.) Itsignifiesorsymbolizesthe"washingofregeneration,andrenewingoftheHolyGhost,"wherebyweareunited toChrist andmadeparticipants in

Page 371: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

allhisredemptivegrace.(b.)Christhereinsealsthetruthofhiscovenant,and thereby conveys to all the beneficiaries of that covenant the graceintendedforthem.ThedesignofBaptismis,(2.)ThatitbeavisiblesignofourcovenanttobetheLord's,anddevotedtohisservice;andhenceitisapublicprofessionofourfaithandbadgeofourallegiance,andhenceof our formal initiation into theChristianChurch, and a symbol of ourunionwithourfellowChristians.1Cor.xii.13.

SECTION IV. Not only those that do actually profess faith in andobedienceuntoChrist,[11]butalsotheinfantsofone,orboth,believingparents,aretobebaptized.[12]

11.Acts2:41;8:12-13;16:14-1512.Gen. 17:7-14;Gal. 3:9, 14; Col. 2:11-12;Acts 2:38-39;Rom. 4:11-12;Matt.19:13;28:19;Mark10:13-16;Luke18:15-17;ICor.7:14

AstothesubjectsofBaptism,ourStandardsteach--l.Astoadults:"Baptismisnottobeadministeredtoanythatareoutofthe visible Church, and so strangers from the covenant of promise, tilltheyprofesstheir faith inChrist,andobediencetohim."L.Cat.,q.166,andS.Cat.,q.95.

Thisisofcourseself-evident,sincetheintelligentandhonestreceptionofBaptism itself obviously involves precisely this profession of faith inChristandobediencetohim.Andinordertosecurethis,theusageofthePresbyterianChurchrequiresthatthepastorsandchurchsessionshouldinformtheapplicantthatonlyapersonwhohasexperiencedthegraceofregeneration, and who has consequently truly repented of sin andexercised faith inChrist,canhonestlydowhatallnecessarilyprofess todowhentheyarebaptized.Andtothisendthepastorandsessionmustrequireoftheapplicanttheevidence(1.)Ofacompetentknowledgeofthefundamental truths of Christianity, and of the nature and bindingobligation of Baptism; (2.) Of the fact that he makes a consistentprofessionofapersonalexperimentalfaithandpromiseofobediencetothe Lord, and of due subjection to the constituted authorities of theChurch; (3.)Of the fact thathis outwardwalk and conversationdonotbeliehisprofession.Afterthis,theentireresponsibilityofthestepmustlieuponthepersontalkingit.Thechurchofficershavenoauthoritytosit

Page 372: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

in judgment upon the genuineness of his Christian character, becauseGod has given to no class of men the ability to judge aright of suchmatters.SomeChurches,as, for instance,ourCovenantingPresbyterianbrethren,demand,asaconditionofadultbaptism--or,whatisthesamething,admissiontotheChurch--inadditiontotheprofessionoffaithinthefundamentaltruthsoftheGospel,adherencetocertain"Testimonies"embodying non-fundamental, denominational peculiarities. This webelievetobeentirelyunauthorized.TheChurchisChrist'sfold,designedforallhissheep.BaptismandtheLord'sSupperarethecommonrightsofall the Lord's people. If anyman holds the fundamentals of the gospeland professes allegiance to our common Lord, and acts consistentlytherewith,wehavenorighttoexcludehimfromhisFather'shouse.ItisjustaspresumptuoustomaketermsofcommunionwhichChristhasnotmade as it would be to make terms of salvation which he does notrequire.

2.Astoinfants,ourStandardsteachthataninfant,oneorbothofwhoseparents arebelievers (Conf.Faith, ch. xxviii. section4) -- -- i.e., oneorboth ofwhose parents profess faith inChrist and obedience to him (L.Cat.,q.166)--istobebaptized.AbareoutlineoftheabundantScripturalevidenceofthistruthmaybestatedasfollows:--

(1.)Inconstitutinghumannatureandordainingthepropagationofinfantchildrenfromparents,Godhas inall respectsmadethestandingof thechildwhile an infant todependupon that of theparent.The sinof theparentcarriesawaytheinfantfromGod;sothefaithoftheparentbringstheinfantneartoGod.

(2.)EverycovenantGodhaseverformedwithmankindhasincludedthechild with the parent; -- e.g., the covenants formed with Adam; withNoah,Gen.ix.9--17;withAbraham,Gen.xii.1--3;xvii.7;withIsraelthrough Moses, Ex. xx. 5; and again, Deut. xxix. 10 -- 13; and in theopeningsermonoftheNewTestamentdispensationmenareexhortedtorepentandbelieve,"becausethepromise(covenant) isuntoyouandtoyourchildren,"etc.Actsii.38,39.

(3.) The Old Testament Church is the same as the New TestamentChristianChurch.(a.)Paulsays(Gal.iii.8)thatthecovenantmadewith

Page 373: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Abraham (Gen. xvii. 7) is the "gospel;" and in the whole epistle to theHebrewsheshowsthattheOldTestamentritualwasasettingforthofthepersonandworkofChrist. See above,under chapter vii. (b.)Faithwastheconditionofsalvationthenaswellasnow."AbrahambelievedGod,anditwasimputedtohimforrighteousness"(Rom.iv.3);sothathewasthegreat typicalbeliever, "the fatherofall themthatbelieve" (Rom. iv.11); and all who believe in Christ "are Abraham's seed, and heirsaccordingtothepromise."Gal.iii.29.SeealsotheeleventhchapteroftheEpistle to theHebrews.All the Israelites, even thoseonly "according totheflesh,"professedtobelieve.Andall"true"Israelitesdidbelieve."HeisnotaJew,whichisoneoutwardly;neitheristhatcircumcision,whichisoutward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; andcircumcisionisthatoftheheart,inthespirit,andnotintheletter."Rom.ii.28,29.(c.)Circumcision,preciselyinthesamesenseandtothesameextentasBaptism,representedaspiritualgraceandboundtoaspiritualprofession. This is taught in the 0ldTestament, aswitnessDeut. x. 16;xxx.6.ItwasthesealoftheAbrahamiccovenant,whichPaulsaysisthegospel. Gen. xii. 3; xvii. 7, 10; Gal. iii. 8. It was the seal of therighteousnessoffaith.Rom.ii.28,29;iv.11.TrueCircumcisionunitestoChristandsecuresall thebenefitsofhisredemption.Col. ii.10,11.AndBaptismhasnowtakenthepreciseplaceofCircumcision:"ForasmanyofyouashavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist......Andifyebe Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to thepromise."Gal.iii.27,29.(d.)ThisChurchisidenticallythesamewiththeNewTestamentChurch.Ithasthesamefoundation;thesameconditionof membership, faith and obedience; sacraments of the same spiritualsignificancy and binding force, The ancient prophecies declare that thesameoldChurchistobeenlarged,notchanged.Isa.xlix.13--23;1x.1--14. The ancient covenant, which was the fundamental charter of theChurch,included"manynations"(Gen.xvii.4;Rom.iv.17,18;Gal.iii.8),whichwasnever fulfilleduntil after the expansionof theChurch in theNew Testament dispensation. And Paul says that the Jewish Church,insteadofbeingabrogated, remains the same throughall change -- theJewishbranchesbeingcutoff,theGentilebranchesbeinggraftedin;andthathereaftertheJewsaretoberestored,nottoanewChurch,but"intotheirownolivetree."Rom,xi.18--24.SeealsoEph.ii.11--22.

Page 374: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(4.)InfantsweremembersoftheChurchundertheOldTestamentfromthebeginning,beingcircumciseduponthefaithoftheirparents.Now,astheChurchisthesameChurch;astheconditionsofmembershipwerethesamethenasnow;asCircumcisionsignifiedandboundtopreciselywhatBaptism does; and since Baptism has taken precisely the place ofCircumcision--itfollowsthatthechurchmembershipofthechildrenofprofessorsshouldberecognizednowasitwasthen,andthattheyshouldbe baptized. The only ground upon which this conclusion could beobviatedwouldbe thatChrist in thegospel explicitly turns themoutoftheirancientbirth-rightintheChurch.

(5.) On the contrary, Christ and his apostles uniformly, withoutexception, speak of and treat children on the assumption that theyremain in the same church relation they have always occupied. Christ,speaking to Jewish apostles,whohad all their lives never heard of anyother than the old Padobaptist Church, into which they had beenthemselvesbornandcircumcised(andtheirinfantcircumcisionwastheonly baptism they ever received), never once warns them that he hadchangedthisrelation.Onthecontrary,hesays,"Ofsuchisthekingdomofheaven"(i.e.,newdispensationoftheoldChurch).Matt.xix.14;Lukexviii.16.HecommissionedPetertofeedthelambsaswellasthesheepoftheflock(Johnxxi,15-17);andalltheapostlesto"discipleallnations,"byfirstbaptizingandthenteachingthem.Matt.xxviii.18,19.IfonlyoneoftheparentsisaChristian,thechildrenaresaidtobe"holy,"or"saints;"which is a common designation of church members in the NewTestament.1Cor.vii.14.IntheoldJewishChurcheveryproselytefromtheheathenbroughthischildrenintotheChurchwithhim.SotheJewishapostleswritethebriefhistoryoftheirmissionarylabourspreciselyasallmodern Padobaptist missionaries write theirs, and as no Baptistmissionaryeverwrotefromthefirstriseoftheirdenomination.ThereareonlyelevencasesofBaptismrecordedintheActsandtheEpistles.Inthecase of two of these, Paul and the Ethiopian eunuch, there were nochildren to be baptized. Five of the cases were large crowds. AfterStephanaswasbaptizedwith thecrowdamong"themanyCorinthians,"Paul baptized his household.Alsowere the households of Lydia,of thejailer,ofCrispus,andprobablyofCornelius,baptized.Thusineverycaseinwhichthehouseholdexisted itwasbaptized.Thefaithof theheadof

Page 375: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thehouseholdismentioned,butnotthatofthehouseholditself,exceptinonecase,andthatasageneralfact.TheapostlesalsoaddresschildrenasmembersoftheChurch.CompareEph.i.1withEph.vi.1--3,andCol.i.1,2withCol.iii.20.

(6.) This has been the belief and practice of a vast majority of God'speoplefromthefirst.TheearlyChurch,inunbrokencontinuityfromthedaysoftheapostles,testifytotheircustomonthissubject.TheGreekandthe Roman, and all branches of the Lutheran and the ReformedChurches, agree in this fundamental point. The Baptist denomination,whichopposesthewholeChristianworldinthismatter,isaverymodernparty,datingfromtheAnabaptistsofGermany,A.D.1687.

OurStandardsteachthatpreciselythesamerequirementsaremadetheconditiononthepartof theparentofhavinghischildbaptizedthataremadetheconditionofapproachtotheLord'stable.S.Cat.q.95:"InfantsofsuchasaremembersofthevisibleChurcharetobebaptized."Thisisexplained,L.Cat.,q.166:"Infantsdescendingfromparents,eitherboth,orbutoneofthem,professingfaithinChrist;"andConf.Faith,ch.xxviii.,section4:"Infantsofoneorbothbelievingparents."Inthe[American]Directory forWorship,ch.vii., theminister is torequireof theparents,amongotherthings,"thattheypraywithandfor(thechild);thattheysetanexampleofpietyandgodlinessbeforeit;andendeavourbyallmeansof God's appointment to bring up their child in the nurture andadmonitionof theLord."The [American]GeneralAssembly in 1794, inanswertoanovertureonthesubject,declaredthattheabovepassageintheDirectoryistobeunderstoodasbringingtheparentunderanexpressengagementtodoasthererequiredbytheminister.

Somehavesupposed, since thechurch-membershipof thechild followsfrom that of the parent, that every personwhowas himself introducedinto theChurchbyBaptismin infancyhasan indefeasibleright tohavehis children baptized, whether he professes personal faith in Christ ornot. But this is manifestly absurd -- (a.) Because all members of theChurch have not a right to all privileges of church-membership. Thusbaptizedmembers have no right to come to the communion until theymake a profession of personal faith. Until they do this they are likecitizens under age, with their rights held in suspension, as a just

Page 376: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

punishmentfortheirrefusaltobelieve.Thesesuspendedrightsarethoseofcommuningandhavingtheirchildrenbaptized.(b.)Apersondestituteof personal faith can only commit perjury and sacrilege bymaking thesolemnprofessionsandtalkingtheobligationsinvolvedinthebaptismalcovenant.Itisasinforhimtodoit,andasinfortheministertohelphimtodoit.

V.Althoughitbeagreatsintocontemnorneglectthisordinance,[13]yetgrace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that nopersoncanberegenerated,orsaved,without it;[14]or, thatall thatarebaptizedareundoubtedlyregenerated.[15]

13.Gen.17:14;Matt.28:19;Acts2:38;seeLuke7:3014.Rom.4:11;Acts10:2,4,22,31,45,4715.Acts8:13,23

VI.Theefficacyofbaptismisnottiedtothatmomentoftimewhereinitisadministered;[16] yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of thisordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited,andconferred,bytheHolyGhost,tosuch(whetherofageorinfants)asthatgracebelongethunto,accordingtothecounselofGod'sownwill,inhisappointedtime.[17]

16.John3:5,817.Rom.6:3-6;Gal.3:27;IPeter3:21;Acts2:38,41

VII.Thesacramentofbaptism isbutonce tobeadministereduntoanyperson.[18]

18.Rom.6:3-11

Thesesectionsteach:--1.ThatgraceandsalvationarenotsoinseparablyunitedtoBaptismthatonlythebaptizedaresaved,orthatallthebaptizedaresaved.

2. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect thisordinance;foritsobservanceiscommandedand,intherightuseofit,thegracepromisedisnotonlyoffered,butreallyexhibitedandconferredby

Page 377: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theHolyGhosttosuch(whetherofageorinfants)asthegracebelongethunto.

3.ThattheefficacyofBaptism,evenincasesinwhichthegracesignifiedis really conveyed, isnot tieddown to themomentof timewherein thesacramentisadministered,butisconveyedtotherecipientaccordingtothecounselofGod'sownwill,inhisappointedtime.

4. The sacrament of Baptism is to be administered but once to anyperson.

Thegroundtakenhereisintermediatebetweentwooppositeextremes--

(1.)TheextremeheldbyPapistsandRitualistsofbaptismalregeneration.(a.)ThisisnottaughtinScripture.Thelanguagereliedupontoproveit(Johniii.5;Actsii.38)iseasilyexplainedontheprinciplethat,invirtueofthesacramentalunionbetweenthesignandthegracesignified,whatistrueoftheoneismetaphoricallypredicatedoftheother.ThereisnothingsaidoftheefficacyofBaptismwhichisnotlikewisesaidoftheefficacyofthetruth.Jamesi.18;Johnxvii.19;Pet.i.28.Butthemerehearingofthetruthsavesnoone.(b.)Baptismcannotbetheonlyorordinarymeansofregeneration,becausefaithandrepentancearethefruitsofregeneration,buttheprerequisitesofBaptism.Actsii.38;viii.37;x.47.(c.)Universalexperience in Romanist and Ritualistic communities proves that thebaptizedarenotgenerallyregenerated.OurSavioursays,"Bytheirfruitsyeshallknowthem."Matt.vii.20.(2.)OurStandardsopposetheotherextreme, that Baptism is a mere sign of grace and badge of Christianprofession.Theirdoctrineis--

(a.) That Baptism does not only signify, but really and truly seal andconvey, grace to those towhom it belongs according to the covenant --thatis,totheelect.

(b.)Butthatthisactualconveyanceofthegracesealedisnottiedtothemoment inwhichthesacrament isadministered,but ismadeaccordingto thepreciseprovisionsas to timeandcircumstancepredetermined intheeternalcovenantofgrace.Sopropertymaybesealedandconveyedinadeedtoaminor,buttheminormaynotactuallyenterintothefruition

Page 378: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

of ituntil such timeanduponsuchconditionsasarepredetermined inhisfather'swill.

(c.)Theefficacyof the sacrament isnotdue toany spiritual ormagicalqualitycommunicatedtothewater.

(d.)But thisefficacydoesresult (1.)Fromthemoralpowerof the truthwhich the rite symbolizes. (2.) From the fact that it is a seal of thecovenantofgrace,andalegalformofinvestingthosepersonsembracedinthecovenantwiththegracespromisedtherein.(3.)FromthepersonalpresenceandsovereignlygraciousoperationoftheHolySpirit,whousesthesacramentashisinstrumentandmedium.

(e.)Thatthroughthesechannelsthegracesignifiedisreallyconveyedtothepersonstowhom,accordingtothedivinecounsel,ittrulybelongs;yetthis grace and the influences of the Holy Ghost are not so tied to thesacrament that they are never, or even infrequently, conveyed in anyotherway.Theverygraceconveyedbythesacramentmustbepossessedby the adult as a prerequisite to Baptism, and is often subsequentlyexperiencedthroughotherchannels.

(f.) Hence the necessity for being baptized arises (1.) From the divinecommand. Obedience is of course necessarywhere there is knowledge.(2.)It istheproperandonlyefficientmethodofmakingaprofessionoffaithandallegiance toChrist. (3.) It is eminentlyhelpful asameansofgrace.

ThatBaptismisnevertobeadministeredmorethanoncetoanypersonappears (1.) From the symbolical significance of the rite. It signifiesspiritual regeneration -- the inaugurationof thedivine life.Of course itcanhavebutonecommencement.(2.)It istheriteof initiationintotheChristianChurch,andasthereisnoprovisionmadeforgettingoutoftheChurchwhenoncein,sothereisnoprovisionmadeforcominginmorethanonce.(3.)Theapostlesbaptizedeachindividualbutonce.

QUESTIONS

Page 379: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

1.What is the first proposition taught in the first three sections of thischapter?[WCF28:1-3]

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethirdpropositiontheretaught?

4.Whatwastheoriginofceremonialwashing,andtheextenttowhichitsobservancewasdiffused?

5.StatetheevidencethatthebaptismofJohnwasnotChristianBaptism.

6.Giveyourreasonforbelievingthatthebaptismsperformed

bythedisciplesofChrist,previoustohisresurrection,werenotthesamewiththepermanentChristiansacramentofthatname.

7. Where do we find the true act of institution and warrant for thissacrament?

8.StatetheproofthatitisdesignedtobeperpetuallyobserveduntilthesecondcomingofourLord.

9.Whatisthepreciseactionindicatedinthecommandtobaptize?

10.Whymayonlylawfully-ordainedministersbaptize?

11.WhatisthetruestatementoftheBaptistpositionwithrespecttotheactintendedinthecommandtobaptize?

12.Whatistheprecisestatementofourviewofthesubject?

13.What isessentialaccordingtotheirview,andwhataccordingtoourview?

14.Whatistheclassicalusageofthewordbaptizo?

15. How often does it occur in the Septuagint translation of the OldTestament,andinwhatsense?

Page 380: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

16.InwhatsenseisbaptizousedintheNewTestament?

17.InwhatsensewasthetermbaptismusedbythedisciplesofJohn?

18.Inwhatsenseistheterm"baptism,"or"baptisms"usedgenerallyintheNewTestament?

19.Ofwhatiswaterbaptismemblematic?

20.WhatconsequencesdoesbaptismbytheHolyGhostcarrywithit?

21.Whyarewesaidtobe"buriedwithChristinbaptism,"etc.,etc.?

22.InwhattermsisbaptismbytheHolyGhostexpressedinScripture?asanimmersionorasa"pouring"anda"sprinkling?"

23. What was the generally prevalent mode of effecting the rite ofpurificationamongtheJews?

24. What light do 1 Cor 10:1-2, and 1 Pet 3:20-21, throw upon thissubject?

25.IsiteversaidthatJohntheBaptistortheapostlesofChristbaptizedbyimmersion?

26. Taking all the recorded circumstances of the several baptismsintoaccount,onwhichsideandtowhatdegreeisthebalanceofprobability?

27.Why is itessential that theriteshouldbeperformed in thenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolyGhost?

28.WhatisthefirstdesignofBaptism?

29.WhatistheseconddesignofBaptism?

30.WhatdoourStandardsteacharetheprerequisitesforBaptismonthepartofadults?

31.Whatarethepastorandchurchsessioncompetenttorequireandtojudge?

Page 381: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

32.Uponwhomultimatelymusttheresponsibilityrest?

33.WhatdosomechurchesrequireofapplicantsforBaptism,inadditiontoacredibleprofessionofChristianity?

34.Howcanyoushowthatsuchrequirementsareunwarrantable?

35.WhatdoourStandardsteachastotherightsofinfantstoBaptism?

36. State the argument derived from the constitution of human natureandtheordinaryprovidenceofGod.

37. Do the same from the fact that all God's covenants with mankindincludethechildrenwiththeparents.

38.ProvethattheGospelChurchexistedundertheOldTestament.

39.Provethatfaithwastheconditionofsalvationthenasnow.

40.ProvethatCircumcisionhadthesamespiritualmeaningthatBaptismnowhas.

41.ProvethatBaptismhastakenthepreciseplaceofCircumcision.

42.ProvethattheChurchunderthenewisidenticallythesamewiththeChurchundertheolddispensation.

43.ProvethatinfantswererecognizedasmembersoftheancientChurchfrom its very beginning, and show how infant baptism follows as anecessaryconsequent.

44. Show that Christ and his apostles always spoke of and treatedchildrenontheassumptionoftheirchurchmembership.

45. Show from the record that the apostles always baptized thehouseholdsofbelieverswherevertheyexisted.

46.What has been the faith and practice of the Christian Church, andwhatistheforceofthatargument?

Page 382: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

47.Whosechildren,accordingtoourStandards,aretobebaptized?

48. What does the DPW require of parents bringing their childrenforwardforbaptism;andwhatconclusionfollows?

49.Whatisthepositionandwhattherightsofthoseadultswho,havingbeenbaptizedininfancy,haveneverprofessedpersonalfaithinChrist?

50. Why ought such parties to be denied the privilege of having theirchildrenbaptized?

51. What is the first proposition taught in the fifth, sixth and seventhsections?

52.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

53.Whatisthethirdproposition?

54.Whatisthefourth?

55.Betweenwhat two extremes is thedoctrine as to the efficacy of thesacramentsheldbyourChurch?

56.WhatistheRomishandRitualisticdoctrineonthepoint?

57.Showthatthedoctrineofbaptismalregenerationcannotbetrue.

58.StatethedifferentpointsinvolvedinthedoctrineofourStandardsastotheefficacyofthesacraments.

59.Fromwhatsourcesdoesthisefficacyresult?

60.Show thatBaptismpresupposesaswell as conveysgrace, anddrawthenecessaryinference.

61.OnwhatgroundandtowhatextentisBaptismnecessary?

62.Showthatitistobeadministeredtothesamepersonbutonce.

Page 383: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

---

[1]Baird'sDigest,p.81.

ChapterTwenty-nineOftheLord'sSupper

SECTION: I Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed,institutedthesacramentofhisbodyandblood,calledtheLord'sSupper,tobeobservedinhischurch,untotheendoftheworld,fortheperpetualremembrance of the sacrifice of himself in his death; the sealing allbenefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment andgrowthinhim,their furtherengagement inandtoalldutieswhichtheyowe unto him; and, to be a bond and pledge of their communionwithhim,andwitheachother,asmembersofhismysticalbody.[1]

1.ICor.10:16-17,21;11:23-26;12:13

THIS section teaches us -- 1. Of the time in which, and the person bywhom,theLord'sSupperwasinstituted.2.Ofitsperpetualobligation.3.Ofitsdesignandeffect.

1.OfthefactthatitwasinstitutedbyourLordinpersononthenightinwhich he was betrayed there can be no doubt. The fact is explicitlydeclaredbythreeoftheevangelists(Matt.xxvi.26--29;Markxiv.22--25;Lukexxii.19,20)andbyPaul(1Cor.xi.23--25);anditremainstothisdayamonumentof the truthof theGospelhistorywithwhich it isassociated.

2.Thatitwasdesignedtobeobservedperpetuallytotheendoftheworldis evident -- (1.) From the words of the institution, "This do inremembranceofme,"Lukexxii. 19;andagain, "Thisdoye,asoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofme."1Cor.xi.25.(2.)Theapostolicexample.Actsii.42.(3.)Thefrequentreferencestothisordinancewhichoccurinthe apostolic writings, and which all imply that it is of perpetualobligation. (4.) The uniform and universal practice of the Christian

Page 384: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Church,inallitsbranches,fromthebeginning.

3.As to thedesignof theLord'sSupper, the teachingof ourStandardsmaybeexhibitedunderthefollowingheads:--

(1.)TheLord'sSupperisacommemorationofthedeathofChrist.Thisisevident -- (a.) From the fact that the bread is an emblem of his bodybroken,andthewineofhisbloodsheduponthecrossforus.Matt.xxvi.26 --28;Lukexxii. 19,20. (b.)From the fact that theactof eating thebreadandofdrinkingthewineisdeclared,bothbyChristandbyPaul,tobedone"inremembrance"ofChrist,andto"shewhisdeathtillhecome."Lukexxii.19;1Cor.xi.26.

(2.)Itisasealofthegospelcovenantwhereinallthebenefitsofthenewcovenant are signified, sealed, andapplied tobelievers.Conf.Faith, ch.xxix.,section1;L.Cat.,q.162;S.Cat.q.92.Christsays,"Thiscupisthenewtestament(covenant)inmyblood,whichisshedforyou"(Lukexxii.20);i.e.,Mybloodisthesealofthecovenantofgrace,andthiscupisthesymbolofmyblood,andassuchisofferedtoyou.InitsuseChristratifieshispromisetosaveusontheconditionoffaith,andtoendowuswithallthebenefitsofhisredemption.We, intakingthispledge,solemnlybindourselves to entire self-consecration and to all that is involved in therequirementsofthegospelofChrist,notasweunderstandthem,butasheintendsthem.Itisauniversalprinciplethatalloathsbindinthesenseinwhichtheyareunderstoodbythepersonswhoimposethem.

(3.)HenceitisabadgeofChristianprofession--amarkofallegianceofacitizenofthekingdomofheaven.

(4.)ItwasdesignedtosignifyandeffectourcommunionwithChrist, inhisperson,inhisoffices,andintheirpreciousfruits.Paulsays(1Cor.x.16), "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion(koinonia)ofthebloodofChrist?Thebreadwhichwebreak,isitnotthecommunionofthebloodofChrist?"L.Cat.,q.170:"SotheythatworthilycommunicateinthesacramentoftheLord'sSupper,dothereinfeeduponthe body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in aspiritual manner; yet truly and really, while by faith they receive andapplyuntothemselvesChristcrucified,andallthebenefitsofhisDeath."

Page 385: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

The bread represents his flesh, and the wine represents his blood.Wereceive the symbolwith themouth corporally;we receive the flesh andblood symbolized by faith, yet really. "Whoso eateth my flesh, anddrinkethmyblood,hatheternallife......Formyfleshismeatindeed,andnaybloodisdrinkindeed."Johnvi.54,55.

(5.)Itwasdesignedtoshowforthandtoeffectthemutualcommunionofbelieverswith eachother, asmembers of onebody andof oneblood. 1Cor.x.17:"Forwebeingmanyareonebread,andonebody:forweareall partakers of that one bread." Union with the common HeadnecessarilyimpliescommunionwitheachotherinthatHead.

SECTION:IIInthissacrament,ChristisnotoffereduptohisFather;noranyrealsacrificemadeatall,forremissionofsinsofthequickordead;[2] but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, byhimself, upon the cross, once for all: and a spiritual oblation of allpossiblepraiseuntoGod,forthesame:[3]sothatthepopishsacrificeofthemass (as they call it) ismost abominably injurious to Christ's one,onlysacrifice,thealonepropitiationforallthesinsofhiselect.[4]

2.Heb.9:22,25-26,28;10:10-143.ICor.11:24-26;Matt.26:26-27;Luke22:19-204.Heb.7:23-24,27;10:11-12,14,18

SECTION: III The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed hisministers to declare his word of institution to the people; to pray, andblesstheelementsofbreadandwine,andtherebytosetthemapartfromacommon toanholyuse; and to takeandbreak thebread, to takethecup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to thecommunicants;[5] but to none who are not then present in thecongregation.[6]

5.Matt.26:26-28;Mark14:22-24;Luke22:19-20;ICor.10:16-17;11:23-276.Acts20:7;ICor.11:20

SECTION:IVPrivatemasses,orreceivingthissacramentbyapriest,orany other, alone;[7] as likewise, the denial of the cup to the people,[8]

Page 386: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

worshipingtheelements,theliftingthemup,orcarryingthemabout,foradoration,andthereservingthemforanypretendedreligioususe;areallcontrarytothenatureofthissacrament,andtotheinstitutionofChrist.[9]

7.ICor.10:168.Matt.26:27-28;Mark14:23;ICor.11:25-299.Matt.15:9

SECTION:VTheoutwardelements in this sacrament,dulysetapart totheusesordainedbyChrist,havesuchrelationtohimcrucified,asthat,truly, yet sacramentallyonly, theyare sometimes calledby thenameofthethingstheyrepresent,towit,thebodyandbloodofChrist;[10]albeit,insubstanceandnature,theystillremaintrulyandonlybreadandwine,astheywerebefore.[11]

10.Matt.26:26-2811.ICor.11:26-28;Matt.26:29

SECTION:VIThatdoctrinewhichmaintainsachangeofthesubstanceofbreadandwine,intothesubstanceofChrist'sbodyandblood(commonlycalled transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any otherway,isrepugnant,nottoScripturealone,buteventocommonsense,andreason;overthroweththenatureofthesacrament,andhathbeen,andis,thecauseofmanifoldsuperstitions;yea,ofgrossidolatries.[12]

12.Acts3:21;ICor.11:24-26;Luke24:6,39

Theforminwhichthestatementsmadeinthesesectionsareputisrathernegative thanpositive -- ratherdesigned tooppose certainRomish andRitualisticerrorsthantomakeasimplestatementofthetruedoctrineofthesacrament.Theerrorswhicharehereopposedare--(1.)Thedoctrineoftransubstantiation,orthechangeoftheentiresubstanceofthebreadandwine intothebody,blood,soul,anddivinityof theLordJesus. (2.)The sacrifice of themass. (3.) The worshipping and reservation of theelements for any pretended religious use. (4.) Denying the cup to thelaity. (5.) Private communion of the priest alone, or the sending of theelementstopersonsnotpresentattheadministrationoftheordinance.

Page 387: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Inordertomakethestatementsofthesesectionsplain,wewillfirststatethetruedoctrine--(1.)Astowhatelementsandactionsareessentialtothesacrament,and(2.)Astothetruerelationbetweenthesignandthegrace signified; and, secondly, present the opposing Papal errors uponthepointsabovestated.

1.Thetruedoctrine(1.)Astotheelements.Theseare--(a.)Bread.Thisisessential,becauseitisinthecommand;andbecausebread,asthestaffoflifeforthebody,isthepropersymbolofthatspiritualfoodthatnourishesthe soul. Christ instituted the Supper at the passover, when the onlybread at hand was unleavened. The early Church always used thecommon bread of daily life. The Romish and Lutheran Churches holdthat unleavened bread should be used: the Reformed Churches haveuniformly held that the bread intended, and that best fulfils theconditions of the symbol, is the common bread of daily life -- not thesweetcakeusedinsomanyofouroldchurches.(b.)Wine;thatisoinos,thefermentedjuiceofthegrape.Matt.ix.17;Johnii.3--10;Rom.xiv.21;Eph.v. 18; 1Tim. iii.8; v.23;Titus ii. 3.This ismade essential by thecommand and example of Christ, and by the uniform custom of theChristianChurchfromthebeginning.

(2.)As to thesacramentalactionswhichareessential tothisordinance.(a.)Theconsecration.ThisincludestherepetitionofthewordsofChristusedintheinstitution,togetherwithaprayerinwhichthedivineblessingisinvokedupontheworshippersintheuseoftheordinance,andsomuchof the elements as shall be used in the sacrament set apart from acommon to a sacred use. (See section iii. of this chapter.) The wordswhich express this in the Scripture are eucharisteo Luke xxii. 19; andeulogeo,Matt.xxvi.26,and1Cor.x.16.(b.)Thebreakingof thebread.ThisissymbolicaloftherendingofChrist'sbodyonthecross,andofallthe communicants, beingmany, feeding upon one Christ, as upon onebread. It is particularly mentioned in every account given of theinstitutionbytheevangelists.Matt.xxvi.26;Markxiv.22;Lukexxii.19;1Cor. xi. 24. See 1 Cor. x. 16. In Acts ii. 42 the whole ordinance isdesignated from this constituent action. (c.) The distribution andreception of the elements. This is an essential part of the ordinance,whichisnotcompletedwhentheministerconsecratestheelements,nor

Page 388: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

untiltheyareactuallyreceivedandeatenanddrunkbythepeople.Christsays,"Thisdoinremembranceofme."Pauladds,"Forasoftenasyeeatthisbread,anddrinkthiscup,yedoshewtheLord'sdeathtillhecome."Lukexxii.19;1Cor.xi.26.Sothattheessenceofthesacramentconsistsintheeatingandthedrinking.

2.ThePapalerrorscondemnedinthesesectionsare--(1.)Theirdoctrineof transubstantiation, or conversion of substance. TheCouncil of Trentteaches (sess. xiii. cans. 1-4) that the whole substance of the bread ischanged into the literal body, and the whole substance of the wine ischanged into the literalblood,ofChrist; so thatonly theappearanceorsensible properties of the bread and wine remain, and the onlysubstancespresentarethetruebodyandblood,soulanddivinity,ofourLord.Andthusheisobjectivelypresentedto,andiseatenanddrunkby,every recipient, believer and unbeliever indifferently; and thus heremains before and after the communion, his very body and blood,Godhead and manhood, shut up in a vessel, carried about, elevated,worshipped,etc.

The Lutherans hold that while the bread and the wine remain,nevertheless at the words of consecration the real body and blood ofChrist,thoughinvisible,arereallypresentin,with,andunderthebreadandwine.

The only ground of this doctrine is the word of our Lord, "This ismybody."Theyholdtheword"is"isliteral:alltheReformedchurchesholditmustmean "represents," " symbolizes." This is a frequent usage of thewordinScripture."Thesevengoodkinearesevenyears;andthesevengoodearsaresevenyears."Gen.xli.26,27;Ezek.xxxvii.11;Dan.vii.24;Lukexii.1;Rev. i.20.Besides,whenourLordsaid this,andgave themthe bread to eat, hewas sitting by them in his sound, undivided flesh,eatinganddrinkingwiththem.

Thisdoctrine,then,isfalse(a.)BecauseitisnottaughtinScripture.(A.)Because it confounds the very idea of sacrament, making the signidenticalwiththethingitsignifies.(c.)Itcontradictsoursenses,sincewesee, smell, taste, and feel bread and wine, and do never either see, orsmell, or taste, or feel flesh and blood. (d.) It contradicts reason; for

Page 389: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

reason teaches thatqualitiescannotexistexceptas they inhere insomesubstance,andthatsubstancecannotbeknownandcannotactexceptbyits qualities. But this doctrine supposes that the qualities of bread andwineremainwithoutanysubstance,andthatthesubstanceof fleshandblood remains without any qualities. (e.) It is absurd and impossible;becauseChrist's glorifiedbody is stillmaterial and therefore finite, andthereforenotomnipresent inallplacesonearth,butabsentat therighthandofGodinheaven.

(2.) Their doctrine as to the mass as a sacrifice. The Council of Trentteaches (sess. xxii., cans. 1 -- 3) that theEucharist is both a sacramentandasacrifice.Asasacrament,thesouloftherecipientisnourishedbytherealbody,blood,soulanddivinityofChrist,whichheeatsintheformofawafer.Asasacrifice,itis"anexternaloblationofthebodyandbloodofChrist offered toGod, in recognition of his supreme lordship, underthe appearance of bread and wine visibly exhibited by a legitimateminister,withtheadditionofcertainprayersandceremoniesprescribedby the Church, for the greater worship of God and edification of thepeople." This is not amere act in commemoration of the one sacrificeupon the cross, but a constantly repeated real, although bloodless,expiatorysacrifice, atoning for sinandpropitiatingGod. (Counc.Trent,sess.xxii.,can.3.)

Thisdoctrineisfalse,because--(a.)ItisnowheretaughtinScripture.(b.)TheChristianministryarenevercalledorspokenofaspriests,butas "teachers"and" rulers." (c.)TheonesacrificeofChriston thecrosswasperfect, and excludes all others.Heb. ix. 25 -- 28; x. 10 -- 27. (d.) Thesameordinancecannotbebothasacramentanda sacrifice.Christ saysthatbyeatinganddrinkingweareto"shewforthhisdeath,"andto"dothisinremembranceofhim."Thesameactcannotbeacommemorationofonesacrifice,anditselfanactualsacrificehavingintrinsicsin-expiatingefficacy.

(3.)SincethePapistsholdthattheentiresubstanceofthebreadandwineispermanentlychangedintothebody,blood,soulanddivinityofChrist,theyconsequentlymaintainthattheprincipalintentionoftheordinanceisaccomplishedwhenthewordsofconsecrationarepronouncedandthechange effected. Hence they preserve the host carefully shut up in the

Page 390: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

pyx, elevate and adore and carry it about in their processions. All thisstandsorfallswiththedoctrineoftransubstantiation,beforerefuted.

(4.)After the establishment of the doctrine of transubstantiation, therearosethenaturalfearlestsomeoftheaugustpersonof theLordshouldbespoiledor lost fromthecrumblingof thebreador thespillingof thewine.Hencethebreadispreparedinlittlewaferswhichcannotcrumble,andthecupisdeniedtothelaityandconfinedtothepriests.Tocomfortthelaity,theyteachthatasthebloodisintheflesh,andasthesoulisinthebody,andasthedivinityisinthesoulofChrist,thewholeperson--body,blood, soulanddivinity --ofChrist is equally ineveryparticleofthebread;sothathewhoreceivesthebreadreceivesall.(Counc.Trent,sess.xxi.,cans.1--3.)

(5.)Inoppositiontothemanifoldabusesofthisordinancewhichprevailamong the Romanists, our Standards, in common with the generaljudgment of the Reformed Churches, teach that the Lord's Supper isessentially a communion, in which the fellowship of the believer withChrist and with his fellow-believers is set forth by their eating anddrinkingofthesamebreadandthesamecup.Itfollowsthatitshouldnotbesenttopersonsnotpresentattheadministration,noradministeredbytheofficiatingpriesttohimselfalone.Inparticularcases,however,itmaybe administered in private houses, for the benefit of Christians longconfinedbysickness,provided that theofficersandasufficientnumberofthemembersoftheChurchbepresenttopreservethetruecharacteroftheordinanceasacommunion.

SECTION: VII Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visibleelements, in this sacrament,[13] do then also, inwardly by faith, reallyand indeed, yet not carnally and corporally but spiritually, receive, andfeed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body andbloodofChristbeingthen,notcorporallyorcarnally, in,with,orunderthebreadandwine;yet,asreally,butspiritually,presenttothefaithofbelievers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to theiroutwardsenses.[14]

13.ICor.11:2814.ICor.10:16;seeICor.10:3-4

Page 391: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

SECTION:VIIIAlthough ignorantandwickedmenreceive theoutwardelements in this sacrament; yet, they receive not the thing signifiedthereby;but,bytheirunworthycomingthereunto,areguiltyofthebodyandbloodof theLord, to theirowndamnation.Wherefore,all ignorantandungodlypersons,astheyareunfittoenjoycommunionwithhim,soare they unworthy of the Lord's table; and cannot, without great sinagainstChrist,while they remain such,partakeof theseholymysteries,[15]orbeadmittedthereunto.[16]

15.ICor.10:21;11:27-29;IICor.6:14-1616.ICor.5:6-7,13;IIThess.3:6,14-15;Matt.7:6

These sections teach theReformeddoctrine as to the relationwhich intheLord'sSuppersubsistsbetweenthesignandthegracesignified;thatis, as to thenature of the presence ofChrist in the sacrament, and thesense inwhich, consequently, theworthy recipient is said to feeduponthebodyandbloodoftheLord.ThisReformeddoctrinemaybestatedasfollows:--

1.Thebreadandwine--alwaysremainingmerebreadandwine,withoutchange--represent,bythedivineappointment,thefleshandbloodoftheRedeemeroffered as a sacrifice for sin.The relationbetween the breadandwineandthebodyandbloodispurelymoralorrepresentative.

2.Thebodyandbloodarepresent, therefore,onlyvirtually; that is, thevirtues and effects of the sacrifice of the body of the Redeemer on thecrossaremadepresentandareactuallyconveyedinthesacramenttotheworthyreceiverbythepoweroftheHolyGhost,whousesthesacramentashisinstrumentaccordingtohissovereignwill.

3. When it is said, therefore, that believers receive and feed upon thebodyandbloodofChrist,itismeantthattheyreceive,notbythemouth,butthroughfaith, thebenefitssecuredbyChrist'ssacrificialdeathuponthecross--thatthisfeedinguponChristispurelyspiritual,accomplishedthroughthefreeandsovereignagencyoftheHolyGhostandthroughtheinstrumentalityandintheexerciseoffaithalone;sothatinnocaseisitever done by the unbeliever. The unbeliever, therefore, receiving theoutwardsignwithhismouthwhilehefailstoreceivetheinwardgracein

Page 392: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

hissoul,onlyincreaseshisowncondemnationandhardenshisownheartby the exercise. All, therefore, who are known to be unbelievers, andwhose unbelief is made manifest either by their ignorance or theirungodliness, should be prevented, both for their own sake and for theChurch'ssake,fromcomingtotheLord'stableuntiltheyareabletomakeacredibleprofessionoftheirfaith.

4.Hence,also,itfollowsthatbelieversdo,inthesamesense,receiveandfeeduponthebodyandbloodofChristatothertimeswithouttheuseofthe sacrament, and in the use of other means of grace -- as prayer,meditationontheWord,etc.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatarethesubjectstreatedofinthefirstsection?

2. State the evidence that this ordinancewas instituted immediately bytheLordinperson.

3.Statetheproofthat itwasdesignedtobeperpetuallyobservedintheChurchuntilthesecondcomingofChrist.

4.WhatisthefirstpointtaughtinourStandardsastothedesignoftheLord'sSupper?

5.Statetheproofuponwhichthatpositionrests.

6.Whatisthesecondpointtaughtastoitsdesign?

7.Provethecorrectnessofthatposition.

8.Whatisthethirdpointtaughtastothedesignofthisordinance?

9.Whatisthefourthpointtaught?

10.Provethecorrectnessofthatposition.

Page 393: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

11.WhatisthefifthpointtaughtastothedesignoftheLord'sSupper?

12.Inwhatformarethestatementsinvolvedinthesecond,third,fourth,fifthandsixthsectionsofthischapterpresented?[WCF29.3-6]

13.What are the five Romish errors with respect to the Lord's Suppertheredenied?

14.What,accordingtothetruedoctrine,aretheelementsessentialtothisordinance?

15.Whatkindofbreadisproper?andassignthereason.

16.Provethatbreadisessentialtotheordinance,andassignthereason.

17.Provethatthe"wine"intendedisthefermentedjuiceofthegrape,andassignthereasonthatitsuseisessential.

18.Howaretheelementsconsecrated,andwhatisintendedbythatterminthisapplicationofit?

19.Whatisthesymbolicalimportofthe"breakingofbread"?Andprovethatitisoneoftheessentialsacramentalactions.

20.Provethatthedistributionoftheelementstoandtheirreceptionbythecommunicantsareintegralandessentialpartsoftheordinance.

21.Whatdoestheword"transubstantiation"mean?

22.StatetheRomishdoctrineastothechangeofthebreadandwineintotheflesh,blood,soulanddivinityofChrist.

23.WhatistheLutherandoctrineuponthesubject,andhowfardoesitagreewithandhowfardifferfromtheRomishdoctrine?

24.Whatistheironlybiblicalgroundforthisdoctrine?

25.Whatisthetruemeaningoftheword"is"inthewordsofinstitution,"Thisismybody"?andproveyouranswer.

Page 394: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

26.ShowthatthisdoctrineisunsupportedbyScripture,andshowhowitcontradictsthesensesandreason.

27.Showwhyitisabsurdandimpossible.

28.What distinction do theymake in regard to the pretended twofoldcharacteroftheEucharist?

29.Whatistheirdoctrineastothesacrificeofthemass?

30.Provethatthisdoctrineisradicallyfalseandinjurious.

31.What are the serious objections to calling the communion table analtar,andtheministerapriest?

32.Why do Romanists hold that the distribution and reception of theelementsarenotessentialpartsofthisordinance,andhowdotheytreattheconsecratedelements?

33.Whydotheywithholdthecupfromthelaity,andonwhatgroundsdotheypretend that the cup isnotnecessary aswell as thebread to validcommunion?

34.WhatPapalandRitualisticerrorastoprivatecommunionisopposedinthesesections,andonwhatgrounds?

35.Underwhatcircumstances,andinwhatmannermaythecommunionbeproperlyadministeredinprivatehouses?

36.Whatarethesubjectstreatedofintheseventhandeighthsectionsofthischapter?[WCF29.7-8]

37.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaught?

38.What is the true nature of the relation subsisting between the signandthegracesignified?

39. In what sense are the body and blood of Christ present in thesacrament?

Page 395: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

40.Inwhatsenseisthebelieversaidtofeedupon"thebodyandbloodofChrist"?

41.Bywhoseagencyisthisaloneaccomplished?

42. What is the relation of the Holy Spirit to the sacrament, and theblessingitconveys?

43.What relationdoes the faithof the recipient sustain to theblessingsignifiedandconveyed?

44.Whateffecthasthisordinanceupontheunbeliever?

45.Howarethoseknowntobeignorantorunworthytobetreatedinthisregard?

46. Do believers ever receive the same grace without the use of thesacrament,andhow?

-----

[1]Sess.xiii.cans.1-4.

[2]Sess.xxii.,cans.1-3.

[3]Dens,vol.v.,p.358.

[4]CouncilTrent,sess.xxii.,can.3.

[5]CouncilTrent,sess.xxi.,cans.1-3.

[6] Dr. Charles Hodge's Lectures. The Consensus Tigurinus of Calvin,caps.19-26,inclusive.

ChapterThirtyOfChurchCensures

Page 396: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

SECTION:ITheLordJesus,asKingandHeadofhischurch,haththereinappointedagovernment,inthehandofchurchofficers,distinctfromthecivilmagistrate.[1]

1.Isa.9:6-7;Col.1:18;ITim.5:17;IThess.5:12;Acts20:17,28;Heb.13:7,17,24;Eph.4:11-12;ICor.12:28;Matt.28:18-20;John18:36

THE principle designated Erastianism, which has been practicallyembodied in all the State Churches of the 0ld World, includes thefollowing elements: -- 1. That the Church is an organ of the State toaccomplishoneofitsgeneralfunctions;andconsequentlythatthereisnogovernmentof theChurch independentof thatof theState,but that itsofficers,itslaws,andtheiradministration,areinallthingssubjecttothecivil government. 2. That all the subjects of the State are, ipso facto,members of the Church, and entitled to all its ordinances. 3. That thedutiesandprerogativesofchurchofficersincludesimplythefunctionsofteachingandadministeringtheordinances,anddonotincludediscipline,because,accordingtothisview,toexcludeamanfromchurchordinancesistodenyhimhiscivilrightsasacitizen.

Inoppositiontothisdoctrine,ourConfessioninthissectionteaches--

1. That our Lord Jesus Christ, as mediatorial King, has appointed agovernmentforhisChurch;and--

2.That this church government is distinct in all respects from the civilgovernment.

1.ChristtheGod-man,asmediatorialKing,byhisinspiredapostlesandtheir writings appointed a government for his Church; and by hisprovidenceandSpirithecontinuesgraciouslytoadministerittotheendof time. Hence the Church is a Theocratic kingdom. All authority andpowerdescends,anddoesnotascend.PastorsandeldersteachandruleinthenameofGod,andnotofman.ItisthecommissionofChrist,andnotoftheChurch,thattheministercarrieswithhim,andbyauthorityofwhich he acts. The Church only witnesses to the genuineness of thiscommission,andsees that it is faithfullydischargedby thebearerof it.Henceallthepowerofchurchofficers,eitherintheirseveralorcollective

Page 397: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

capacity, is ministerial and declarative. They have only to define whatChrist has taught, to carry that teaching to allmen, and to execute thelaws he has given, and to administer the penalties he has designated,accordingtohiswillandinhisname.

2. This Theocratic government of the Church which Christ hasestablishedisentirelyindependentofthecivilgovernment.Toverymanyin Europe it appeared impossible that two independent governmentsshould exercise jurisdiction at the same time over the same subjectswithout constant collision. But the experience of the dissenting bodiesand free churches ofGreat Britain, and of all the churches inAmerica,abundantlyprovesthatthereisnodangerofinterferencewhatever,whenboth the Church and the State confine themselves to their respectiveprovinces. Thepersons subject to the jurisdictionof the government oftheChurcharealsosubject to the jurisdictionof thegovernmentof theState;but theends, the laws, themethodsand the sanctionsof the twoaresodifferent,thattheonenevercananymoreinterferewiththeotherthanwavesofcolourcaninterferewithvibrationsofsound.

WhileallChristians,with theexceptionof theErastians,agreewith thetwoprinciplestaught inthissectionasthusgenerallystated, theydifferverymuchastothehumanagentswithwhomChristhasdepositedthispower,andwhomheusesashis instruments inadministering it.Thereare four radically different theories on this subject: -- "(1.) The Popishtheory,whichassumesthatChrist,theapostles,andbelieversconstitutedthe Churchwhile our Saviour was on earth, and that this organizationwas designed to be perpetual. After the ascension of our Lord, Peterbecamehis vicar, and took his place as the visible head of theChurch.This primacy of Peter, as the universal bishop, is continued in hissuccessors, the bishops ofRome; and the apostleship is perpetuated inthe order of prelates. As in the primitive Church no one could be anapostlewhowasnotsubjecttoChrist,sonownoonecanbeaprelatewhoisnotsubjecttothePope.AndasthennoonecouldbeaChristianwhowas not subject to Christ, and the apostles, so now no one can be aChristian who is not subject to the Pope and the prelates. This is theRomish theory of the Church: A vicar of Christ, a perpetual college ofapostles,andthepeoplesubjecttotheirinfalliblecontrol.

Page 398: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

"(2.) ThePrelatical theory assumes the perpetuity of the apostleship asthegoverningpowerintheChurch,whichthereforeconsistsofthosewhoprofess the true religion and are subject to apostle-bishops. This is theAnglicanorHighChurchformofthistheory.InitsLowChurchformtheprelatical theory simply teaches that there was originally a threefoldorderintheministry,andthatthereshouldbenow.Butitdoesnotaffirmthatmodeoforganizationtobeessential.

"(3.)TheIndependentorCongregationaltheoryincludestwoprinciples:first, that the governing and executive power in the Church is in thebrotherhood; and secondly, that the churchorganization is complete ineachworshippingassembly,whichisindependentofeveryother.

"(4.)ThefourththeoryisthePresbyterian......Thisincludesthefollowingaffirmativestatement:(a.)Thepeoplehavearighttoasubstantivepartinthegovernmentof theChurch. (b.)Presbyters,who labour inwordanddoctrine,arethehighestpermanentofficersoftheChurch,andallbelongtothesameorder.(c.)TheoutwardandvisibleChurchis,orshouldbe,one,inthesensethatasmallerpartissubjecttoalarger,andalargertothewhole. It isnotholdingoneof theseprinciples thatmakesamanaPresbyterian, but his holding them all." Christ has in fact vested allecclesiasticalpowerintheChurchasawhole,noneofitsmembersbeingexcluded; yet not in the Church as a mob, but as an organized bodyconsistingofmembers, their representative rulingelders,andministersorbishops.Eldersorbishopswereordainedbytheapostles,havealwayscontinued in the Church, and were designed to be perpetuated as thehighest class of officers in the Church. 1 Tim. iii. 1; Eph. iv. 11, 12. AllChurchpowervests,then, jointly inthelayandclericalelements, intheministerstogetherwiththepeople.

"RulingeldersareproperlytheREPRESENTATIVESOFTHEPEOPLE,chosenbythemforthepurposeofexercisinggovernmentanddisciplinein conjunction with pastors or ministers." "The powers, therefore,exercised by our ruling elders are powers which belong to the laymembersoftheChurch.""Theyarechosenbythemtoactintheirnamein the government of the Church. A representative is one chosen byothers to do in their name what they are entitled to do in their ownpersons;orrathertoexercisethepowerswhichradicallyinhereinthose

Page 399: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

forwhomtheyact.ThemembersofaStateLegislatureorofCongress,forexample, can exercise only those powers which are inherent in thepeople."

SECTION: II To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven arecommitted; by virtuewhereof, they have power, respectively, to retain,andremitsins;toshutthatkingdomagainsttheimpenitent,bothbytheWord,andcensures;andtoopenituntopenitentsinners,bytheministryofthegospel;andbyabsolutionfromcensures,asoccasionshallrequire.[2]

2.Matt.16:19;18:17-18;John20:21-23;IICor.2:6-8

SECTION: III Church censures are necessary, for the reclaiming andgaining of offending brethren, for deterring of others from the likeoffenses, for purging out of that leaven which might infect the wholelump,forvindicatingthehonorofChrist,andtheholyprofessionofthegospel,andforpreventingthewrathofGod,whichmightjustlyfalluponthechurch,iftheyshouldsufferhiscovenant,andthesealsthereof,tobeprofanedbynotoriousandobstinateoffenders.[3]

3.ICor.5:1-13;11:27-34;ITim.1:20;5:20;Matt.7:6;Jude1:23

SECTION: IV For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of thechurcharetoproceedbyadmonition;suspensionfromthesacramentofthe Lord's Supper for a season; and by excommunication from thechurch;accordingtothenatureofthecrime,anddemeritoftheperson.[4]

4. IThess.5:12; IIThess.3:6, 14-15; ICor.5:4-5, 13;Matt. 18:17;Titus3:10

Thesesectionsteach--

1.AstothenatureandextentofthepowerconferredupontheChurchofadmittingandexcludingfromthefold,andofdiscipliningitsmembers.

2.Astotheendsofthisdiscipline.

Page 400: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3..Astothemethodsthroughwhichitshouldbeadministered.

1.AllChurchpowermustbeexercisedinanorderlymannerthroughtheofficersspokenofabove,freelychosenforthispurposebythebrethren;anditrelates--"(1.)Tomattersofdoctrine.Shehasarighttosetforthapublicdeclarationof the truthswhichshebelieves,andwhichare tobeacknowledged.byallwhoenterhercommunion.Thatis,shehasarighttoframecreedsorconfessionsoffaith,ashertestimonyforthetruthandherprotestagainsterror.Andasshehasbeencommissionedtoteachallnations,shehastherightofselectingteachers,ofjudgingoftheirfitness,ofordainingandsending themforth into the field,andof recallinganddeposingthemwhenunfaithful. (2.)TheChurchhaspowertosetdownrulesfortheorderingofpublicworship.(3.)Shehaspowertomakerulesfor her own government; such as every Church has in its book ofdiscipline,constitutionorcanons,etc.(4.)Shehaspowertoreceiveintofellowship,andtoexcludetheunworthyfromherowncommunion."

This last power is commonly styled "the power of the keys;" i.e., ofoperatingandclosingthedoorsoftheChurch,ofadmittingorexcludingfrom sealing ordinances. Matt. xvi. 19. In view of two unquestionablefacts -- (a.) to forgive sin is an incommunicable attribute of God andChrist; (b.) God has given to no class of men the faculty of absolutelydiscriminatingthegoodfromthebad--itfollowsthattheChurchpowerofopeningandshutting,ofbindingandloosing,spokenofinMatt.xvi.19and in the second section of this chapter, is purely ministerial anddeclarative.Churchcensuresdeclaresimplywhat is, to thebestof theirknowledge,intheopinionof theChurchofficerspronouncingthem,themindandwillofChrist in thecase.And theyhavedirectbindingeffectonlyinsofarastherelationofthepersoncensuredtothevisibleChurchisconcerned.TheycanhaveeffectupontherelationsofthecensuredtoGodandtoChristonlyinsofarastheyrepresentthewillofChristinthecase,andbecausetheydo.

2.TheendsofChurchdisciplinearedeclared.tobe--(1.)Thepurityofthe Church, and hence the glory and approbation of God. (2.) Therecoveryoftheerringbrotherhimself.(3.)Theforceofexampletodeterothers from like sin. (4.)Theexhibitionof righteousnessand fidelity toprinciplepresentedtotheworldwithout.

Page 401: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.Thebettertoattainalltheseends,forwhichthedisciplineisintended,theChurchofficersshould--

(1.)Proceedinaregularordertoadministerdiscipline,using,accordingto their character, first all means of moral reclamation before theyproceedtoabsoluteexclusion.Thepropermethodofprocedure,underallcircumstances,isplainlystatedinthe"BookofDiscipline,"whichformspart of theConfession of Faith of ourChurch. The successive stages ofdiscipline there unfolded are -- (a.) private admonition, (b.) publicadmonition,(c.)suspension,(d.)excommunication.

(2.)Thedisciplineshouldbewiselyandjustlyproportioned"tothenatureofthecrimeanddemeritoftheperson."

QUESTIONS

1. What is the first point involved in the Erastian doctrine as to therelationoftheChurchtotheState?

2.Whatisthesecondpointinvolved?

3.Whatisthethird?

4.WhatisthefirstpointinoppositiontothisheresytaughtinWCF30.1?

5.Whatisthesecondpointtheretaught?

6.WhatisthesourceofallChurchpower?

7.What, then, is thenatureofallChurchpowerasexercisedbyhumanagents?

8.Whathasbeenthegroundofthejealousywithwhichtheindependentself-governmentoftheChurchhasalwaysbeenregardedinEurope?

9.Howhasthisjealousybeenshowntobegroundless?

Page 402: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

10.Why, and uponwhat conditions, is there no danger of interferencebetweenthetwoordersofgovernment?

11.WhatdifferenceofopinionhasprevailedastothehumanagentswithwhomChristhasvestedthispower?

12.StatethemainelementsofthePopishtheory.

13.StatethemainelementsofthePrelaticaltheory.

14. Do the same with regard to the Congregational or Independenttheory.

15.DothesamewithregardtothePresbyteriantheory.

16.WhatarethetwoordersofChurchofficerstowhomthegovernmentoftheChurchiscommitted?

17.Whatareeldersorbishops?

18.Whatisthecharacteroftheofficeoftherulingelders?

19. Whom do they represent, and what parties exercise their inherentpowersthroughthem?

20.Whatarethethreesubjectssetforthinthesecond,third,andfourthsections?

21.HowmustallChurchpowerbeexercised?

22.WhatisthefirstprincipalprovinceofChurchpower?

23.Whatisthesecondprovince?

24.Whatisthethird?

25.Whatisthefourth?

26.Whatisthepowerofdisciplinecalled?

Page 403: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

27. What do you mean by saying that it is simply ministerial anddeclarative?

28.Provethatitisso.

29.StatewhataretheseveralendswhichChurchdisciplineisdesignedtoeffect.

30. What is the first thing that must be observed in the dueadministrationofdiscipline?

31.Wherearetherulesregulatingdiscipline inthePresbyterianChurchlaiddown?

32.Whatisthesecondthingthatmustbeobserved?

------

[1]"WhatisPresbyterianism?"Rev.C.Hodge,D.D.:Pres.BoardofPub.

[2]"FormofGovernment,"chapteriii.,section2;chapter5.

[3]"WhatisPresbyterianism?"Rev.C.Hodge,D.D.

[4]"WhatisPresbyterianism?"Rev.C.Hodge,D.D.

ChapterThirty-oneOfSynodsandCouncils

SECTION I. For the better government, and further edification of thechurch,thereoughttobesuchassembliesasarecommonlycalledsynodsor councils:[1]and itbelongeth to theoverseersandother rulers of theparticularchurches,byvirtueoftheiroffice,andthepowerwhichChristhathgiventhemforedificationandnot fordestruction, toappointsuchassemblies;[2] and to convene together in them, as often as they shall

Page 404: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

judgeitexpedientforthegoodofthechurch.[3]

1.Acts15:2,4,62.Acts15:1-353.Acts15:1-35;20:17

Aswehaveseeninthelastchapter,a11ChurchpowerisvestedbyChristin theChurchasawhole--notasamob,butasanorganizedbody.Asorganized, theChurchconsistsofpresbytersorbishopsand thepeople,and the people as represented by lay or ruling elders. This necessarilygives origin to the session or parochial presbytery, consisting of thebishoporpastor,andtherulingeldersorrepresentativesofthepeople.Inthis body the entire ecclesiastical power of the whole congregation isvested.Itadmitscandidatestosealingordinances,exercisespastoralcareanddisciplineoverthemembers,providesfortheinstructionoftheflock,andregulatespublicworship.

IntheEpiscopalChurchthisgoverningpowervestswiththerector.IntheCongregationalChurchesitisexercisedimmediatelybythewholebodyofthe brotherhood in person. In the Presbyterian Church it vests withpastor and people -- the people, however, acting only through theirpermanentrepresentatives,therulingelders.

But the third great principle of Presbyterianism, as stated in theprecedingchapter,is,thatthewholeChurchofChristonearth"isoneinsuchasensethatasmallerpartissubjecttoalarger,andalargertothewhole. It has one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The principles ofgovernment laid down in the Scriptures bind the whole Church. Theterms of admission and the legitimate grounds of exclusion areeverywhere the same. The same qualifications are everywhere to bedemandedforadmissionto thesacredoffice,and the samegrounds fordeposition. Every man who is properly received as a member of aparticularchurchbecomesamemberoftheChurchuniversal;everyonerightfullyexcluded fromaparticularchurch isexcluded fromthewholeChurch: everyone rightfullyordained to theministry inone church is aministeroftheuniversalChurch;andwhenrightfullydeposedinoneheceasestobeaministerinany.Hence,whileeveryparticularchurchhasaright to manage its own affairs and administer its own discipline, it

Page 405: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

cannotbeindependentandirresponsibleintheexerciseofthatright.AsitsmembersarethemembersoftheChurchuniversal,andthosewhomitexcommunicates are, according to the Scriptural theory, delivered untoSatan and cut off from the communion of the saints, the acts of aparticularchurchbecometheactsofthewholeChurch,andthereforethewholehasarighttoseethattheyareperformedaccordingtothe lawofChrist.Hence,ontheonehand,therightofappeal;and,ontheother,therightofreviewandcontrol."

Theprinciplecontainedintheabovestatementwascertainlyacteduponin the apostolic age, and it has been practically recognized and acteduponwithmore or less fidelity in all branches of the ChristianChurcheversince.

" A controversy having arisen in the church at Antioch concerning theMosaic law, instead of settling it among themselves as an independentbody,theyreferredthecasetotheapostlesandeldersatJerusalem;andthereitwasauthoritativelydecided(notbytheapostlesalone,but'bytheapostles andelders,with thewhole church,'Acts xv. 22) --not for thatchurch (Antioch) only, but for all others. Paul, therefore, in his nextmissionaryjourney,ashepassedthroughthecities, 'deliveredtothem,'itissaid,'thedecreesfortokeep,thatwereordainedoftheapostlesandelderswhich were at Jerusalem.' Acts xvi. 4." Hence, in carrying theseprinciples into effect, the constitution of the Presbyterian Churchprovidesfortheerectionandoperationofaregularlygraduatedseriesofecclesiasticalcouncils.

1. Every particular congregation is governed, as we have seen, by aSession or Parochial Presbytery, consisting of its pastor and the rulingelders as the representatives of the people. The whole governmentalpowerofthatparticularchurchvestsinthatsession,andalltrialsfor,ediscipline of any of itsmembersmust originate there. Its decisions arefinalwithrespecttothematterssubjectto its jurisdiction,exceptwhen,afterhavingbeenregularlycarriedupbyappeal,theyhavebeenreversedbyasuperiorcourt.

2.There is theClassicalPresbytery,which consistsof all thepastorsorbishops and the churches in a city or neighbourhood who can

Page 406: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

conveniently meet together and unite in the exercise of ecclesiasticalgovernment. The churches appear in the Presbytery by representativesfromthesessionsofparticularchurches,soregulatedthatthenumberoflay representativesshallexactlyequal thenumberofpastors;and theserepresentativesofthepeopleinallrespectsexerciseequalpowerwiththepastors.Allthepowersofthesebodiesvestinthemasbodies,andnotinthe members severally. Whatever they are competent to decide or toexecutecanbedoneonlybythemembersjointlywhileinsession,andnotatallbythemseparately,orevenjointlyinanyothercapacity.Ordainedministersarenotmembersofparticularchurches,butbelonginthefirstinstancetothePresbytery.ThePresbytery,therefore,inthefirstinstance,examinesanddecidesuponthequalificationsofcandidatesandlicensesand ordains them; and in the case of the discipline of a minister theprocessoriginatesinthePresbytery,towhichalonethepastorisdirectlyresponsible.Alicentiateisinnosenseordegreeaminister,Heispurelyalayman--i.e.,aprivatememberofaparticularchurch--takenundercareof a Presbytery experimentally, and as a part of his trials or teststemporarilyallowedtopreachbeforethepeople,thattheymaypasstheirfinal judgment upon his qualifications and acceptability as a candidatefortheministry.

3.SynodsareonlylargePresbyteries,consistingofallthePresbyteriesinfullofaprovince.

4.TheGeneralAssemblyof thewholeChurch,which, like all the otherbodies,consistsofanequalnumberofpastorsandoftherepresentativesof the people, of necessity is composed of the representatives of theconstituentPresbyteries,insteadofthePresbyteriesthemselvesinfull.

InvirtueoftheprincipleofAPPEAL,anyquestionoriginatinginachurchsession, or in any other subordinate court, may be carried up insuccession through all the series to the General Assembly, whosedecisionswhenoncemadearefinal.

InvirtueoftheprincipleofREVIEWANDCONTROL,eachchurchcourtof every grade above a church session has the right, and is underobligation, to review "the records of the proceedings of the judicatorynextbelow;"andofcoursetojudgeofthoseproceedings,andsecuretheir

Page 407: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

correctionwhenwrong.Andeachcourt,includingthechurchsession, isan executive as well as a judicial body; and therefore has an inherentright of supervision and of governmental control over the entire fieldsubject to its jurisdiction.Hencea superior judicatory, indefaultof theproper action of the inferior judicatory to which the case moreimmediatelybelongs,may inaugurate investigationandapplydisciplineimmediatelyinthecaseofanypersonwithinitslegitimatebounds.

SECTION II. It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially todetermine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set downrulesanddirectionsforthebetterorderingofthepublicworshipofGod,and government of his church; to receive complaints in cases ofmaladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: whichdecreesanddeterminations, if consonant to theWordofGod,are tobereceived with reverence and submission; not only for their agreementwiththeWord,butalsoforthepowerwherebytheyaremade,asbeinganordinanceofGodappointedthereuntoinhisWord.[4]

4.Acts15:15,19,24,27-31;16:4;Matt.18:17-20

SECTIONIII.All synodsorcouncils, since theApostles' times,whethergeneralorparticular,mayerr;andmanyhaveerred.Thereforetheyarenottobemadetheruleof faith,orpractice;buttobeusedasahelp inboth.[5]

5.Eph. 2:20;Acts 17:11; ICor. 2:5; IICor. 1:24; cf. Isa. 8:19-20;Matt.15:9

SECTIONIV.Synodsandcouncilsaretohandle,orconcludenothing,butthatwhich isecclesiastical:andarenot to intermeddlewithcivilaffairswhichconcern the commonwealth,unlessbywayofhumblepetition incasesextraordinary;or,bywayofadvice,forsatisfactionofconscience,iftheybethereuntorequiredbythecivilmagistrate.[6]

6.Luke12:13-14;John18:36;Matt.22:21

Thesesectionsstate--1.ThedifferentsubjectswhichcomebeforetheseChurch courts for decision. 2. The grounds upon which, and the

Page 408: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

conditionsunderwhich, their decisions are tobe regarded as requiringsubmission,andtheextenttowhichthatsubmissionistobecarried.

1.Negatively.Synodsandcouncilshavenorightwhatevertointermeddlewith any affair which concerns the commonwealth; and they have norighttopresumetogiveadviceto,ortoattempttoinfluence,theofficersof the civil government in their action as civil officers, except (1.) inextraordinary cases,where the interests of the Church are immediatelyconcerned, by theway of humble petition, or (2.) byway of advice forsatisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civilmagistrate.

2.Negatively.Thepowersof synodsandcouncilsarepurelyministerialanddeclarative;i.e.,relatesimplytothedeclarationandexecutionofthewillofChrist.Theyarethereforewhollyjudicialand.executive,andinnoinstancelegislative.

3. Positively. It belongs to synods and councils at proper times (1.) Toformcreedsandconfessionsoffaith,andtoadoptaconstitutionforthegovernmentoftheChurch.(2.)Todetermineparticularcontroversiesoffaithandcasesofconscience.(3.)ToprescriberegulationsforthepublicworshipofGod,and for thegovernmentof theChurch. (4.)To take upandissueallcasesofdiscipline;and,inthecaseofthesuperiorcourts,toreceive appeals and complaints in all cases ofmaladministration in thecase of individual officers or subordinate courts, and authoritatively todeterminethesame.

4.Positively.Whileecclesiasticalcourtshavenorighttohandleoradviseupon matters which belong to the jurisdiction of the civil magistrate,they,ontheotherhand,evidentlypossessaninalienablerightofteachingchurch members their duty with respect to the civil powers, and ofenforcingtheperformanceofitasareligiousobligation."ThepowersthatbeareordainedofGod......Whereforeyemustneedsbesubject,notonlyfor wrath, but also for conscience' sake." Rom. xiii. 1 -- 7. That is,obedience to thecivil authorities isa religiousduty,andmaybe taughtandenforcedbyChurchcourtsuponChurchmembers.

5.Negatively.Allsynodsandcouncilssincetheapostles' times,whether

Page 409: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

generalorparticular,mayerr, andmanyhaveerred; thereforetheyarenot tobemade the ruleof faithorpractice;but tobeusedasahelp inboth.That is, these synods and councils, consisting of uninspiredmen,havenopowertobindtheconscience,andtheirauthoritycannotexcludethe right, nor excuse the obligation, of private judgment. If theirjudgments are unwise, but not directly opposed to thewill ofGod, theprivate member should submit for peace' sake. If their decisions areopposed plainly to the Word of God, the private member shoulddisregardthemandtakethepenalty.

6.Positively.Butineverycaseinwhichthedecreesoftheseecclesiasticalcourtsareconsonant to theWordofGod, theyare tobe receivedbyallsubjecttothejurisdictionofsaidcourt,notonlybecauseofthefactthatthey do agree with the Word of God, but also because of the properauthorityofthecourtitselfasacourtofJesusChrist,appointedbyhim,and therefore ministerially representing him in all of its legitimateactions.

QUESTIONS

1.InwhomhasChristvestedallchurchpower?

2.Throughwhoseagencydothepeopleexercise thepowers inherent inthem?

3.Towhatbodydoesthisnecessarilygiverise?

4. In whom does the governing power in each congregation vestaccordingtotheEpiscopalsystem?

5.InwhomdoesitvestaccordingtotheCongregationalsystem?

6.InwhatbodydoesitvestaccordingtothePresbyteriansystem?

7.WhatisthethirdfundamentalprincipleofPresbyterianism,accordingtothestatementmadeunderthelastchapter?

Page 410: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

8. In what sense ought the unity of the Church to he expressed in itsoutwardorganization?

9.WhyshouldeachsmallerpartoftheChurchbesubjecttoalarger,andeachlargerpartbesubjecttothewhole?

10.Provethatthisprinciplewasactedonintheapostolicage.

11. Prove that it is, with greater or less consistency, acted upon in allchurches.

12.WhatisthelowestchurchcourtaccordingtothePresbyteriansystem?

13.Ofwhatmembersdoes the church session consist, andwhat are itsfunctions?

14.OfwhatmembersdoesaclassicalPresbyteryconsist,andwhatareitsfunctions?

15. In what sense are all the powers of the members of these churchcourtsjoint,andnotseveral?

16.Towhichbodydoesaministerimmediatelybelong,andtowhichisheimmediatelyresponsible?

17.Whichbody,therefore,judgesofanddecidesuponthequalificationsofministersandadmitsthemtoordeposesthemfromoffice?

18.Whatistheprecisestandingoflicentiates?

19.UnderthejurisdictionofwhatbodydolicentiatesimmediatelystandasprofessingChristians?

20.WhocomposeaProvincialSynod,andwhatareitsfunctions?

21.WhocomposetheGeneralAssembly,andwhatareitsfunctions?

22.TowhatextentmaytherightofappealbecarriedinthePresbyterianChurchatpresent?

Page 411: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

23.Whatistheprincipleof"reviewandcontrol,"andhowisitpracticallycarriedoutbythechurchcourts?

24.Whatsubjectsaredefinedinthesecond,third,andfourthsectionsofthischapter?[WCF31.3-4]

25.What rightsaredenied synodsandcouncilswith respect tomattersbelongingtothejurisdictionofthecivilmagistrate?

26.Whatexceptionstothatprohibitionaremade?

27.What relations do all church courts sustain to Christ, and to whatspecialfunctionsmusttheirgovernmentalagencybeconfined?

28. State the several classes of matters which may be legitimatelyconsideredanddeterminedbychurchcourts.

29.Provethatitisthedutyofchurchcourtstoinstructthoseundertheirjurisdictionwith respect to the dutieswhichChristians owe to the civilmagistrate, and to enforce by proper ecclesiastical means duecompliance.

30.What do our Standards teachwith regard to the liability of churchcourtstoerr?

31.Whatpracticalconsequentfollowsnecessarilyfromthatfact?

32.Whatisthetruesphereofprivatejudgmentinthecase?

33.What should theChristiando in case thedecisionof the councilbeunwise,butnotpositivelyopposedtotherevealedwillofChrist?

34.WhatishetodoincasethedecisionisdirectlyopposedtotheWordofChrist?

35. Upon what grounds does every Christian owe submission to andcompliancewith thosedecisionsof thecourtsofGod'shousewhichareconsonanttohisWord?

Page 412: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

--------

[1]"WhatisPresbyterianism?"Rev.C.Hodge,D.D.

[2]Ibid.

[3]SeeBookI.ofGovernment.

ChapterThirty-twoOftheStateofMenafterDeath,andofthe

ResurrectionoftheDead

SECTION I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and seecorruption:[1] but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having animmortalsubsistence,immediatelyreturntoGodwhogavethem:[2]thesoulsoftherighteous,beingthenmadeperfect inholiness,arereceivedintothehighestheavens,wheretheybeholdthefaceofGod,inlightandglory,waitingforthefullredemptionoftheirbodies.[3]Andthesoulsofthewicked are cast into hell,where they remain in torments and utterdarkness,reservedtothejudgmentofthegreatday.[4]Besidesthesetwoplaces, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scriptureacknowledgethnone.

1.Gen.3:19;Acts13:362.Luke23:43;Eccl.12:73.Heb.12:23;IICor.5:1,6,8;Phil.1:23;Acts3:21;Eph.4:10;Rom.8:234.Luke16:23-24;Acts1:25;Jude1:6-7;IPeter3:19

Thissectionteaches--1.Thatmanconsistsoftwodistinctelements,asoulandabody;andthatdeathconsistsintheirtemporaryseparation.

2.Thatwhilethebodyisresolvedintoitsconstituentchemicalelements,thesoulofthebelieveris(1.)Immediatelymadeperfectinholiness;(2.)During all the intermediate state, from death until the resurrection,continues conscious, active, and happy; and (3.) Is in the presence of

Page 413: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Christ,who,afterhisascension,satdownattherighthandofGod.

3. That the souls of thewicked also continue, during this intermediatestate, conscious and active, but in a state of penal torment, reserved tothejudgmentofthegreatday.

4.Theseconditions,thoughnotfinal,areirreversible--i.e.,noneofthosewithChristwill be ever lost, andnone of those in tormentwill be eversaved.

5.TheScripturesaffordnogroundwhateverfortheRomishdoctrinethatthereareotherplacesorconditionsoccupiedbydeceasedmenthanthetwoabovementioned.

1.Thedualityofhumannature,asconsistingoftwoseparableelements--a soul and a body -- having distinct and independent attributes andsubsistence, istakenforgrantedandconstantly impliedinthelanguageofScripture.ThusGodmade thebodyoutof thedustof theearth,andbreathed into it the breath of life; "and soman became a living soul."Gen.ii.7.Christbidsusnotto"fearthemwhichkillthebody,butarenotabletokillthesoul."Matt.x.28.AnddeathisdefinedinEccles.xii.7,asadissolutionofthepersonalunionofthesetwoelements;for"thenshallthedustreturntotheearthasitwas,andthespiritshallreturnuntoGodwhogaveit."InlikemannerPaul(2Cor.v.8;Phil.i.22--24)definesitasadeparting,abeingwithChrist,aceasingtoabideintheflesh,abeingabsentfromthebodyonthepartoftheconsciouspersonalsoul.

2. We know that when the soul leaves it the body is resolved into itsoriginal chemical elements, which are gradually incorporated with theshifting currents of matter on the surface of the Earth. The Scripturesteachus,however,that,inspiteofthisfluxoftheirmaterialconstituents,the real identity of our bodies is preserved; and that, as members ofChrist, all that is essential to them will be ultimately preserved andbroughttoagloriousresurrection.

Asto theconditionand locationof thesoulsofmenduring the intervalwhichelapsesbetweenthedeathofeachindividualandthegeneralandsimultaneousresurrectionofthebodiesofall,whattheScripturesteach

Page 414: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

usmaybesummedupunderthefollowingheads:--

(1.) The souls of both believers and the reprobate continue after deathconscious and active, although they remain until the resurrectionseparatefromtheirbodies.

(2.)Thesoulsofbelieversareattheirdeathmadeperfectinholiness.

(3.) The souls of believers, thus perfected, are immediately introducedinto the presence of Christ, and continue to enjoy bright revelations ofGodandthesocietyoftheholyangels.

(4.) The souls of the reprobate are at once introduced into the placeprovidedforthedevilandhisangels,andcontinueinunutterablemisery.

(5.)Thisstateofbothclassesadmitsofnoexchangeortransfer,buttheirpresent condition is the commencement of an inevitableprogression inoppositedirections.Nevertheless,itisintermediateinthesense(a.)Thatthepersonsofmencontinueincompletewhiletheirsoulsandbodiesareseparate.(b.)Thatneithertheredemptionofthesavednortheperditionofthelosthasyetreacheditsfinalstage.(c.)Thatpossiblyinthecaseofthelatter,andveryprobablyinthecaseoftheredeemed,thelocalitiesinwhichtheyareatpresentarenotthesameasthoseinwhichtheyaretodwellpermanentlyafterthefinalaward.

(6.) As to the location of the place inwhich the souls of the reprobatesuffer, the Scriptures give us no clue. In Jude, verse 6, it is said, "Theangelswhichkeptnottheirfirstestate,but lefttheirownhabitation,hehathreservedineverlastingchainsunderdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreatday."InMatt.xxv.41,theJudgeatthelastdaysaystothoseonthelefthand,"Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,preparedfor the devil and his angels." The richman " lifted up his eyes in hell,beingintorments,"whilehisbrethrenwerestillaliveonearth.Lukexvi.23. But where these places are situated, and whether the locality oftormentnowisidenticalwiththelocalityoftormentafterthejudgment,noman can tell, becauseGodhas not revealed it.Of course, the terms"up" or "down," "under" or "above," applied to such a subject,must besimply metaphorical, and cannot indicate absolute direction when

Page 415: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

addressed promiscuously to the inhabitants of a revolving and rotatingsphere.

(7.)Astothelocationoftheplacewheretheredeemedarenowgathered,absolutely nothing is revealed, except that it is wherever the glorifiedhumanityofChristis.Theyarewithhim,andbeholdhisglory.2Cor.v.1--8.See,also,allthescenesopenedintheApocalypse.AndChrist,athisascension, sat down at "the right hand of God," "the right hand of theMajestyonhigh."Markxvi. 19;Rom.viii.34;Heb. i. 3; x. 12, etc.Thismust be a locality, because, the humanity of Christ being finite, hispresence marks a definite place; yet the phrase "right hand of God"evidently marks rather the condition of honour and power to whichChrist is raised as mediatorial King. As to the location of the place inwhich Christ and his glorified spouse will hold their central homethroughout eternity, a strong probability is raised that it will be ourpresentEarth;firstburnedwithfireandthengloriouslyreplenished.SeeRom.viii.19--23;2Pet.iii.5--13;Rev.xxi.l.

The proof of the main propositions above stated -- viz., that theintermediate state of souls is one of conscious activity, the redeemedbeingperfectlyholyandhappywithChrist,andthereprobatebeingwiththedevilandhisangelsintorment,andthattheseconditionsareforeverirreversible--canbebetterpresentedcollectivelythandistributively.Itisasfollows:ThereappearanceofSamuelinaconsciousstate,intheuseofallhisfaculties,atthecallofSaulandthewitchofEn-dor(1Sam.xxviii.7--20);theappearanceofMosesandEliasatthetransfigurationofChristonthemount(Matt.xvii.3);Christ'saddresstothethiefonthecross--"Todayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise"(Lukexxiii.43);theparableoftherichmanandLazarus(Lukexvi.23,24)--LazarusisconsciousandactiveinAbraham'sbosom--therichmanisinconscioustormentinHell(Hades),whilehisbrethrenarestilllivingintheflesh.OfdyingStephenitisdeclared(Actsvii.55--59)that,beingfullof theHolyGhost,hesawtheheavensopened,andJesusChriststandingattherighthandofGod;andsoseeinghecried,"LordJesus,receivemyspirit,"andsodied.

In2Cor.v.1--8,Pauldeclaresthattobe"athomeinthebody"istobe"absent from the Lord;" and to be "absent from the body" is to thebelievertobe"presentwiththeLord:"andhencehesays(inPhil.i.21--

Page 416: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

24)thatforhim"todieisgain,"andthathewas"inastraitbetwixttwo,having a desire to depart, and be with Christ; which is far better:neverthelesstoabideinthefleshismoreneedfulforyou."In1Thessv.10,Pauldeclaresthatthesleepofdeathisa"livingtogetherwithChrist."InEph.iii.15,theChurchisdeclaredtobeonewholefamily,ofwhichatpresent part is in heaven and part on earth. InHeb. vi. 12 -- 20, it isdeclared that after Abraham (and other ancient saints) "had patientlyendured,heobtained thepromises;"whichpromises,weknow,were intheirtruemeaningspiritualandheavenly.InActs i.25,Judasissaidtohavegone"tohisownplace."InJude6,7,thelostangelsaresaidtobe"reservedineverlastingchainsunderdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreat day, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." In Heb. xii. 23, thespiritsofthejustarerepresentedas"madeperfect,"andhappywiththeangels in heaven. In Rev. vi. 9 -- 11, the souls of the martyrs arerepresentedasunderthealtarinheaven,prayingforthepunishmentoftheir former persecutors on earth, which of coursemust be before theresurrection. In Rev. v. 9; vii. 9; xiv. 1, 3, the souls of believers arerepresentedasbeingnowwithChristandtheholyangels.

3. Our Standards declare that there is no foundation whatever, inScripture, for the Romish doctrine as to the intermediate state ofdeceasedmen.ThePapistsholdthatHadesortheunderworldembracesseveral distinct regions, to which different classes of human souls aredestined: (1.) The souls of unbaptized infants go to the "LimbusInfantum," where they remain without suffering, and yet without thevisionofGod.(2.)OldTestamentbelieversweregatheredinthe"LimbusPatrurm,"where, without suffering, and yet without the vision of God,theyremainedthe"spirits inprison,"untilChrist,duringthethreedayshecontinuedunderthepowerofdeath,wentandreleasedthem.1Pet.iii.19,20.(3.)Allunbaptizedadults,andthosewhohavesubsequentlylostthegraceofbaptism,anddieunreconciledtotheChurch,goimmediatelyto the permanentHell. (4.) All Christianswho have attained a state ofChristian perfection go immediately to Heaven. (5.) The great mass ofpartiallysanctifiedChristians,dyingincommunionwiththeChurch,stillcumberedwithimperfections,gotoPurgatory.(Cat.Rom.,pt.i.,ch.vi.)

Concerningpurgatory,theCouncilofTrentteaches--(a.)Thatthereisa

Page 417: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

purifying fire through which imperfect Christians must pass. (b.) Thatsoulsinpurgatorymaybebenefitedbytheprayersandmassesofferedintheirbehalfonearth.(Counc.Trent,sess.xxv.)

Thisdoctrineisfalse,because--(1.)ItisnowheretaughtinScripture.(2.)ItisopposedtotheteachingofScriptureastotheintermediatestate,asaboveshown.(3.)ItrestsuponAnti-Christianprinciplesastotheefficacyof the atonement of Christ, as to the sin-expiating and soul-purifyingefficacyoftemporarysuffering,astothesacrificeofthemass,andastoprayersforthedead,etc.

SECTIONII.Atthelastday,suchasarefoundaliveshallnotdie,butbechanged:[5]andallthedeadshallberaisedup,withtheselfsamebodies,andnoneother(althoughwithdifferentqualities),whichshallbeunitedagaintotheirsoulsforever.[6]

5.IThess.4:17;ICor.15:51-526.John5:25-29;Acts24:15;Job19:26-27;Dan.12:2;ICor.15:42-44

SECTIONIII.Thebodiesof theunjustshall,by thepowerofChrist,beraisedtodishonor:thebodiesofthejust,byhisSpirit,untohonor;andbemadeconformabletohisowngloriousbody.[7]

7.Acts24:15;John5:25-29;ICor.15:43;Phil.3:21

Thesesectionsteach--1.Thatatthelastdaytherewillbeasimultaneousresurrectionofallthedead,bothofthejustandoftheunjust.

2.That thosewho thenremain livingon theEarthshallnotdie,butbechanged.

3.Thattheverysamebodiesthatareburiedintheearthshallberaisedand reunited to their souls, their identity preserved, although theirqualitieswillbechanged.

4.ThatthebodiesofbelieversshallbemadelikeChrist'sgloriousbody--"aspiritualbody."

Page 418: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

5.Thatthebodiesofthereprobateshallberaisedtodishonour.

1.Atthelastdaytherewillbeasimultaneousresurrectionofallthedead,bothofthejustandtheunjust:"Andmanyofthemthatsleepinthedustoftheearthshallawake,sometoeverlastinglife,andsometoshameandeverlasting contempt." Dan. xii. 2. "Marvel not at this: for the hour iscoming, in thewhichall thatare in thegraves shallhearhis voice, andshallcomeforth;theythathavedonegood,untotheresurrectionoflife;andtheythathavedoneevil,untotheresurrectionofdamnation."Johnv.28,29.Thetwoclassesaretobe judgedsimultaneously, immediatelyaftertheirresurrection,uponthesecondcoiningoftheLord.Thesheepshallstandontherightside,andthegoatsupontheleft."Andtheseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment;buttherighteousintolifeeternal."Matt.xxv.31-46;Rom.ii.6--16;2Thess.i.6--10;Rev.xx.11--15.

2.ThosewhoarealiveandremainuntotheconningoftheLordshallnotoutstripthemwhichareasleep."FortheLordhimselfshalldescendfromheavenwithashout,withthevoiceofthearchangel,andwiththetrumpofGod:andthedeadinChristshallrisefirst:thenwewhicharealiveandremainshallbecaughtuptogetherwiththemintheclouds,tomeettheLordintheair:andsoshallweeverbewiththeLord."1Thess.iv.15--17."Weshallnotallsleep,butweshallallbechanged,inamoment,inthe twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,and thedead shall be raised incorruptible, andwe shall be changed." 1Cor.xv.51,52.

3.Theverysamebodiesthatareburiedintheearthshallberaisedandreunitedtotheirsouls--theiridentitypreserved,althoughtheirqualitiesarechanged.ThisisexplicitlydeclaredinScripture:"Ourvilebodyistobechanged."Phil. iii.21."Thiscorruptible is toputonincorruption."1Cor.xv.53,54."A11thatareinthegravesshallhearHisvoice,andshallcome forth." John v. 28. "Theywho are asleep, ...... the dead in Christshall rise." 1Thess. iv. 13 -- 17.OurbodiesarenowmembersofChrist,and they are to be raised in a manner analogous to his resurrection,whichweknowtohavebeenofhisidenticalbodybytheprintofthenailsandof thespear. Itwasseenandhandled for thespaceof fortydays inordertoestablishthisveryfact.Lukexxiv.39;Actsi.3;1Cor.xv.4.

Page 419: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Therearemanychangesinthematerialelementsandformofthehumanbodybetweenbirthanddeath,andyetnoonecan foramomentdoubtthat the body remains one and the same throughout all. There is nodifficultyinbelieving,upontheauthorityofGod'sWord,that,inspiteofthelapseoftimeandofallthechanges,whetherofmatterorofform,itundergoes,thebodyoftheresurrectionwillbeinthesamesenseandtothesamedegreeonewiththebodyofdeathasthebodyofdeath isonewiththebodyofbirth.

4.Thesechangeswilldoubtlessbeverygreat.Thebodyofthebelieveristobemade " likeuntoChrist's gloriousbody."Phil. iii. 21.Thebodyofmannowis"ananimalbody"--unhappilytranslated"anaturalbody"(1Cor.xv.44).Itissuitedtothepresentwantsofman;tohispresentstageof development, intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual; and to thephysical conditions of the world he inhabits. But "flesh and blood" --bone,muscle,andnerve--"cannot inherit thekingdomofGod;neitherdoth corruption inherit incorruption." 1 Cor. xv. 50. But this shall be "changed;"--notanewbodysubstitutedfortheold,buttheoldchangedintothenew.Astheseedgivesbirthtoaneworganism,sothecorruptiblewillgivebirthtotheincorruptible;for"thereisananimalbody,andthereisaspiritualbody."Thespiritualbodywillbestillmaterialandidenticalwith the bodywhichwas once animal: but it will be suited to the newwants of "the spirits of just men made perfect;" to their new stage ofdevelopment, intellectual and spiritual; to their social relations; and tothephysicalconditionsofthe"newheavensandthenewearth,whereindwellethrighteousness."2Pet.iii.12,13.

5.Thebodiesofthereprobateshallberaisedtodishonour."AllthatareinthegravesshallhearHisvoice,andshallcomeforth,......theythathavedoneevil,untotheresurrectionofdamnation."Johnv.28,29.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstsection?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

Page 420: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

3.Whatisthethirdpropositiontheretaught?

4.Whatisthefourth?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.ProvethatScripturetakesthedualityofhumannatureforgranted.

7.Howdotheydefinedeath?

8.Whatbecomesofthebodyafterdeath?

9.WhatdotheScripturesrevealonthesubject?

10.What great change iswrought in the souls of believers immediatelyupontheirdeath?

11. In what state do the souls both of believers and of the reprobatecontinuebetweendeathandtheresurrection?

12.What is taughtusas to theplace towhichbelieversgo immediatelyupondeath?

13. What is taught us as to the place to which the reprobate areintroducedafterdeath?

14. Will the conditions of either of these classes be reversed orinterchanged?

15.Inwhatrespectarethesestatesnotfinal,butintermediate?

16. State the proof given in Scripture that the souls of believers areconscious, active, happy and with Christ, between death and theresurrection.

17.Statetheproofthatthesoulsofthereprobateareconscious,active,intormentandwiththedevilsinhellimmediatelyafterdeath.

18.WhatdotheScripturesteachastotheabsolutelocationoftheplaceof

Page 421: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

suffering?

19.Whatistobeunderstoodbythewords"up"and"down,""under"and"above,"inthisrelation?

20.WhatdotheyteachastothepresentlocationinwhichChristandtheblesseddeadaregathered?

21.Whatdotheyteachastothefuturelocalityofthatsceneofbliss?andstatethepassageswhichrelatetothesubject.

22.WhatdoestheRomishChurchteachastotheLimbusPatrumandtheLimbusInfantum?

23.Whodo they teachgo immediately tohell, andwho immediately toheaven?

24.Whatdotheyteachaboutpurgatory?

25.Statethereasonswhichdisprovetheirdoctrineuponthissubject.

26.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinsections2and3?

27.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

28.Whatisthethirdproposition?

29.Whatisthefourth?

30.Whatisthefifth?

31.ProvefromScripturethattheresurrectionofthejustandoftheunjustwillbesimultaneous.

32. Prove that those found living at the time of the second coming ofChristwillnotdie,butwillbe"changed."

33. Prove from Scripture that the very same body that is placed in theearthshallriseagain.

Page 422: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

34.ProvethatChristrosewiththeverysamebody.

35.Provethatchangesastotheformandastothematerialelementsofthebodydonotimpairitsrealidentity.

36.Whatwillbethenatureoftheresurrectionbody?

37.ProvethatitwillbemadelikeChrist'sglorifiedbody.

38.Whatismeantbytheterms"naturalbody"and"spiritualbody"?

39.Provethatthebodiesofthereprobatewillberaisedtodishonor.

-------

[1]Cat.Rom.,Pt.I.,ch.vi.

[2]CouncilTrent,sess.xxv.

Page 423: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ChapterThirty-threeOftheLastJudgment

SECTIONI.Godhathappointedaday,whereinhewill judgetheworld,inrighteousness,byJesusChrist[1],towhomallpowerandjudgmentisgivenoftheFather.[2]Inwhichday,notonlytheapostateangelsshallbejudged.[3]butlikewiseallpersonsthathaveliveduponearthshallappearbeforethetribunalofChrist,togiveanaccountoftheirthoughts,words,anddeeds;andtoreceiveaccordingtowhattheyhavedoneinthebody,whethergoodorevil.[4]

1.Acts17:312.John5:22,273.Jude1:6;IIPeter2:44.IICor.5:10;Eccl.12:14;Rom.2:16;14:10,12;Matt.12:36-37

SECTION II. The end of God's appointing this day is for themanifestation of the glory of hismercy, in the eternal salvation of theelect; and of his justice, in the damnation of the reprobate, who arewickedanddisobedient.For thenshall therighteousgo intoeverlastinglife,andreceivethatfullnessofjoyandrefreshing,whichshallcomefromthepresenceoftheLord;butthewickedwhoknownotGod,andobeynotthe gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and bepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord,andfromthegloryofhispower.[5]

5.Matt. 25:21, 31-46; Rom. 2:5-6; 9:22-23; Acts 3:19; II Thess. 1:7-10;Mark9:48

THESEsectionsteach--1.ThatGodhasappointedadayofgeneraljudgment.

2.ThathehascommittedthisjudgmentintothehandsoftheGod-maninhischaracterasMediator.

3.That thepersons tobe judged includeapostateangels and thewholehumanrace,goodandbad.

Page 424: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

4.Thatthesepersonsaretobejudgedastoalltheirthoughts,words,anddeeds.

5. That the great end of God in the appointment of this day is themanifestation of his glorious justice in the condemnation of thereprobate,andofhisgloriousgraceintheglorificationofbelievers.

6.ThattherighteousaretobeawardedadmissiontothepresenceoftheLord,whichistobeconsciouslyenjoyedbytheminastateofunendingholiness,happiness,andhonour.

7. That the reprobate are to be awarded a placewith the devil and hisangels, to be endured with conscious torment and shame through aceaselesseternity.

1. It is a dictate of natural reason and conscience that in some way,formally or informally, severally or collectively, God will call all thesubjectsofhismoralgovernmenttoanexactaccountfortheircharacterand actions. It is obvious -- as the author of the seventy-third Psalmdeclares,andasmanyotherperplexedsoulshavethought--thatjusticeisnotexecuteduponmeninthisworld.AllthissuggeststheprobabilitythatGodwill at a future timeadjust thedisturbedbalancesandcall allmen to a strict account. This presumption of reason and conscience isconfirmed and declared to be a fact in the Word of God; and theadditionalinformationisconveyedthatthisjudgmentofmenandangelsshall be general and simultaneous, and shall be conductedon a certainpredetermined day in the future. " The times of this ignorance Godwinkedat;butnowcommandethallmeneverywheretorepent:becausehehathappointedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbythatmanwhomhehathordained;whereofhehathgivenassurancetoallmen,inthathehathraisedhimfromthedead."Actsxvii.30,31;Rom.ii.16;Matt.xxv.31--46.

2. The Judge on this great occasion is to be, not God absolutelyconsidered, but the God-man in his office as mediatorial King. Alljudgment issaid tobe,not inherentlyhis,butcommittedtohimby theFather.Johnv.22,27.AsJudgehe iscalled"theSonofman"and"themanordainedbyGod."Matt.xxv.31,32;Actsxvii.31.Heconductsthe

Page 425: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

judgmentas"theKing,"andasHeadofhismemberswhohavelivedonearth."ForIwasanhungred,andyegavememeat;Iwasthirsty,andyegavemedrink.......AndtheKingshallanswerandsayuntothem,VerilyIsayuntoyou,Inasmuchasyehavedoneituntooneoftheleastof thesemybrethren, yehavedone ituntome."Matt. xxv.35,40.And thus,asmediatorialKing,hewillconsummatehisworkinthedestructionofhisenemies, thecompleteredemptionofhis friends,and"therestitutionofallthings."2Thess.i.7--10;Rev.i.7;Actsiii.21.

3. The subjects of the judgmentwill embrace the entire human race ofevery generation, each individual appearing immediately after hisresurrection, in the completeness of his reintegrated person, both soulandbody.All thegenerationsof thedeadare tobe raisedand the thenliving"changed.""Beforehimshallbegatheredallnations.""Weshallnot all sleep,butwe shall all be changed; ...... the trumpet shall sound,andthedeadshallberaisedincorruptible,andweshallbechanged.""Wemust all appearbefore the judgment-seatofChrist, that everyonemayreceive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,whetheritbegoodorbad.""AndIsawthedead,smallandgreat,standbeforeGod.......Andtheseagaveupthedeadwhichwereinit;anddeathand hell (Hades) delivered up the dead which were in them: and theywerejudged,everymanaccordingtotheirworks."Matt.xxv.31--40;1Cor.xv.51,52;2Cor.v.10;1Thess.iv.16;Rev.xx.11--15.Allevilangelsare also to be arraigned in this judgment. " The angelswhich kept nottheir first estate ...... he hath reserved in everlasting chains underdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreatday."Jude6;2Pet. ii.4.Goodangelswillbeconcernedinitasattendantsandministers.Matt.xiii.41,42;2Thess.i.7,8.

4.Thejudgmentwillnotrestuponappearances,nortestimony,noranypartial knowledge of the facts, nor upon technical grounds of law, norspecific actions dissociated from the state of the heart and themotiveswhich prompted them. The heathen who has sinned without the law "shallbejudgedwithoutthelaw;"that is,withoutthelawsupernaturallyrevealed,butby the lawwrittenupon theheart,whichmadehima lawuntohimself.Lukexii.47,48;Rom.ii.12--15.TheJewwho"sinnedinthelawshallbejudgedbythelaw."Rom.ii.12.Everymanwhohaslived

Page 426: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

underthedispensationofthegospelshallbejudgedbythegospel.Heb.ii.2,3;x.28,29.Weare toldnot to judgeaccording to theappearance(Johnvii.24);andthereforeto"judgenothingbeforethetime,untiltheLordcome,whobothwillbringtolightthehiddenthingsofdarknessandwillmakemanifestthecounselsofthehearts."1Cor.iv.5;Eccles.xii.14."There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, thatshall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darknessshallbeheard in the light;and thatwhichyehavespoken in theear inclosetsshallbeproclaimeduponthehouse-tops."Lukeviii.17;xii.2,3;Markiv.22.This shallbedone tomanifest therighteousnessofGod inthe condemnation of his enemies, and his glorious grace in thesanctificationofhispeople.

Thesaintswillnotbeacquittedinthedayofjudgmentonthegroundoftheirowngooddeeds,butbecausetheirnamesarefound"writteninthebookoflife,"orthebookofGod'selectinglove,andonthegroundoftheirparticipation in the righteousness of Christ. Their good deeds will bepublicly cited as the evidences of their union with Christ. Their unionwith Christ is the ground of their justification. Their faith is theinstrument of their union with Christ; and their faith, as the ApostleJamessays,isshownbytheirworks.Phil.iv.3;Rev.iii.5;xiii.8;xx.12,15.

5. The great end of God in this public unveiling of secrets andmanifestationofcharacterinconnectionwithhisfinaldispositionofhiscreatures,is,ofcourse,themanifestationofhisowngloriousexcellenciesasmoralGovernorandRedeemer.Theredeemedareforever"vesselsofmercy," prepared beforehand, in order that in them might be "madeknown the riches of his glory." And the reprobate in like manner areexhibited as the "vessels of wrath," to show his righteous wrath and "make his power known." Rom. ix. 22, 23. It has already been proved,under chapter iv., section 1, that the chief end of God in the originalcreationwasthemanifestationofhisowngloriousperfections.Ifthiswashis end in the original creation, it of course must be so in everysubsequentstepconsequentuponit.

6. Immediately upon the close of the judgment, the righteous, beinghonourablyacquitted,aretobeawardedadmissiontothepresenceofthe

Page 427: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Lord,withwhom they are ever to continue in a state of conscious andexalted happiness, excellence, and honour, for an absolutely unendingeternity. Of the blessed estate of the saints, the Scriptures teach -- (1.)Their blessedness flows from their perfect freedom from sin, and fromtheirbeingwithGodandChrist,andtheirsharingthegloryofChristasjointheirswithhim.Johnxvii.24;Rom.viii.17;1Thess.iv.17;Rev.xxi.3.(2.)Itshallbeperfectlyfreefromallevilofeverykind(Rev.xxi.4),anditshallinvolveeveryformofblessednessinaninconceivablygreatdegree(1Cor. ii. 9) and exalted in kind (Col. i. 12). (3.) It is to endure for anabsolutelyunendingeternity. It iscalled"eternal life"and"everlastinglife," an " eternal weight of glory," "eternal salvation," an "everlastingkingdom,"an"eternalinheritance."Matt.xix.16,29;xxv.46;Rom.ii.7;2Cor.iv.17;Heb.v.9;2Pet.i.11;1Pet.i.4;Heb.ix.15.

FromsuchpassagesasRom.viii.19--23;2Pet.iii.5--13,andRev.xxi.1,itappearsnotimprobablethatafterthegreatconflagrationoftheEarthand all that inhabits its surface, which the Scriptures reveal shallaccompany the judgment, this world will be reconstituted, and as the"new heaven" and the "new earth" be gloriously adapted to be thepermanentresidenceofChristandhisChurch.

7.Thereprobatewillbeimmediatelydriventotheplacepreparedforthedevil and his angels (Matt. xxv. 41); and are there to continue in theconscious endurance of torment and shame for an absolutely unendingeternity.

The strongest termswhich theGreek language affords are employed inthe New Testament to express the unending duration of the penaltormentsofthelost.Thesamewords(aion,aionios,andaidios)areusedtoexpresstheeternalexistenceofGod(1Tim.i.17;Rom.i.20;xvi.26),of Christ (Rev. i. 18), of theHoly Ghost (Heb. ix. 14), and the endlessdurationofthehappinessofthesaints(Johnvi.58;Matt.xix.29;Matt.xxv.40,etc..etc.),andtheendlessdurationofthesufferingsofthelost.Matt.xxv.46;Jude6.Besides, theircondition isconstantlyset forthbysuchtermsas,the"firethatshallnotbequenched,""fireunquenchable,""thewormthatneverdies,""bottomlesspit,"thenecessityofpaying"theuttermost farthing," "the smoke of their torment ascending up for everandever."Lukeiii.17;Markix.45,46;Rev.ix.1;Matt.v.26;Rev.xiv.10,

Page 428: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

11.Oftheunpardonablesin,Christsaysthat itshallneverbepardoned,"neitherinthisworldnorinthatwhichistocome."Matt.xii.32.

TheentireChristianChurch,GreekandRoman,LutheranandReformed,haveagreedinholdingthistruththatthepenalsufferingsofthelostaretolastforever.Certainindividualsandhereticalsocieties,however,havedenied it, and substituted in its place one or other of the followinghypotheses:--

(1)Thatthe"seconddeath"spokenofinRev.xx.14,towhichthewickedshallbesubjectedaftertheircondemnationinthejudgment,involvesthetotalandabsolutedestructionoftheirbeing--i.e.,annihilation.ButtheScripturesalwaysconsistentlyspeakofthefutureofthelostasastateofconscious suffering enduring for ever. The "worm dieth not" --"everlasting fire"-- "unquenchable fire" --" weeping and gnashing ofteeth"--"thesmokeoftheirtormentascendethupforeverandever,andtheyhavenorestdaynornight."

(2.)Theotherhypothesissupposesthat,soonerorlater,Godwillsecurethe repentance and consequent reformation and restoration of allsinners, even of the devil himself. This is to result either through theatoningandpurifyingefficacyofprotractedthoughtemporarysuffering,or through other moral influences which God will bring to bear upontheminanotherworld.Butremember--(a.)Thatsufferingperse,whileitmayexpiateguilt,hasnotendencytopurifythesoulfrompollutionortoenkindlespirituallife.(b.)TheatonementofChristandthesanctifyingpower of his Spirit are the only appointed means of bringing men torepentance, and indeed the highest possiblemeans to that end. In thecaseof the reprobate thesehavebeen finally rejected, andhence "thereremainethnomoresacrifice forsins,butacertain fearful looking forofjudgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."Heb.x.26,27.(c.)ThereisnottheslightesttraceinScriptureofsuchanultimaterestoration,eitherinthedesignof it,orthemeansof it,ortheresultsof it.On thecontrary,aswehave seen, theScripturespositivelyaffirmtheprecisereversetobetrue.

SECTION III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded thatthereshallbeadayofjudgment,bothtodeterallmenfromsin;andfor

Page 429: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

thegreaterconsolationofthegodlyintheiradversity:[6]sowillhehavethatdayunknowntomen,thattheymayshakeoffallcarnalsecurity,andbe always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lordwillcome;andmaybeeverpreparedtosay,ComeLordJesus,comequickly,Amen.[7]

6.IIPeter3:11,14;IICor.5:10-11;IIThess.1:5-7;Luke21:27-28;Rom.8:22-257.Matt.24:36,42-44;Mark13:35-37;Luke12:35-36;Rev.22:20

Thissectionteaches--1.ThatGodhasmadethefactabsolutelycertainthattherewillbeafuturejudgment, in order that this knowledge may act upon all men as awholesomemotivedeterringthemfromsin;and,atthesametime,thatitmayconsolethegodly in themidstof theiradversity.Withreference tothefirstobject,Paulsays,"Wemustallappearbeforethejudgment-seatof Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body,according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. KnowingthereforetheterroroftheLord,wepersuademen."2Cor.v.10,11.AndPeter says, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, whatmannerofpersonsoughtyetobeinallholyconversationandgodliness,lookingforandhastinguntothecomingofthedayofGod?"2Pet.iii.11,12.Withreferencetothesecondobject,Paulsays,"SeeingitisarighteousthingwithGodtorecompensetribulationtothemthattroubleyou;andto you that are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall berevealedfromheavenwithhismightyangels."2Thess.i.6,7.

2.That,ontheotherhand,Godhas leftus inabsoluteuncertaintywithrespect to the time at which this great event shall occur; in order toprevent carnal security, and to keep his people ever on the alert andconstantly prepared. That the time is intentionally left unknown isexpresslyaffirmedagainandagaininScripture:"Butofthatdayandthathourknowethnoman,no,nottheangelswhichareinheaven,neithertheSon,butthe,Father."Markxiii.32;Matt.xxiv.36."Beyethereforereadyalso;fortheSonofmancomethatanhourwhenyethinknot."Lukexii.40."Itisnotforyoutoknowthetimesortheseasons,whichtheFatherhathputinhisownpower."Actsi.7."ThedayoftheLordcomethasathiefinthenight."1Thess.v.2;2Pet.iii.10."Behold,Icomeasathief.

Page 430: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Blessedishethatwatcheth,andkeepethhisgarments."Rev.xvi.15.Thedesignedeffect of theattitudeofuncertaintywith regard to the timeofthesecondadventandgeneraljudgmentinwhichthesaintsareplacedis,that they should regard it as always immediately impending; that theyshould look forward to it with solemn awe, and yet with joyfulconfidence;andhence,inviewofit,beincitedtotheperformanceofdutyand the attainment of holiness, and. comforted in sorrow. Phil. iii. 20;Col.iii.4,5;Jamesv.7.Itistheirdutyalsotolove,watch,waitfor,andhastenuntothecomingofourLord.Lukexii.35-37;1Cor.i.7,8;1These.i.9,10;2Tim.iv.8;2Pet.iii.12;Rev.xxii.20.

QUESTIONS

1.Whatisthefirstpropositiontaughtinthefirstandsecondsectionsofthischapter?

2.Whatisthesecondpropositiontheretaught?

3.Whatisthethirdpropositiontheretaught?

4.Whatisthefourthproposition?

5.Whatisthefifth?

6.Whatisthesixth?

7.Whatistheseventh?

8. Show that reason and conscience lead us to anticipate a futurejudgmentashighlyprobable.

9.ProvefromScripturethatGodhasappointedacertainfixeddayforthegeneraljudgmentofmenandangels.

10.WhoistobetheJudge,andinwhatcharacter?

11.Provetheaboveanswer.

Page 431: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

12.Whoaretobethesubjectsofthejudgment?

13.Proveyouranswer.

14.Howaregoodangelstobeconcernedinthetransaction?

15.Bywhatlawarementobejudged?

16.Howfaristheinvestigationandjudgmentofthatdaytoextend?—toovertactionsonly,oralsotomotives,feelingsandthoughts?

17.Proveyouranswer.

18.Uponwhatgroundwillthesaintsbeacquitted?

19.Whatisthe"bookoflife?"

20.WhatisGod'sgreatendinhisdealingswiththereprobateandinhisdealingswithhissaints?

21.Proveyouranswer.

22.Wherearetherighteoustogoimmediatelyafterthejudgment?

23.ProvethattheyareevertobewithChrist.

24.Whatistobethecharacteranddegreeoftheirblessedness?

25.Provethatitistoendureforever.

26.WhereisitprobableChristandhispeoplewillbefinallylocated?

27.Provethatimmediatelyafterthejudgmentthereprobatearetogototheplacepreparedforthedevilandhisangels.

28.Provethatthesamewordsareusedtoexpressthecontinuanceoftheconscious sufferings of the lost that are used to express the eternity ofGodandtheeverlastinghappinessofthesaints.

29.Stateotherscripturalproofthattheconditionofthelostistobethat

Page 432: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ofconscioussufferingandshameforanabsolutelyunendingeternity.

30.HowgenerallyhasthisdoctrinebeenheldintheChurch?

31.Statetheopposinghypothesisofannihilation.

32.Disproveit.

33.Statetheopposinghypothesisofrestitution.

34.Disproveit.

35.ForwhatpurposehasGodmadeknown the certain fact of a futurejudgment?

36.IllustratethetruthofyouranswerbypassagesofScripture.

37. Prove from Scripture that the time of the future judgment isintentionallyleftunrevealed.

38.Forwhatpurposearemenleftuncertainonthissubject?

39. How should believers regard that day? how should its constantpendencyaffectthem?andhowshouldtheylookforwardtoit?

Appendix1

TheMeaningof'SystemofDoctrine':OldSchoolvs.NewSchool

In the debates which preceded the reunion of the two branches of theAmericanPresbyterianChurch in 1870,Dr. CharlesHodge representedtheOld School branch in theBiblicalRepertory andPrincetonReview,and Dr. Henry B. Smith represented the New School branch in theAmerican Theological Review. It is a significant fact that, while thediscussion began in the form of attack and defence, it resulted in thediscovery that these truly representative men held precisely identicalopinions as to the historical meaning and constitutional force of the

Page 433: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

formulaofsubscriptiontowhichallministersandeldersmustassentastheconditionoftheirordination.Insupportofthistheymutuallycitethehistory and pledge the faith of their respective denominations pendingthesolemncovenantsimpliedinreunion.

Dr.HodgediscussedthissubjectanddefinedthepositionofhisbranchoftheChurchinarticlesprintedOct,1831,andOct,1858,andJul,1867.Hesays:[1]"Thetwoprincipleswhichbycommonconsentofallhonestmendetermine the interpretationof oaths andprofessionsof faith are, first,the plain, historical meaning of the words; and secondly, the animusimponentis—that is, the intention of the party imposing the oath orrequiringtheprofession.Thewords,therefore,'systemofdoctrinetaughtin theHoly Scriptures,' are to be taken in their plain historical sense.""Again, by the animus imponentis, in the case contemplated, is to beunderstood,not themindor intentionof theordainingPresbytery. It isthe mind or intention of the Church, of which the Presbytery is theorgan."

Thequestion,however,is,Whatisthetruesenseofthephrase"systemofdoctrine"inourordinationservice?orwhatdoestheChurchunderstandthe candidate to professwhenhe says that "he receives and adopts theConfessionofFaithof thisChurchas containing the systemofdoctrinetaughtintheHolyScripture"?Therearethreedifferentanswersgiventothatquestion:

"I. It is said by some that in adopting 'the system of doctrine' thecandidateisunderstoodtoadoptit,notintheformormannerinwhichitis presented in the Confession of Faith, but only for 'substance ofdoctrine'—'that by the systemcontained in theConfession ismeant theessentialdoctrinesofChristianity,andnothingmore.'[2]Theobjectiontothisinterpretationisthat-

"(1)Itisnotthemeaningofthewordsemployed.Thetwodeclarations,'IadoptthesystemofdoctrinecontainedintheConfessionofFaith,'and'Iadopt the system for substance of doctrine,' are not identical. The onecannot,therefore,besubstitutedfortheother...Inadoptingasystemofdoctrinethecandidateadoptsaseriesofdoctrinesinthespecificforminwhich they are presented in that system. The phrase 'for substance of

Page 434: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

doctrine' is ambiguous; the phrase 'system of doctrine' has a definitesense.ThesystemoftheReformedorCalvinisticchurchesisaknownandadmittedschemeofdoctrine,andthatscheme,andnothingmoreorless,weprofesstoadopt.

"(2)ThesecondobjectiontothisviewisthatitiscontrarytothemindoftheChurch.Thatmind,onthispoint,isrenderedclearbeyonddisputebyherrepeatedofficialdeclarationsonthesubject.ThefamousadoptingactoftheoriginalSynod,passedinAD1729,isinthesewords:'AlthoughtheSynoddonotclaimorpretendtoanyauthorityofimposingourfaithonothermen'sconsciences,butdoprofessourjustdissatisfactionwithandabhorrence of such impositions, and do utterly disclaim all legislativepowerandauthorityintheChurch,beingwillingtoreceiveoneanother,asChristhasreceivedus,tothegloryofGod,andadmittofellowshipinsacred ordinances all such aswe have grounds to believe Christwill atlastadmittothekingdomofheaven,—yetweareundoubtedlyobligedtotake care that the faith once delivered to the saints be kept pure anduncorrupt among us, and so handed down to our posterity; and dotherefore agree that all ministers of this Synod shall declare theiragreementinandapprobationoftheConfessionofFaith,withtheLargerand Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly ofDivines inWestminster, asbeing, in all the essentials and necessary articles, good forms of soundwords and systems of Christian doctrine, and do also adopt the saidConfessionandCatechismsastheconfessionofourfaith.AndwedoalsoagreethatallPresbyterieswithinourboundsshallalwaystakecarenottoadmit any candidate of the ministry into the exercise of the sacredfunctions, but what declares his agreement in opinion with all theessentialandnecessaryarticlesofsaidConfession,eitherbysubscribingsaidConfessionandCatechisms,orbyaverbaldeclarationoftheirassentthereto,as suchministeror candidate shall thinkbest.And incaseanyministerofthisSynod,oranycandidatefortheministry,shallhaveanyscruple with respect to any article or articles of said Confession orCatechisms,heshall,at thetimeofmakingsaiddeclaration,declarehissentimentstothePresbyteryorSynod,whoshall,notwithstanding,admithimtotheexerciseoftheministrywithinourbounds,andtoministerialcommunion,iftheSynodorPresbyteryshalljudgehisscrupleormistaketobeonlyaboutarticlesnotessentialornecessaryindoctrine,worship,

Page 435: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

orgovernment.ButiftheSynodorPresbyteryshalljudgesuchministersor candidate erroneous in essential and necessary articles of faith, theSynod or Presbytery shall declare them incapable of communion withthem.AndtheSynoddosolemnlyagreethatnoneofthemwilltraduceoruseanyopprobrioustermsofthosewhodifferfromusinextra-essentialand not necessary points of doctrine, but treat them with the samefriendship, kindness, and brotherly love as if they did not differ insentiment.'

"On the afternoon of the day onwhich the above actwas adopted, thefollowingminutewasrecorded—viz.:

"'All theministersof thisSynodnowpresent, exceptone, thatdeclaredhimselfnotprepared,...afterproposingallthescruplesthatanyofthemhad to make against any articles and expressions in the Confession ofFaithandLargerandShorterCatechismsof theAssemblyofDivinesatWestminster,haveunanimouslyagreedinthesolutionofthosescruples,andindeclaringthesaidConfessionandCatechismstobetheconfessionoftheirfaith,exceptingonlysomeclausesinthetwentieth[WCF20]andtwenty-third[WCF23]chapters,concerningwhichclausestheSynoddounanimouslydeclarethattheydonotreceivethosearticlesinsuchsenseas to suppose that the civil magistrate hath a controlling power overSynodswithrespecttotheexerciseoftheirministerialauthorityorpowerto persecute any for their religion, or in any sense contrary to theProtestantsuccessiontothethroneofGreatBritain.

"'TheSynod,observingthatunanimity,peace,andunitywhichappearedin all their consultations relating to the affair of the Confession, didunanimouslyagreeingivingthankstoGodinsolemnprayerandpraises.'

"Thisimportantdocumentteaches,first,thatinourChurchthetermsofChristian communion are competent knowledge and a credibleprofession of faith and repentance; second, that the condition ofministerial communion is the adoption of the system of doctrinecontainedintheWestminsterConfessionofFaithandCatechisms;third,that the only exceptions allowed to be taken were such as related tomatters outside that systemof doctrine, and the rejection ofwhich leftthatsysteminitsintegrity.

Page 436: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

"InAD1730theSynoddeclared'thattheyunderstandthoseclausesthatrespecttheadmissionofintrantsorcandidatesinsuchsenseastoobligethem to receive and adopt the Confession and Catechisms at theiradmission,inthesamemanner,andasfullyasthemembersoftheSynoddid,whowerethenpresent.'InAD1736theSynodagainsays:'TheSynodhas adopted, and still do adhere to, the Westminster Confession andCatechisms and Directory, without variation or alteration; ... and theyfurther declare that this was our meaning and true intent in our firstadoptingofsaidConfession.'

"When the twoSynods (OldLightandNewLight)were reunited inAD1758,thefirstarticleofthetermsofunionwasasfollows: 'BothSynodshavingalwaysapprovedandreceivedtheWestminsterConfession,LargerandShorterCatechisms,asanorthodoxandexcellentsystemofdoctrine,founded on the Word of God, we do still receive the same as theconfession of our faith, and also adhere to the plan of worship andgovernment and discipline contained in the Westminster Directory,strictlyenjoiningitonallourministersandprobationersfortheministrythattheypreachandteachaccordingtotheformofsoundwords inthesaidConfessionandCatechisms,andavoidandopposeallerrorscontrarythereto.'

"(3) The third argument against this interpretation of the ordinationformula is that the phrase 'substance of doctrine' has no definiteassignablemeaning.

"(4)Thefourthargumentagainstitisthatthissystemhasbeentriedandfoundtoproducethegreatestdisorderandconfusion.

"II.Thesecondinterpretationofthequestionpresentedatordinationisthatthepersonwhoanswersthatquestionintheaffirmativedoestherebyprofess to receive and adopt every proposition contained in thatConfessionasapartofhisownfaith.

"Theobjectionstothisvieware:

"(1)Itiscontrarytotheplainhistoricalmeaningofthewords.

Page 437: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

"(2) It is contrary to the animus imponentis, or mind of the Church."[This alsoDr.Hodge proves by the history of the events attending theoriginaladoptionoftheConfession.]

"(3) This principle is impracticable. It cannot be carried out withoutworkingthecertainandimmediateruinoftheChurch.OurConfessionisa large book; besides the system of doctrine common to all Reformedchurches, it contains deliverances on many other topics relating toChurchandStateandtooursocialrelations.

"(4) The office of the Church is purely ministerial, and should beexercisedcautiouslyandhumbly.Shehasnomorerightundulytoloweror toraiseunduly theevidencewhichshedemandsofavocation to theministrythanshehastoaltertheevidenceofacalltograceandsalvation.

"(5)Thereisanothergreatevilconnectedwiththeseinordinatedemands.ToadopteverypropositioncontainedintheWestminsterConfessionandCatechisms ismore than thevastmajorityofourministerseitherdoorcan do. To make them profess to do it is a great sin. It hurts theirconscience.Itfostersaspiritofevasionandsubterfuge.

"III.Thethird interpretationof the formulaprescribedfor theadoptionof the Confession of Faith is the true via media. The WestminsterConfession contains three distinct classes of doctrines: first, thosecommontoallChristians;second,thosecommontoallProtestants,andbywhichtheyaredistinguishedfromRomanists;thirdly,thosewhicharepeculiar to theReformed churches, bywhich they are distinguished ontheonehandfromLutherans,andontheotherfromtheArminiansandother sects of later historical origin." [All these classes of doctrines weprofesstobelieve,asfarastheyconstitutea"systemofdoctrine"—i.e.weprofess to be Christians; more definitely, to be Protestants; moredefinitelyyet,tobeCalvinists.]

"(1)The first argument in favor of this interpretationof our ordinationservice is that it is inaccordancewith the literalmeaningof thewords;(2) that it corresponds with the known intention of the Church inrequiring the adoption of the Confession" [this Dr. Hodge had alreadyproved to be the fact by historical evidence]; "(3) it is the only

Page 438: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

interpretationconsistentwithagoodconscience,andwiththepeaceandunionoftheChurch."

IntheOctobernumberoftheAmericanTheologicalReview,AD1867,Dr.HenryB.Smithsays:

"NodeclarationoftheNewSchoolasabody,norofthoseconsideredasitsrepresentatives,couldbe,orwas,citedinfavorofsuchaloosephraseas 'substanceofdoctrine,'andbymanyNewSchoolmenitwaspubliclyand definitely denied. We agreed to the 'system-of-doctrine' view, andagreed,also,incondemningthe'every-propositiontheory'asinconsistentwiththeplaintermsoftheadoptingact,andwiththeuniformpracticeofthePresbyterianChurch.Wedisallowthephrase'substanceofdoctrine,'because it is indefinite, easilymisunderstood, anddoesnot suggest theright theory. That right theory is found in a simple and honestinterpretationoftheordinationformula—thatwereceivetheConfessionof Faith as containing the system of doctrine taught in the HolyScriptures.ThisdeclaresthatthesystemoftheConfessionisthesystemtaughtintheBible.ThesystemoftheConfession,aseverybodyknows,istheReformedorCalvinisticsystem,indistinctionfromtheLutheran,orArminian,theAntinomian,thePelagianandtheRomanCatholic.NoonecanhonestlyandfairlysubscribetheConfessionwhodoesnotaccepttheReformedorCalvinisticsystem.Thisistheplainsenseoftheadoptingactof AD 1729. Everybody knows that the 'fair historical' sense of theConfessionisplainlyandresolutelyCalvinistic.

"OnthiscapitalpointofassenttotheConfession,then,weconcludethatthereisnorealdifferencebetweentheOldSchoolandtheNew.Wearebothwillingtoaccept itascontainingtheReformedsystemofdoctrine.We cordially agree—and so, we are convinced, would our whole NewSchoolministryandeldership—tothestatementofthistheoryasgiveninthePrincetonReview.Amonghonestandcandidmen there is reallynodoubtorquestionastowhatsubscriptionimplies."

-------

[1]PrincetonReview,Oct,1858.

Page 439: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

[2]Ibid.,Jul,1867.

Appendix2

TheAuburnDeclarationandTheDeclaratoryAct

"The Auburn Declaration" Adopted by a Representative Body of NewSchoolPresbyteriansinAD1837,and"TheDeclaratoryAct,"AdoptedbytheUnitedPresbyterianSynodofScotland,AD1879.

Theabovementioneddeclaratoryactsare theonly twohistoricalpapersauthoritatively interpreting the sense in which the WestminsterConfession of Faith is accepted by large branches of the PresbyterianChurch.Theirhistoricalandinterpretativevalueisobvious,buttheyareespecially valuable as demonstrating the fidelity with which thePresbyterianchurchesonbothsidesof theoceanadhere to theoriginaltype of Reformed theology, and hence their essential unity in spite oftheirorganicdifferences.

I.TheAuburnDeclaration

"TheAuburnDeclaration,"drawnupbytheRev.BaxterDickinson,D.D.,was issued by an important representative convention of PresbyterianministersadheringtotheNewSchoolbranch,atAuburn,NewYork,Aug,1837. It is, therefore, an authoritative explanation of the interpretationgiven to theWestminster Confession by the leadingminds of the NewSchoolattheeraofitsorganizationasadistinctdenomination.TheOldSchoolGeneralAssembly inAlbany,AD 1868, in resolutions looking toreunion, endorsed the "Auburn Declaration" as containing "all thefundamentalsoftheCalvinisticCreed."

RemissionofSin

1.Godpermitted the introduction of sin, not because hewas unable toprevent it consistentlywith themoral freedomof his creatures, but forwiseandbenevolentreasonshehasnotrevealed.

Election

Page 440: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

2. Election to eternal life is not founded on a foresight of faith andobedience,but isa sovereignactofGod'smercy,whereby,according tothecounselofhisownwill,hehaschosensometosalvation:"Yetsoastherebyneitherisviolenceofferedtothewillofthecreatures,noristheliberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but ratherestablished;" nor does this gracious purpose ever take effectindependentlyoffaithandaholylife.

FallofAdam

3.ByadivineconstitutionAdamwasso theheadandrepresentativeoftheracethat,asaconsequenceofhistransgression,allmankindbecamemorallycorruptandliabletodeath,temporalandeternal.

HereditarySin

4. Adam was created in the image of God, "endued with knowledge,righteousness, and trueholiness." Infants come into theworldnotonlydestituteofthese,butwithanatureinclinedtoevil,andonlyevil.

InfantsInvolvedintheMoralRuin

5.BruteanimalssustainnosuchrelationtothemoralgovernmentofGodasdoes thehuman family. Infants are apart of thehuman family, andtheirsufferinganddeatharetobeaccountedforonthegroundoftheirbeing involved in the general moral ruin of the race induced by theapostasy.

UniversalNeedofRedemption

6.Originalsinisanaturalbiastoevil,resultingfromthefirstapostasy,leading invariablyandcertainly toactual transgression.Andall infants,aswellasadults, inordertobesaved,needredemptionbythebloodofChristandregenerationbytheHolyGhost.

ImputationofSinandRighteousness

7.ThesinofAdamisnotimputedtohisposterityinthesenseofaliteraltransferofpersonalqualities,actsanddemerit,butbyreasonofthesinof

Page 441: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Adam,inhispeculiarrelation,theracearetreatedasiftheyhadsinned.NoristherighteousnessofChristimputedtohispeopleinthesenseofaliteraltransferofpersonalqualities,actsandmerit;butbyreasonofhisrighteousness in his peculiar relation, they are treated as if they wererighteous.

AtonementofChrist

8. The sufferings of Christ are not symbolical, governmental andinstructive only, but were truly vicarious—i.e. a substitute for thepunishmentduetransgressors.AndwhileChristdidnotsuffertheliteralpenaltyofthelaw,involvingremorseofconscienceandthepainsofhell,hedidofferasacrificewhichinfinitewisdomsawtobeafullequivalent.Andbyvirtueofthisatonementoverturesofmercyaresincerelymadetotherace,andsalvationsecuredtoallwhobelieve.

MoralAbility

9.Whilesinnershaveallthefacultiesnecessarytoaperfectmoralagencyandajustaccountability,suchistheirloveofsinandoppositiontoGodand his law that, independently of the renewing influence or almightyenergyof theHolySpirit, theyneverwillcomplywiththecommandsofGod.

IntercessionofChrist

10. The intercession of Christ for the elect is previous as well assubsequenttotheirregeneration,asappearsfromthefollowingScripture—viz.:"Ipraynotfortheworld,butforthemwhichthouhastgivenme,fortheyarethine.NeitherprayIforthesealone,butforthemalsowhichshallbelieveonmethroughtheirword"(John17:9,20).

SavingFaith

11.SavingfaithisanintelligentandcordialassenttothetestimonyofGodconcerning his Son, implying reliance on Christ alone for pardon andeternallife;andinallcasesitisaneffectofthespecialoperationsoftheHolySpirit.

Page 442: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Regeneration

12. Regeneration is a radical change of heart, produced by the specialoperations of theHoly Spirit, "determining the sinner to that which isgood,"andisinallcasesinstantaneous.

SalvationbyGrace

13. While repentance for sin and faith in Christ are indispensable tosalvation,allwhoaresavedareindebtedfromfirsttolasttothegraceandSpirit ofGod.And the reason thatGoddoesnot save all is not thathewants the power to do it, but that in hiswisdomhedoesnot see fit toexertthatpowerfurtherthanheactuallydoes.

LibertyandWill

14. While the liberty of the will is not impaired, nor the establishedconnectionbetwixtmeansandendbroken,byanyactionofGodonthemind,hecaninfluence itaccordingtohispleasure,anddoeseffectuallydetermineittogoodinallcasesoftrueconversion.

Justification

15. All believers are justified, not on the ground of personalmerit, butsolelyonthegroundoftheobedienceanddeath,or,inotherwords,therighteousness,ofChrist.Andwhile that righteousnessdoesnotbecometheirs,inthesenseofaliteraltransferofpersonalqualitiesandmerit,yetfromrespecttoitGodcan,anddoes,treatthemasiftheywererighteous.

FreedominFaithandUnbelief.

16.While such as reject the gospel ofChrist do it, not by coercion, butfreely,andallwhoembraceitdoit,notbycoercion,butfreely,thereasonwhysomedifferfromothersisthatGodhasmadethemtodiffer.

II.TheDeclaratoryAct.

The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland was formed in 1847 by aunion of the United Associate Synod of the Secession Churchwith the

Page 443: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Synod of the Relief Church. In the doctrinal basis of this union it wasdeclared "that theWestminsterConfessionofFaith and theLarger andShorter Catechisms are the Confession and Catechisms of this Church,and contain the authorized exhibition of the sense in which weunderstandtheHolyScriptures."

InordertoexplaintheabovebasisthefollowingDeclaratoryActastothesense in which the Confession is to be understood was passed by theSynodinMay,1879:

"Whereas, The formula in which the Subordinate[1] Standards of thisChurchareacceptedrequiresassenttothemasanexhibitionofthesenseinwhichtheScripturesareunderstood;Whereas,TheseStandards,beingof human composition, are necessarily imperfect, and the Church hasalready allowed exception to be taken to their teaching or supposedteaching on one important subject;[2] And Whereas, There are othersubjectsinregardtowhichithasbeenfounddesirabletosetforthmorefully and clearly the viewwhich the Synod takes of theHoly Scripture;Therefore,theSynodherebydeclaresasfollows:

"1. That in regard to the doctrine of redemption as taught in theStandards,andinconsistencytherewith,theloveofGodtoallmankind,hisgiftofhisSontobethepropitiationforthesinsofthewholeworld,andthefreeofferofsalvationtomenwithoutdistinctiononthegroundofChrist'sperfectsacrifice,arematterswhichhavebeenandcontinuetoberegarded by this Church as vital to the system of gospel truth, and towhichdueprominenceoughtevertobegiven.

"2.Thatthedoctrineofdivinedecrees,includingthedoctrineofelectiontoeternallife,isheldinconnectionandharmonywiththetruththatGodis not willing that any should perish, but that all should come torepentance,thathehasprovidedasalvationsufficientforall,adaptedtoall and offered to all in the gospel; and also with the responsibility ofeverymanforhisdealingwiththe freeandunrestrictedofferofeternallife.

"3.Thatthedoctrineofman'stotaldepravity,andofhislossofallabilityof will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation, is not held as

Page 444: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

implying such a condition of man's nature as would affect hisresponsibilityunder the lawofGodand thegospelofChrist,or thathedoesnotexperiencethestrivingandrestraining.

influencesoftheSpiritofGod,orthathecannotperformactionsinanysensegood;althoughactionswhichdonotspringfromarenewedheartarenotspirituallygoodorholy—suchasaccompanysalvation.

"4.ThatwhilenonearesavedexceptthroughthemediationofChrist,andbythegraceofhisHolySpirit,whoworkethwhenandwhereandhowitpleasethhim;while thedutyof sending thegospel to theheathen,whoaresunkinignorance,sin,andmisery,isclearandimperative;andwhiletheoutwardandordinarymeansofsalvation for thosecapableofbeingoutwardly called by the word are the ordinances of the gospel, inacceptingtheStandards,itisnotrequiredtobeheldthatanywhodieininfancy are lost, or that Godmay not extend his grace to anywho arewithoutthepaleoftheordinarymeans,asitmayseemgoodinhissight.

"5.Thatinregardtothedoctrineofthecivilmagistrate,andhisauthorityand duty in the sphere of religion, as taught in the Standards,[3] thisChurchholdsthattheLordJesusChrististheonlyKingandHeadoftheChurch, and 'Head over all things to the Church, which is his body,'disapproves all compulsory or persecuting and intolerant principles inreligion;anddeclares,ashitherto,thatshedoesnotrequireapprovalofanything in her Standards that teaches, or may be supposed to teach,suchprinciples.

"6.ThatChristhaslaiditasapermanentanduniversalobligationuponhis Church at once tomaintain her own ordinances and to 'preach thegospel to every creature;' and has ordained that his people provide bytheirfreewillofferingsforthefulfillmentofthisobligation.

"7.That,inaccordancewiththepracticehithertoobservedinthisChurch,libertyofopinionisallowedonsuchpointsintheStandards,notenteringintothesubstanceofthefaith,astheinterpretationofthe'sixdays'intheMosaicaccountofcreation:theChurchguardingagainsttheabuseofthislibertytotheinjuryofitsunityandpeace."

Page 445: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

-----------

[1] "Subordinate"—i.e. to theHoly Scriptures,which are, of course, theabsolutestandards.

[2] That is, as to the authority of the civil magistrate in the sphere ofreligion.

[3]Thisrefers toparagraphsof theWestminsterConfessionWCF20.4;WCF 23.3; WCF 31.2, which were entirely altered by the AmericanConfessionbeforeitwasadoptedbytheSynod.Seeabove,Introduction,page41.

Appendix3

WHATISPRESBYTERIANISM?byCharlesHodge

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BRETHREN:—We are assembled this evening as a PresbyterianHistorical Society. It has occurred to me that it would not beinappropriatetodiscussthequestion,WhatisPresbyterianism?Youwillnot expect from me an oration. My object is neither conviction norpersuasion;butexposition.Iproposetooccupythehourdevotedtothisaddress inanattempt tounfold theprinciplesof thatsystemofChurchpolitywhichwe, as Presbyterians, hold to be laid down in theword ofGod.

SettingasideErastianism,whichteachesthattheChurchisonlyoneformof the State; and Quakerism, which does not provide for the externalorganizationoftheChurch,thereareonlyfourradicallydifferenttheoriesonthesubjectofChurchPolity.

1. The Popish theory, which assumes that Christ, the Apostles andbelievers,constitutedtheChurchwhileourSaviourwasonearth,andthisorganization was designed to be perpetual. After the ascension of ourLord,PeterbecamehisVicar,andtookhisplaceasthevisibleheadoftheChurch.This primacy of Peter, as theuniversalBishop, is continued in

Page 446: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

hissuccessors, theBishopsofRome;andtheapostleship isperpetuatedintheorderofPrelates.As inthePrimitiveChurch,noonecouldbeanapostlewhowasnotsubjecttoChrist,sonownoonecanbeaPrelatewhoisnotsubjecttothePope.AndasthennoonecouldbeaChristianwhowas not subject to Christ and the apostles, so now no one can be aChristian who is not subject to the Pope and the Prelates. This is theRomish theory of the Church. A Vicar of Christ, a perpetual College ofapostles,andthepeoplesubjecttotheirinfalliblecontrol.

2.ThePrelaticaltheoryassumestheperpetuityoftheapostleshipasthegoverning power in the Church, which therefore consists of those whoprofess the true religion, andare subject to apostle-bishops.This is theAnglicanorHigh-Churchformofthistheory.InitsLow-Churchform,thePrelatical theory simply teaches that there was originally a three-foldorderintheministry,andthatthereshouldbenow.Butitdoesnotaffirmthatmodeoforganizationtobeessential.

3. The Independent or Congregational theory includes two principles;first, that the governing and executive power in the Church is in thebrotherhood;andsecondly, that theChurchorganization iscomplete ineachworshippingassembly,whichisindependentofeveryother.

4.ThefourththeoryisthePresbyterian,whichitisourpresentbusinesstoattempttounfold.ThethreegreatnegationsofPresbyterianism—thatis, the three great errors which it denies are—1. That all church powervestsintheclergy.2.Thattheapostolicofficeisperpetual.3.Thateachindividual Christian congregation is independent. The affirmativestatement of these principles is—1. That the people have a right to asubstantive part in the government of the Church. 2. That presbyters,whoministerinwordanddoctrine,arethehighestpermanentofficersoftheChurch, and all belong to the sameorder. 3. That the outward andvisibleChurch is, or should be, one, in the sense that a smaller part issubjecttoalarger,andalargertothewhole.ItisnotholdingoneoftheseprinciplesthatmakesamanaPresbyterian,buthisholdingthemall.

I. The first of these principles relates to the power and rights of thepeople.AstothenatureofChurchpower,itistoberememberedthattheChurchisatheocracy.JesusChristisitshead.Allpowerisderivedfrom

Page 447: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

him.Hiswordisourwrittenconstitution.AllChurchpoweris,therefore,properlyministerialandadministrative.Everything is tobedone in thename of Christ, and in accordance with his directions. The Church,however, is a self-governing society, distinct from the State, having itsofficers and laws, and, therefore, an administrative government of itsown.ThepoweroftheChurchrelates,1.Tomattersofdoctrine.Shehadtherighttosetforthapublicdeclarationofthetruthswhichshebelieves,andwhicharetobeacknowledgedbyallwhoenterhercommunion.Thatis, she has the right to frame creeds or confessions of faith, as hertestimony for the truth, and her protest against error. And as she hasbeen commissioned to teach all nations, she has the right of selectingteachers, of judging their fitness, of ordaining and sending them forthintothefield,andofrecallinganddeposingthemwhenunfaithful.2.TheChurchhaspowertosetdownrulesfortheorderingofpublicworship.3.She has power to make rules for her own government; such as everyChurchhasinitsBookofDiscipline,Constitution,orCanons,&c.4.Shehaspower to receive into fellowship,and toexclude theunworthy fromherowncommunion.

Now,thequestionis,Wheredoesthispowervest?Doesit,asRomanistsandPrelatistsaffirm,belongexclusivelytotheclergy?HavetheytherighttodeterminefortheChurchwhatsheistobelieve,whatsheistoprofess,whatsheistodo,andwhomsheistoreceiveasmembers,andwhomsheis to reject?Ordoes thispowervest in theChurch itself—that is, in thewholebodyofthefaithful?This,itwillbeperceived,isaradicalquestion—onewhichtouchestheessenceofthings,anddeterminesthedestinyofmen. If all Church power vests in the clergy, then the people arepracticallyboundtopassiveobedienceinallmattersoffaithandpractice;for all right of private judgment is thendenied. If it vests in thewholeChurch,thenthepeoplehavearighttoasubstantivepartinthedecisionofallquestions relating todoctrine,worship,order,anddiscipline.Thepublicassertionofthisrightofthepeople,atthetimeoftheReformation,roused all Europe. It was an apocalyptic trumpet, i.e. a trumpet ofrevelation, tuba per sepulchra sonans, calling dead souls to life;awakening them to the consciousness of power and of right; of powerconveying right, and imposing the obligation to assert and exercise it.Thiswas the endofChurch tyranny in all trulyProtestant countries. It

Page 448: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

was the end of the theory that the people were bound to passivesubmission in matters of faith and practice. It was deliverance to thecaptive,theopeningoftheprisontothosewhowerebound;theintroductionofthepeopleofGod into the liberty wherewith Christ hasmade them free. This is thereason why civil liberty follows religious liberty. The theory that allChurchpowervestsinadivinelyconstitutedhierarchy,begetsthetheorythat all civil power vests, of divine right, in kings and nobles. And thetheory that Church power vests in the Church itself, and all Churchofficers are servants of the Church, of necessity begets the theory thatcivilpowervestsinthepeople,andthatcivilmagistratesareservantsofthepeople.ThesetheoriesGodhasjoinedtogether,andnomancanputthemasunder.Itwas,therefore,byaninfallibleinstinct,theunfortunateCharlesofEnglandsaid,"Nobishop,noking;"bywhichhemeantthatifthereisnodespoticpowerintheChurch,therecanbenodespoticpowerintheState;or, if therebe liberty intheChurch,therewillbe liberty intheState.

But this great Protestant and Presbyterian principle is not only aprincipleofliberty,itisalsoaprincipleoforder.1st.Becausethispowerof the people is subject to the infallible authority of theword; and 2d.Because the exercise of it is in the hands of duly constituted officers.Presbyterianismdoesnotdissolvethebandsofauthority,andresolvetheChurchintoamob.Thoughdeliveredfromtheautocraticauthorityofthehierarchy, it remains under the law to Christ. It is restricted in theexerciseofitspowerbythewordofGod,whichbendsthereason,heart,andconscience.Weonlyceasetobetheservantsofmen,thatwemaybethe servants ofGod.We are raised into a higher sphere,where perfectlibertyismergedinabsolutesubjection.AstheChurchistheaggregateofbelievers, there is an intimate analogy between the experience of theindividualbeliever,andoftheChurchasawhole.Thebelieverceasestobetheservantofsin, thathemaybetheservantofrighteousness;he isredeemed from the law, that he may be the servant of Christ. So theChurch is delivered froman illegitimate authority, not that shemaybelawless,butsubjecttoanauthoritylegitimateanddivine.TheReformers,therefore,as instruments in thehandsofGod, indelivering theChurchfrom bondage to prelates, did not make it a tumultuous multitude, in

Page 449: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

whicheverymanwasalawtohimself,freetobelieve,andfreetodowhathe pleased. The Church, in all the exercise of her power, in referenceeither to doctrine or discipline, acts under the written law of God, asrecordedinhisword.

But besides this, the power of the Church is not only thus limited andguided by the Scriptures, but the exercise of it is in the hands oflegitimateofficers.TheChurchisnotavastdemocracy,whereeverythingisdecidedbythepopularvoice."Godisnottheauthorofconfusion,butofpeace,(i.e.oforder)asinallchurchesofthesaints."TheWestminsterConfession, therefore, expressing the common sentiment ofPresbyterians, says—"The Lord Jesus Christ, as King and Head of hisChurch, hath therein appointed a government in the hands of Churchofficers, distinct from the civil magistrate." The doctrine that all civilpowervestsultimatelyinthepeople,isnotinconsistentwiththedoctrinethatthatpowerisinthehandsoflegitimateofficers,legislative,judicial,and executive, to be exercised by them according to law. Nor is itinconsistentwiththedoctrinethattheauthorityofthecivilmagistrateisjuredivino.SothedoctrinethatChurchpowervestsintheChurchitself,is not inconsistent with the doctrine that there is a divinely appointedclass of officers, through whom that power is to be exercised. It thusappears that the principle of liberty and the principle of order areperfectlyharmonious.IndenyingthatallChurchpowervestsexclusivelyintheclergy,whomthepeoplehavenothingtodobuttobelieveandtoobey,and inaffirming that it vests in theChurch itself,whileweassertthe great principle of Christian liberty,we assert the no less importantprincipleofevangelicalorder.

It is not necessary to occupy your time in quoting either from theReformed Confessions or from standard Presbyterian writers, that theprinciplejuststatedisoneoftheradicalprinciplesofoursystem.It is enough to advert to the recognition of it involved in the office ofrulingelder.

Rulingeldersaredeclared tobe the representativesof thepeople.TheyarechosenbythemtoactintheirnameinthegovernmentoftheChurch.The functions of these elders, therefore, determine the power of thepeople; forarepresentative isonechosenbyotherstodo intheirname

Page 450: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

whattheyareentitledtodointheirownpersons;orrathertoexercisethepowerswhichradicallyinhereinthoseforwhomtheyact.ThemembersofaStateLegislature,orofCongress,forexample,canexerciseonlythosepowerswhichareinherentinthepeople.

Thepowers, therefore,exercisedbyourrulingelders,arepowerswhichbelong to the laymembersof theChurch.What thenare thepowersofour ruling elders? 1. As to matters of doctrine and the great office ofteaching, theyhaveanequalvoicewith theclergy in the formationandadoptionof all symbolsof faith.According toPresbyterianism, it is notcompetentfortheclergytoframeandauthoritativelysetforthacreedtobe embraced by the Church, and to be made a condition of eitherministerialorChristiancommunion,without theconsentof thepeople.SuchcreedsprofesstoexpressthemindoftheChurch.ButtheministryarenottheChurch,and,therefore,cannotdeclarethefaithoftheChurch,without the cooperation of the Church itself. Such Confessions, at thetimeof theReformation,proceededfromthewholeChurch.Andall theConfessions now in authority in the different branches of the greatPresbyterian family, were adopted by the people through theirrepresentatives,astheexpressionoftheirfaith.So,too,intheselectionofpreachersoftheword,injudgingoftheirfitnessforthesacredoffice,indecidingwhethertheyshallbeordained,injudgingthemwhenarraignedforheresy,thepeoplehave,infact,anequalvotewiththeclergy.[1]

2.The same thing is true as to the jus liturgicum, as it is called, of theChurch. Theministry cannot frame a ritual, or liturgy, or directory forpublicworship,andenjoinitsuseonthepeopletowhomtheypreach.Allsuch regulations are of force only so far as the people themselves, inconjunctionwiththeirministers,seefittosanctionandadoptthem.

3.Sotoo,informingaconstitution,orinenactingrulesofprocedure,ormaking canons, the people do notmerely passively assent, but activelycooperate. They have, in all these matters, the same authority as theclergy.

4.And finally, in the exercise of the power of the keys, in opening andshuttingthedoorofthecommunionwiththeChurch,thepeoplehaveadecisivevoice.Inallcasesofdiscipline,they

Page 451: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

arecalledupontojudgeandtodecide.

There can, therefore, be no doubt that Presbyterians do carry out theprinciple that Church power vests in the Church itself, and that thepeoplehavearighttoasubstantivepartinitsdisciplineandgovernment.Inotherwords,wedonotholdthatallpowervestsintheclergy,andthatthepeoplehaveonlytolistenandobey.

But is this a scriptural principle? Is it a matter of concession andcourtesy,orisitamatterofdivineright?Isourofficeofrulingelderonlyoneofexpediency,orisitanessentialelementofoursystem,arisingoutoftheverynatureoftheChurchasconstitutedbyGod,and,therefore,ofdivineauthority?

This,inthelastresort,is,afterall,onlythequestion,WhethertheclergyaretheChurch,orwhetherthepeoplearetheChurch.If,asLouistheXIVsaidofFrance,"IamtheState,"theclergycansay,"WearetheChurch,"then all Church power vests in them, as all civil power vested in theFrench monarch. But if the people are the State, civil power vests inthem;andifthepeoplearetheChurch,powervestsinthepeople.Iftheclergy are priests and mediators, the channel of all divinecommunications,andtheonlymediumofaccesstoGod,thenallpowerisin theirhands;but if all believers arepriests andkings, then theyhavesomethingmore todo thanmerelypassively to submit.Soabhorrent isthis idea of the clergy being the Church to the consciousness ofChristians,thatnodefinitionoftheChurchforthefirstfifteencenturiesafterChrist,waseverframedthatevenmentionedtheclergy.ThisissaidtohavebeenfirstdonebyCanisiusandBellarmine.[2]RomanistsdefinetheChurchtobe"thosewhoprofessthetruereligion,andaresubjecttothePope."Anglicansdefineitas"thosewhoprofessthetruereligion,andaresubject toPrelates."TheWestminsterConfessiondefines thevisibleChurch, "Those who profess the true religion, together with theirchildren."IneveryProtestantsymbol,LutheranorReformed,theChurchis said to be the company of faithful men. Now, as a definition is thestatementoftheessentialattributesorcharacteristicsofasubject;andas,by the common consent of Protestants, the definition of the Church iscomplete without even mentioning the clergy, it is evidently therenunciationoftheradicalprinciplesofProtestantism,and,ofcourse,of

Page 452: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Presbyterianism, tomaintain that all Church power vests in the clergy.Thefirstargument,therefore, insupportofthedoctrinethatthepeoplehave a right to a substantive part in the government of the Church isderived from the fact that they, according to the Scriptures and allProtestantConfessions,constitutetheChurch.

2.Asecondargumentisthis.AllChurchpowerarisesfromtheindwellingof the Spirit; therefore those inwhom the Spirit dwells are the seat ofChurchpower.But theSpiritdwells in thewholeChurch,andthereforethewholeChurchistheseatofChurchpower.

Thefirstmemberofthissyllogismisnotdisputed.ThegroundonwhichRomanistsholdthatChurchpowervestsinthebishops,totheexclusionofthepeople,isthattheyholdthattheSpiritwaspromisedandgiventothebishopsasaclass.WhenChristbreathedonhisdisciples, andsaid,"ReceiveyetheHolyGhost;whosesoeversinsyeremit,theyareremitteduntothem;andwhosesoeversinsyeretain,theyareretained;"andwhenhesaid,"Whatsoeveryeshallbindonearthshallbeboundinheaven;andwhatsoeveryeshalllooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven;andwhenhefurther said, "He that heareth you heareth me; and lo, I am with youalway, even to the end of the world;" they hold that he gave the HolyGhost to the apostles and to their successors in the apostleship, tocontinueuntotheendoftheworld,toguidethemintotheknowledgeofthetruth,andtoconstitutethemtheauthoritativeteachersandrulersoftheChurch.Ifthisistrue,then,ofcourse,allChurchpowervestsintheseapostle-bishops.Butontheotherhand,ifitistruethattheSpiritdwellsinthewholeChurch;ifheguidesthepeopleaswellastheclergyintotheknowledgeofthetruth;ifheanimatesthewholebody,andmakesittherepresentativeofChristonearthsothattheywhoheartheChurchhearChrist,andso thatwhat theChurchbindsonearth isbound inheaven,then, of course, Church power vests in the Church itself, and notexclusivelyintheclergy.[3]

If therebe anythingplain from thewhole tenorof theNewTestament,andfrominnumerableexplicitdeclarationsofthewordofGod,itisthattheSpiritdwellsinthewholebodyofChrist;thatheguidesallhispeopleintotheknowledgeofthetruth;thateverybelieveristaughtofGod,andhas thewitness inhimself,andhasnoneed thatanyshould teachhim,

Page 453: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

but the anointing which abideth in him teacheth him all things. It is,therefore, the teachingof theChurch, andnotof the clergy exclusively,whichisministeriallytheteachingoftheSpirit,andthejudgmentoftheSpirit.Itisathoroughlyanti-christiandoctrinethattheSpiritofGod,andtherefore the life and governing power of the Church, resides in theministry,totheexclusionofthepeople.

WhenthegreatpromiseoftheSpiritwasfulfilledonthedayofPentecost,itwas fulfillednot inreference to theapostlesonly. Itwasof thewholeassemblyitwassaid,"TheywereallfilledwiththeHolyGhost,andbegantospeakwithothertongues,astheSpiritgavethemutterance."Paul, inwritingtotheRomans,says,"Webeingmany,areonebodyinChrist,andeveryonemembersoneofanother.Having,therefore, gifts differing according to the grace given unto us, whetherprophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; orministry,letuswaitonourministering;orhethatteacheth,onteaching."TotheCorinthianshesays:"ToeveryoneisgivenamanifestationoftheSpirittoprofitwithal.TooneisgivenbytheSpiritthewordofwisdom,toanotherthewordofknowledgebythesameSpirit."TotheEphesianshesays:"ThereisonebodyandoneSpirit;butuntoeveryoneisgivengraceaccording to the measure of the gift of Christ." This is the uniformrepresentation of Scripture. The Spirit dwells in the whole Church,animates,guides,andinstructsthewhole.If, therefore, itbetrue,asalladmit, that Church power goes with the Spirit, and arises out of hispresence,itcannotbelongexclusivelytotheclergy.

3. The third argument on this subject is derived from the commissiongivenbyChrist tohisChurch, "Goye intoall theworldandpreach thegospeltoeverycreature;andlo,Iamwithyoualways,eventotheendoftheworld."This commission imposes a certain duty; it conveys certainpowers; and it includes a great promise. The duty is to spread and tomaintain the gospel in its purity over thewhole earth. The powers arethose required for the accomplishment of that object, i.e. the power toteach,torule,andtoexercisediscipline.Andthepromiseistheassuranceof Christ's perpetual presence and assistance. As neither the duty toextend and sustain the gospel in its purity, nor the promise of Christ'spresenceispeculiartotheapostlesasaclass,ortotheclergyasabody,

Page 454: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

butasboththedutyandthepromisebelongtothewholeChurch,soalsoofnecessitydothepowersofthepossessionofwhichtheobligationrests.The command, "Go teach all nations," "go preach the gospel to everycreature,"fallsontheearofthewholeChurch.Itwakensathrillineveryheart.EveryChristianfeelsthatthecommandisaddressedtoabodyofwhichheisamember,andthathehasapersonalobligationtodischarge.Itwasnot theministry alone towhom this commissionwasgiven, andthereforeitisnottothemalonethatthepowerswhichitconveysbelong.

4.TherightofthepeopletoasubstantivepartinthegovernmentoftheChurch is recognized and sanctioned by the apostles in almost everyconceivableway.Whentheythoughtitnecessarytocompletethecollegeof apostles, after the apostasy of Judas, Peter, addressing thedisciples,thenumber being anhundred and twenty, said, "Men andbrethren, ofthesemenwhich have companiedwith us, all the time the Lord Jesuswentinandoutamongus,beginningfromthebaptismofJohnuntothatsamedayhewastakenupfromus,mustonebeordainedtobeawitnesswith us of his resurrection." And they appointed two, Joseph calledBarsabas,whowassurnamedJustus,andMatthias.Andtheyprayedandcast lots, and the lot fell onMatthias, and he was numbered with theapostles."Thus in thismost important initiatory step, thepeoplehad adecisive voice. So, when deacons were to be appointed, the wholemultitudechosethesevenmenwhoweretobe investedwiththeoffice.WhenthequestionaroseastothecontinuedobligationoftheMosaiclaw,theauthoritativedecisionproceededfromthewholeChurch."Itpleased,"says the sacred historian, "the apostles and elders, with the wholeChurch,tosendchosenmenoftheirowncompanytoAntioch."Andtheywrote letters by them after this manner: "The apostles, elders, andbrethren, (oi` avpo,stoloi kai. oi` presbu,teroi kai. oi` avdeljoi,) sendgreeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, andSyria, and Cilicia." The brethren, therefore, were associated with theministry in the decision of this great doctrinal and practical question.Mostoftheapostolicepistlesareaddressedtochurches,i.e.thesaintsorbelievers,ofCorinth,Ephesus,Galatia,andPhilippi.Intheseepistles,thepeopleareassumedtoberesponsiblefortheorthodoxyoftheir teachersandforthepurityofchurchmembers.

Page 455: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Theyarerequirednottobelieveeveryspirit,buttotrythespirits;tositinjudgmentonthequestionwhetherthosewhocametothemasreligiousteacherswerereallysentofGod.TheGalatiansareseverelycensuredforgiving heed to false doctrines, and are called to pronounce even anapostle anathema, if he preached another gospel. The Corinthians arecensured for allowing an incestuous person to remain in theircommunion; they are commanded to excommunicate him, andafterwards, onhis repentance, to restorehim to their fellowship.Theseandothercasesofthekinddeterminenothingastothewayinwhichthepowerofthepeoplewasexercised;buttheyproveconclusivelythatsuchpowerexisted.The command towatch over the orthodoxy ofministersandthepurityofmembers,wasnotaddressedexclusively to theclergy,but to thewhole Church.We believe that, as in the Synogogue, and inevery well ordered society, the powers inherent in the society areexercisedthroughappropriateorgans.Butthefactthatthesecommandsare addressed to the people, or to the whole Church, proves that theywereresponsible,andthattheyhadasubstantivepartinthegovernmentof the Church. It would be absurd in other nations to address anycomplaints or exhortations to the people of Russia in reference tonationalaffairs,becausetheyhavenopartinthegovernment.ItwouldbenolessabsurdtoaddressRomanCatholicsasaself-governingbody.ButsuchaddressesmaywellbemadebythepeopleofoneofourStatestothepeople of another, because the people have the power, though it isexercisedthroughlegitimateorgans.While,therefore,theepistlesoftheapostles do not prove that the churcheswhom they addressed had notregular officers through whom the power of the Church was to beexercised, they abundantlyprove that suchpower vested in thepeople;thattheyhadarightandwereboundtotakepartinthegovernmentoftheChurch,andinthepreservationofitspurity.

It was only gradually, through a course of ages, that the power thuspertainingtothepeoplewasabsorbedbytheclergy.Theprogressofthisabsorptionkeptpacewiththecorruptionof theChurch,until theentiredomination of the hierarchy was finally established. The first greatprinciple, then, of Presbyterianism is the re-assertion of the primitivedoctrinethatChurchpowerbelongstothewholeChurch;thatthatpower

Page 456: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

is exercised through legitimate officers, and therefore that the office ofruling elders as the representatives of the people, is not a matter ofexpediency, but an essential element of our system, arising out of thenatureoftheChurch,andrestingontheauthorityofChrist.

II.ThesecondgreatprincipleofPresbyterianismis,thatpresbyterswhominister inwordanddoctrineare thehighestpermanentofficersof theChurch.

1.Ourfirstremarkonthissubjectisthattheministryisanoffice,andnotmerely a work. An office is a station to which the incumbent must beappointed, which implies certain prerogatives, which it is the duty ofthoseconcernedtorecognizeandsubmitto.Awork,ontheotherhand,issomethingwhichanymanwhohastheabilitymayundertake.Thisisanobviousdistinction.It isnoteverymanwhohas thequalifications foraGovernor of a State, who has the right to act as such. He must beregularly appointed to the post. So it is not every one who has thequalificationsfortheworkoftheministry,whocanassumetheofficeoftheministry.Hemustberegularlyappointed.Thisisplain;(a)FromthetitlesgiventoministersintheScriptures,whichimplyofficialstation.(b)From their qualifications being specified in the word of God, and themode of judging of those qualifications being prescribed. (c) From theexpress command to appoint to the office only such as, on dueexamination, are found competent. (d) From the record of suchappointmentinthewordofGod.(e)Fromtheofficialauthorityascribedto themin theScriptures,andthecommandthatsuchauthorityshouldbe duly recognized. We need not further argue this point, as it is notdenied,exceptby theQuakers,anda fewsuchwritersasNeander,whoignore all distinction between the clergy and laity, except what arisesfromdiversityofgifts.

2.Our second remark is, that the office is of divine appointment, notmerelyinthesenseinwhichthecivilpowersareordainedofGod,butinthesensethatministersderivetheirauthorityfromChrist,andnotfromthepeople.ChristhasnotonlyordainedthatthereshallbesuchofficersinhisChurch—hehasnotonlyspecified theirdutiesandprerogatives—but he gives the requisite qualifications, and calls those thus qualified,and by that call gives them their official authority. The function of the

Page 457: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Churchinthepremises,isnottoconfertheoffice,buttositinjudgmentonthequestion,whether thecandidate iscalledofGod;and if satisfiedonthatpoint, toexpress its judgment inthepublicandsolemnmannerprescribedinScripture.

That ministers do thus derive their authority from Christ, follows notmerely from the theocratical character of the Church, and the relationwhich Christ, its king, sustains to it, as the source of all authority andpower,but,(a)Fromthefactthatitisexpresslyasserted,thatChristgavesome apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors andteachers,fortheedifyingofthesaints,andfortheworkoftheministry.He,andnotthepeople,constitutedorappointedtheapostles,prophets,pastors,andteachers.(b)Ministersare,therefore,calledtheservants,themessengers,theambassadorsofChrist.TheyspeakinChrist'sname,andby his authority. They are sent by Christ to the Church, to reprove,rebuke,andexhortwithalllong-sufferinganddoctrine.TheyareindeedtheservantsoftheChurch,aslabouringinherservice,andassubjecttoher authority—servants as opposed to lords—but not in the sense ofderivingtheircommissionandpowersfromtheChurch.(c)PaulexhortsthepresbytersofEphesus,"Totakeheedtoall the flockoverwhichtheHolyGhosthadmadethemoverseers."ToArchippushesays,"Takeheedto theministry which thou hast received in the Lord." It was then theHolyGhost that appointed thesepresbyters, andmade themoverseers.(d)This is involved in thewholedoctrine of theChurch as the body ofChrist,inwhichhedwellsbyhisSpirit,givingtoeachmemberhisgifts,qualifications,andfunctions,dividingtoeveryoneseverallyashewills;andbythesegiftsmakingoneanapostle,anotheraprophet,andanothera teacher, another a worker of miracles. It is thus that the apostlereconciles the doctrine thatministers derive their authority and powerfrom Christ, and not from the people, with the doctrine that ChurchpowersvestultimatelyintheChurchasawhole.Hereferstothe analogy between the human body and the Church as the body ofChrist.Asinthehumanbody,thesoulresidesnotinanyoneparttotheexclusionoftherest;andaslifeandpowerbelongtoitasawhole,thoughonepartisaneye,anotheranear,andanotherahand;soChrist,byhisSpirit,dwellsintheChurch,andallpowerbelongstotheChurch,thoughtheindwellingSpiritgivestoeachmemberhisfunctionandoffice.Sothat

Page 458: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

ministers are no more appointed by the Church, than the eye by thehands and feet. This is the representation which pervades the NewTestament,andnecessarilysupposesthattheministersoftheChurcharetheservantsofChrist, selectedandappointedbyhim through theHolyGhost.

3.Thethirdremarkrelatestothefunctionsofthepresbyters.(a)Theyarecharged with the preaching of the word and the administration of thesacraments. They are the organs of the Church in executing the greatcommissiontomakedisciplesofallnations,teachingthem,andbaptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,Son,andHolyGhost.(b)Theyarerulersin the house ofGod. (c) They are investedwith the power of the keys,openingand shutting thedoorof theChurch.They are clothedwith allthesepowers invirtueof theiroffice.IfsentwheretheChurchdoesnotalreadyexist, theyexercise themingatheringandfoundingchurches. Ifthey labour in themidst of churches already established, they exercisethese powers in concert with other presbyters, and with therepresentatives of the people. It is important to notice this distinction.The functions above mentioned belong to the ministerial office, and,therefore, to every minister. When alone he of necessity exercises hisfunctionsalone,ingatheringandorganizingchurches;butwhentheyaregathered, he is associated with other ministers, and with therepresentatives of thepeople, and, therefore canno longer act alone inmatters of government and discipline. We see this illustrated in theapostolicage.Theapostles,andthoseordainedbythem,actedinvirtueoftheir ministerial office, singly in founding churches, but afterwardsalwaysinconnectionwithotherministersandelders.Thisis,inpointoffact, thetheoryof theministerialoffice included inthewholesystemofPresbyterianism.

That this is the scriptural view of the presbyterial office, or thatpresbyters are invested with the powers above referred to, is plain (a)From the significant titles given to them in the word of God; they arecalled teachers, rulers, shepherds or pastors, stewards, overseers orbishops, builders, watchmen, ambassadors, witnesses. (b) From thequalifications required for the office. They must be apt to teach, wellinstructed,ablerightlytodividethewordofGod,soundinthefaith,able

Page 459: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

to resistgainsayers,able to rule theirown families; for ifamancannotrulehisownhouse,howcanhetakecareoftheChurchofGod:Hemusthave thepersonalqualitieswhichgivehimauthority.Hemustnotbeanovice, but grave, sober, temperate, vigilant, of good behaviour, and ofgoodreport.

(c)Fromtherepresentationsgivenoftheirduties.Theyaretopreachtheword, to feed the flock of God, to guide it as a shepherd; they are tolabour for the edificationof the saints; towatch for souls as thosewhomust give an account; they must take heed to the Church to guard itagainst false teachers, or, as the apostle calls them, "grievous wolves;"they are to exercise episcopal supervision, because the Holy Ghost, asPaulsaidtothepresbytersofEphesus,hadmadethembishops,Actsxx.28, and the Apostle Peter exhorts presbyters to feed the flock of God,taking episcopal oversight thereof, (evpiskopou/ntej) not of constraint,butwillingly.Theyare,therefore,bishops.Everytimethatword,oranyofits cognates, is used in theNewTestament, in relation to theChristianministry, it refers to presbyters, except in Acts i. 20, where the wordbishopricisusedinaquotationfromtheSeptuagint,appliedtotheofficeofJudas.

4.Theofficeofpresbytersisapermanentone.Thisisplain:(a)Becausethe gift is permanent. Every office implies a gift of which it is theappointed organ. If, therefore, a gift be permanent, the organ for itsexercisemust bepermanent.The prophets of theNewTestamentwerethe recipients of occasional inspiration. As the gift of inspiration hasceased, theofficeofprophethas ceased.Butas thegiftof teachingandrulingispermanent,soalsoistheofficeofteacherandruler.(b)AstheChurch is commissioned tomakedisciples of all nations, to preach thegospeltoeverycreature;assaintsalwaysneedtobefed,andbuiltupintheirmost holy faith, shemust always have the officers which are herdivinelyappointedorgansfortheaccomplishmentofthiswork.

(c)Weaccordinglyfindthattheapostlesnotonlyordainedpresbytersinevery city, but that they gave directions for their ordination in allsubsequent time,prescribing theirqualifications, and themodeof theirappointment.

Page 460: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

(d) In point of fact, they have continued to the present time. This,therefore,isnotamatteropentodispute;anditisnot,infact,disputedbyanywithwhomwearenowconcerned.

5.Finally,inrelationtothispartofoursubject,presbytersarethehighestpermanentofficersoftheChurch.

(a)Thismaybeinferred,inthefirstplace,fromthefactthattherearenohigher permanent functions attributed in the New Testament to theChristianministry,thanthosewhicharethereinattributedtopresbyters.Iftheyarechargedwiththepreachingofthegospel,withtheextension,continuance, and purity of the Church—if they are teachers and rulers,chargedwithepiscopalpowersandoversight,whatmore,ofapermanentcharacter,isdemanded?

2.Butsecondly, it isadmittedthattherewere,duringtheapostolicage,officersofahighergradethanpresbyters,viz:apostlesandprophets.Thelatter, it is conceded, were temporary. The only question, therefore,relatestotheapostles.Prelatistsadmitthatthere isnopermanentclassorgradeofchurchofficersintermediatebetweenapostlesandpresbyters.Buttheyteachthattheapostleshipwasdesignedtobeperpetual,andthatprelatesaretheofficialsuccessorsoftheoriginalapostles.Ifthisisso,iftheyhavetheoffice, theymusthavethegiftsofanapostle. If theyhavetheprerogatives,theymusthavetheattributesoftheoriginalmessengersof Christ. Even in civil government every office presumes inwardqualifications. An order of nobility, without real superiority, is a meresham.Muchmoreisthisnecessary,inthelivingorganismoftheChurch,inwhich the indwellingSpiritmanifestshimself ashewills.An apostlewithoutthe"wordofwisdom,"wasafalseapostle;ateacherwithout"thewordofknowledge,"wasnoteacher;aworkerofmiracleswithoutthegiftofmiracles,was amagician; any onepretending to speakwith tongueswithout the gift of tongues, was a deceiver. In like manner an apostlewithoutthegiftsofanapostle, isamerepretender.Theremightaswellbeamanwithoutasoul.

Romanists tell us that the Pope is the vicar of Christ; that he is hissuccessorastheuniversalheadandruleroftheChurchonearth.Ifthisisso, he must be a Christ. If he has Christ's prerogatives, he must have

Page 461: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Christ'sattributes.Hecannothavetheonewithouttheother.IfthePope,by divine appointment, is invested with universal dominion over theChristianworld;ifallhisdecisionsastofaithanddutyareinfallibleandauthoritative; if dissent from his decision or disobedience to hiscommandsforfeitssalvation,thenisherheirtothegiftsaswellastotheofficeofChrist.Ifheclaimstheoffice,withouthavingthegifts,thenisheanti-christ, "the man of sin, the son of perdition, who opposeth andexaltethhimselfaboveallthatiscalledGod,orthatisworshipped,sothathe,asGod,sittethinthetempleofGod,showinghimselfthatheisGod."Romanists concede this principle. In ascribing to the Pope theprerogativesofChrist,theyareforcedtoascribetohimhisattributes.Dotheynotenthronehim?Dotheynotkisshisfeet?Dotheynotofferhimincense?Dotheynotaddresshimwithblasphemoustitles?Dotheynotpronounce anathemas against, and debar from heaven, all who do notacknowledgehisauthority?

ThisisthereasonwhyoppositiontoPoperyinthebreastsofProtestantsis a religious feeling.CæsarAugustusmight rule theworld; theCzarofRussiamayattain touniversaldominion,butsuchdominionwouldnotinvolvetheassumptionofdivineattributes;andthereforesubmissiontoitwouldnotinvolveapostasyfromGod,andoppositiontoitwouldnotofnecessity be a religious duty. But to be the Vicar of Christ, to claim toexercisehisprerogativesonearth,doesinvolveaclaimtohisattributes,andthereforeouroppositiontoPoperyisoppositiontoamanclaimingtobeGod.

But if this principle applies to the case of the Pope, as all Protestantsadmit,itmustalsoapplytotheapostleship.Ifanysetofmenclaimtobeapostles—if they assert the right to exercise apostolic authority, theycannot avoid claiming the possession of apostolic endowments; and iftheyhavenot the latter, their claim to the former is anusurpationandpretence.

What,then,weretheapostles?Itisplainfromthedivinerecordthattheywere men immediately commissioned by Christ to make a full andauthoritativerevelationofhisreligion;toorganizetheChurch;tofurnishitwithofficersandlaws,andtostartitonitscareerofconquestthroughtheworld.

Page 462: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

Toqualifythemforthiswork,theyreceived,first,thewordofwisdom,oracompleterevelationofthedoctrinesofthegospel;secondly,thegiftofthe Holy Ghost, in such manner as to render them infallible in thecommunication of the truth, and in the exercise of their authority asrulers; thirdly, the gift of working miracles in confirmation of theirmission,andofcommunicatingtheHolyGhostbytheimpositionoftheirhands.

Theprerogativesarisingoutofthesegifts,were,first—absoluteauthorityinallmattersoffaithandpractice;secondly,authorityequallyabsoluteinlegislating for the Church as to its constitution and laws; thirdly,universaljurisdictionovertheofficersandmembersoftheChurch.

Paul, when he claimed to be an apostle, claimed this immediatecommission, this revelation of the gospel, this plenary inspiration, andthis absolute authority and general jurisdiction. And in support of hisclaims,heappealsnotonlytothemanifestco-operationofGodthroughtheSpirit,buttothesignsofanapostle,whichhewroughtinallpatience,insigns,andwonders,andmightydeeds.2Cor.xii.12.

Itfollowednecessarilyfromtheactualpossessionbytheapostlesofthesegifts of revelation and inspiration,which rendered them infallible, thatagreementwiththeminfaith,andsubjectiontothemwerenecessarytosalvation. The apostle John, therefore, said, "He that knoweth Godhearethus;andhethatisnotofGod,hearethnotus.Herebyweknowthespiritoftruthandthespiritoferror."1Johniv.6.AndtheapostlePaulpronouncedaccursedevenanangelshouldhedenythegospelwhichhepreached,andashepreachedit.Thewritingsof theapostles, therefore,have in all ages and in every part of the Church, been regarded asinfallibleandauthoritativeinallmattersoffaithandpractice.

Now, the argument is, that if prelates are apostles, they must haveapostolicgifts.Theyhavenotthosegifts,thereforetheyarenotapostles.The firstmembersof this syllogismcanhardlyneed furtherproof. It isevident from the nature of the case, and from the Scriptures, that theprerogatives of the apostles arose out of their peculiar endowments. Itwas because they were inspired, and consequently infallible, that they

Page 463: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

were invested with the authority which they exercised. An uninspiredapostleisasmuchasolecismasanuninspiredprophet.

Astothesecondpoint,viz.:thatprelateshavenotapostolicgifts,itneedsnoargument.Theyhavenospecialrevelation;theyarenotinspired,theyhave not either the power of working miracles, or of conferringmiraculousgifts,and,therefore,theyarenotapostles.

So inseparable is the connection between an office and its gifts, thatprelates, in claiming to be apostles, are forced to make a show ofpossessingapostolicgifts.Thoughnotinspiredindividually,theyclaimtobe inspired as a body; though not infallible singly, they claim to beinfallible collectively; though they have not the power of conferringmiraculousgifts,theyclaimthepowerofgivingthegraceoforders.Theseclaims, however, are not less preposterous than the assumptions ofpersonalinspiration.Thehistorical fact, thattheprelatescollectively,aswellasindividually,areuninspiredandfallible,isnotlesspalpablethanthat they aremortal. Those of one age differed from those of another.Those of one Church pronounced accursed those of another—Greeksagainst Latins, Latins against Greeks, and Anglicans against both.Besides, if prelates are apostles, then there can be no religion and nosalvation among those not subject to their authority.He is not ofGod,said the apostle John, who heareth not us. This is a conclusion whichRomanists and Anglicans admit, and boldly assert. It is, however, acompletereductioadabsurdum.ItmightaswellbeassertedthatthesunnevershinesoutofGreenland,asthatthereisnoreligionbeyondthepaleof prelatical churches. To maintain this position, necessitates theperversion of the very nature of religion. As faith in our Lord JesusChrist,repentancetowardsGod,love,andholyliving,arefoundoutsideofprelaticalchurches,prelatistsmaintainthatreligiondoesnotconsistinthese fruits of the Spirit, but in something external and formal. Theassumption,therefore,thatprelatesareapostles,ofnecessityleadstotheconclusion that prelates have the gifts of the apostles, and that to theconclusionthatsubmissiontotheirteachingandjurisdiction,isessentialto salvation; and that again, to the conclusion that religion is not aninward state,butanexternal relation.Thesearenotmerely the logical,but the historical sequences of the theory that the apostolic office is

Page 464: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

perpetual. Wherever that theory has prevailed, it has led to makingreligionceremonial,anddivorcingitfrompietyandmorality.WewouldbegthosewholoveChristmorethantheirorder,andthosewhobelieveinevangelicalreligion, to lay thisconsiderationtoheart.ThedoctrineofaperpetualapostleshipintheChurch,isnotamerespeculativeerror,butone,tothelastdegree,destructive.

We cannot pursue this subject further. That the apostolic office istemporary, is aplainhistorical fact.Theapostles, the twelve, standoutjust as conspicuous as an isolated body in the history of the Church,without predecessors, and without successors, as Christ himself does.They disappear from history. The title, the thing itself, the gifts, thefunctions, all ceased when John, the last of the twelve, ascended toheaven.

IfitisafearfulthingtoputthePopeintheplaceofChrist,andtomakeamanourGod; it isalsoa fearful thingtoputerringmenintheplaceofinfallible apostles, andmake faith in their teaching, and submission totheirauthority,theconditionofgraceandsalvation.

Fromthisawfulbondage,brethren,wearefree.WebowtotheauthorityofChrist.We submit to the infallible teachingsofhis inspiredapostles;butwedenythattheinfallibleiscontinuedinthefallible,orthedivineinthehuman.

Butiftheapostolicofficewastemporary,thenpresbytersarethehighestpermanentofficersoftheChurch,because,asisconcededbynine-tenths,perhaps by ninety-nine hundredths of prelates, the Scripturesmakenomentionofanypermanentofficersintermediatebetweentheapostlesandthe presbyter-bishops of the New Testament. There is no command toappointsuchofficers,norecordoftheirappointment,nospecificationoftheir qualifications, no title for them, either in the Scriptures or inecclesiastical history. If prelates are not apostles, they are presbyters,holdingtheirpre-eminencebyhuman,andnotbydivineauthority.

III.Asthenpresbytersareallofthesamerank,andastheyexercisetheirpowerinthegovernmentoftheChurch,inconnectionwiththepeople,ortheir representatives, this of necessity gives rise to Sessions in our

Page 465: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

individual congregations, and to Presbyteries, Synods, and Assemblies,fortheexerciseofmoreextendedjurisdiction.Thisbrings intoviewthethirdgreatprincipleofPresbyterianism,thegovernmentoftheChurchbyjudicatories composed of presbyters and elders, &c. This takes forgranted the unity of the Church in opposition to the theory of theIndependents.

The Presbyterian doctrine on this subject is, that the Church is one insuchasensethatasmallerpartissubjecttoalarger,andthelargertothewhole. It has one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The principles ofgovernment laid down in the Scriptures bind the whole Church. Theterms of demission, and the legitimate grounds of exclusion, areeverywhere the same. The same qualifications are everywhere to bedemanded foradmission to thesacredoffice,and thesamegrounds fordeposition. Every man who is properly received as a member of aparticularchurch,becomesamemberoftheChurchuniversal;everyonerightfullyexcludedfromaparticularchurch,isexcludedfromthewholeChurch;everyonerightfullyordainedtotheministryinonechurch,isaministeroftheuniversalChurch,andwhenrightfullydeposedinone,heceasestobeaministerinany.Hence,whileeveryparticularchurchhasaright to manage its own affairs and administer its own discipline, itcannotbeindependentandirresponsibleintheexerciseofthatright.Asitsmembers aremembers of the Church universal, and those whom itexcommunicates are, according to the Scriptural theory, delivered untoSatan, and cut off from the communion of the saints, the acts of aparticularchurchbecometheactsofthewholeChurch,andthereforethewholehastherighttoseethattheyareperformedaccordingtothelawofChrist.Hence,ontheonehand,therightofappeal;and,ontheother,therightofreviewandcontrol.

This is the Presbyterian theory on this subject; that it is the scripturaldoctrine appears, 1. From the nature of the Church. The Church iseverywhererepresentedasone.Itisonebody,onefamily,onefold,onekingdom.It is onebecausepervadedby oneSpirit.We are all baptizedintooneSpiritsoastobecome,saystheapostle,onbody.ThisindwellingoftheSpiritwhichthusunitesallthemembersofChrist'sbody,producesnot only that subjective or inward union which manifests itself in

Page 466: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

sympathyandaffection,inunityoffaithandlove,butalsooutwardunionandcommunion.ItleadsChristianstouniteforthepurposesofworship,and of mutual watch and care. It requires them to be subject to oneanother inthefearof theLord.Itbrings themall intosubjectionto thewordofGodasthestandardoffaithandpractice.Itgivesthemnotonlyaninterestineachother'swelfare,purity,andedification,butitimposestheobligationtopromotetheseobjects.Ifonemembersuffers,allsufferwithit;andifonememberishonoured,allrejoicewithit.Allthisistrue,not merely of those frequenting the same place of worship, but of theuniversalbodyofbelievers.SothatanindependentchurchisasmuchasolecismasanindependentChristian,orasanindependentfingerofthehumanbody,oranindependentbranchofatree.IftheChurchisalivingbodyunitedtothesamehead,governedbythesamelaws,andpervadedbythesameSpirit,itisimpossiblethatonepartshouldbeindependentofalltherest.

2. All the reasons which require the subjection of a believer to thebrethrenofaparticularchurch,requirehissubjectiontoallhisbrethrenintheLord.Thegroundofthisobligationisnotthechurchcovenant.Itisnotthecompactintowhichanumberofbelieversenter,andwhichbindsonlythosewhoarepartiestoit.Churchpowerhasamuchhighersourcethan the consent of the governed. The Church is a divinely constitutedsociety,derivingitspowerfromitscharter.Thosewhojoinit,joinitasanexisting society, and a society existing with certain prerogatives andprivileges, which they come to share, and not to bestow. This divinelyconstitutedsociety,whicheverybelieverisboundtojoin,isnotthelocaland limited association of his own neighbourhood, but the universalbrotherhoodofbelievers;andthereforeallhisobligationsofcommunionandobedience terminateonthewholeChurch.He isboundtoobeyhisbrethren, not because he has agreed to do so, but because they are hisbrethren—because they are temples of the Holy Ghost, enlightened,sanctified, and guided by Him. It is impossible, therefore, to limit theobedienceofaChristian to theparticular congregationofwhichhe isamember, or to make one such congregation independent of all others,without utterly destroying the very nature of the Church, and tearingasunder the livingmembers of Christ's body. If this attempt should befully accomplished, these separate churcheswould as certainly bleed to

Page 467: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

death,asalimbwhenseveredfromthebody.

3. The Church, during the apostolic age, did not consist of isolated,independent congregations, but was one body, of which the separatechurcheswereconstituentmembers,eachsubjecttoalltherest,ortoanauthoritywhichextendedoverall.Thisappears, in the firstplace, fromthehistoryoftheoriginofthosechurches.Theapostleswerecommandedto remain inJerusalemuntil they receivedpower fromonhigh.OnthedayofPentecostthepromisedSpiritwaspouredout,andtheybegantospeakastheSpiritgavethemutterance.Manythousandsinthatcitywereadded to the Lord, and they continued in the apostles' doctrine andfellowship, and in breaking of bread and prayer. They constituted theChurch in Jerusalem. It was one not only spiritually, but externally,united in the same worship, and subject to the same rulers. Whenscattered abroad, they preached the word everywhere, and greatmultitudeswereaddedtotheChurch.Thebelievers ineveryplacewereassociated in separate, but not independent churches, for they allremainedsubjecttoacommontribunal.

For,secondly,theapostlesconstitutedabondofuniontothewholebodyof believers. There is not the slightest evidence that the apostles haddifferentdioceses.PaulwrotewithfullauthoritytotheChurchinRomebeforehehadevervisitedtheimperialcity.PeteraddressedhisepistlestothechurchesofPontus,Cappadocia,Asia,andBithynia,theverycentreofPaul'sfieldoflabour.Thattheapostlesexercisedthisgeneraljurisdiction,andwerethusthebondofexternaluniontotheChurch,arose,aswehaveseen,fromtheverynatureoftheiroffice.Havingbeencommissionedtofoundandorganize theChurch,andbeingso filledwith theSpiritas torender theminfallible, theirwordwas law.Their inspirationnecessarilysecured this universal authority. We accordingly find that theyeverywhereexercisedthepowersnotonlyofteachers,butalsoofrulers.Paulspeaksofthepowergiventohimforedification;ofthethingswhichheordained inall thechurches.Hisepistlesare filledwithsuchorders,whichwerebindingauthoritythenasnow.HethreatenstheCorinthianstocometothemwitharod;hecutoffamemberoftheirchurch,whomthey had neglected to discipline; and he delivered Hymeneus andAlexander unto Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme. As a

Page 468: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

historical fact, therefore, the apostolic churches were not independentcongregations,butwereallsubjecttoonecommonauthority.

Inthethirdplace,thisisfurtherevidentfromtheCouncilatJerusalem.Nothingneedbeassumedthatisnotexpresslymentionedintherecord.Thesimple factsof thecaseare, thatacontroversyhavingarisen in thechurch at Antioch, concerning the Mosaic law, instead of settling itamongthemselvesasanindependentbody,theyreferredthecasetotheapostlesandeldersatJerusalem,andthereitwasauthoritativelydecided,not for that church only, but for all others. Paul, therefore, in his nextmissionaryjourney,ashe"passedthroughthecities,deliveredtothem,"it is said, "thedecrees for tokeep,whichwereordainedof the apostlesandelderswhichwereatJerusalem."Actsxvi.4.Itmattersnotwhetherthe authority of that Council was due to the inspiration of its chiefmembersornot.ItisenoughthatithadauthorityoverthewholeChurch.Theseveralcongregationswerenotindependent,butwereunitedunderonecommontribunal.

4th.Inthefourthplace,wemayappealtothecommonconsciousnessofChristians,asmanifestedinthewholehistoryoftheChurch.Everythingorganichaswhatmaybecalledanisus formativus;an inward force,bywhichitisimpelledtoassumetheformsuitedtoitsnature.Thisinwardimpulsemay,by circumstances,be impededormisdirected, so that thenormalstateofaplantoranimalmayneverbeattained.Still,thisforceneverfailstomanifestitsexistence,northestatetowhichittends.Whatisthustrueinnature,isnolesstrueintheChurch.Thereisnothingmoreconspicuous inherhistorythanthe lawbywhichbelieversare impelledtoexpresstheirinwardunitybyoutwardunion.Ithasbeenmanifestedinallages,andunderallcircumstances.Itgaverisetoalltheearlycouncils.Itdeterminedtheideaofheresyandschism.Itledtotheexclusionfromall churches of those who, for the denial of the common faith, wereexcludedfromanyone,andwhorefusedtoacknowledgetheirsubjectiontotheChurchasawhole.ThisfeelingwasclearlyexhibitedatthetimeoftheReformation.Thechurchesthenformed,rantogetherasnaturallyasdropsofquicksilver; andwhen thisunionwaspreventedby internalorexternalcircumstances,itwasdeploredasagreatevil.Itmaydoformenof theworld toattribute this remarkable characteristic in thehistoryof

Page 469: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

theChurch,totheloveofpower,ortosomeotherunworthysource.Butitisnotthustobeaccountedfor.ItisalawoftheSpirit.Ifwhatallmendo,is to be referred to some abiding principle of human nature; what allChristiansdo,mustbe referred to somethingwhichbelongs to themasChristians.

So deeply seated is this conviction that outward union and mutualsubjection is the normal state of the Church, that itmanifests itself inthosewhosetheoryleadsthemtodenyandresistit.TheirConsociations,Associations, and Advisory Councils, are somany devices to satisfy aninward craving, and to prevent the dissolution to which it is felt thatabsolute Independency must inevitably lead. That then, the Church isone,inthesensethatasmallerpartshouldbesubjecttoalarger,andalargertothewhole,isevident.1.Fromitsnatureasbeingonekingdom,one family, one body, having one head, one faith, one writtenconstitution,andactuatedbyoneSpirit;2d.FromthecommandofChristthatweshouldobeyourbrethren,notbecause they livenear tous;notbecause we have covenanted to obey them; but because they are ourbrethren,thetemplesandorgansoftheHolyGhost;3.Fromthefactthatduring theapostolicage thechurcheswerenot independentbodies,butsubject in all matters of doctrine, order, and discipline, to a commontribunal;and4.BecausethewholehistoryoftheChurchprovesthatthisunionandmutual subjection is thenormal stateof theChurch towardswhichitstrivesbyaninwardlawof itsbeing.If it isnecessary thatoneChristianshouldbesubjecttootherChristians;itisnolessnecessarythatonechurchshouldbesubjectinthesamespirit,tothesameextent,andonthesamegrounds,tootherchurches.

WehavenowcompletedourexpositionofPresbyterianism.Itmuststrikeevery one that it is no device ofman. It is not an external framework,having no connection with the inward life of the Church. It is a realgrowth. It is the outward expression of the inward law of the Church'sbeing.Ifwe teach that thepeopleshouldhavea substantivepart in thegovernmentoftheChurch,itisnotmerelybecausewedeemithealthfulandexpedient,butbecausetheHolyGhostdwells inthepeopleofGod,and gives the ability and confers the right to govern. If we teach thatpresbytersarethehighestpermanentofficersoftheChurch,itisbecause

Page 470: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

those gifts by which the apostles and prophets were raised abovepresbyters, have, in fact, ceased. If we teach that the separatecongregationsofbelieversarenotindependent,itisbecausetheChurchis,infact,onebody,allthepartsofwhicharemutuallydependent.

Ifthisisso—ifthereisanoutwardformoftheChurchwhichcorrespondswithitsinwardlife,aformwhichisthenaturalexpressionandproductofthat life, then that form must be most conducive to its progress anddevelopment.Menmay,byart,forceatreetogrowinanyfantasticshapeaperverted tastemay choose.But it is at the sacrificeof its vigourandproductiveness. To reach its perfection, it must be left to unfold itselfaccordingtothelawofitsnature.ItissowiththeChurch.If thepeoplepossessthegiftsandgraceswhichqualifyandentitlethemtotakepartinthegovernment,thentheexerciseofthatrighttendstothedevelopmentof those gifts and graces; and the denial of the right tends to theirdepression.Inall theformsofdespotism,whethercivilorecclesiastical,thepeople aredegraded; and in all formsof scriptural liberty, they areproportionablyelevated.Everysystemwhichdemandsintelligencetendsto produce it. Every man feels that it is not only one of the greatestadvantagesofourrepublicaninstitutionsthattheytendtotheeducationand elevation of the people, but that their successful operation,demanding popular intelligence and virtue, renders it necessary thatconstant exertion should be directed to the attainment of that end. Asrepublican institutions cannot exist among the ignorant and vicious, soPresbyterianismmustfindthepeopleenlightenedandvirtuous,ormakethemso.

It is the combination of the principles of liberty and order in thePresbyteriansystem,theunionoftherightsofthepeoplewithsubjectiontolegitimateauthority,thathasmadeittheparentandguardianofcivillibertyineverypartoftheworld.This,however, ismerelyanincidentaladvantage.TheChurch organizationhas higher aims. It is designed fortheextensionandestablishmentofthegospel,andfortheedificationofthebodyofChrist,tillweallcometotheunityofthefaithandknowledgeoftheSonofGod;andthatpolitymustbebestadaptedtothisend,whichis most congenial with the inward nature of the Church. It is on thisgroundwerestourpreferenceforPresbyterianism.Wedonotregarditas

Page 471: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

askilfulproductofhumanwisdom;butasadivine institution, foundedonthewordofGod,andasthegenuineproductoftheinwardlifeoftheChurch.

[1] This point is argued at length by Turrettin, in his chapter, De JureVocationis.Heprovesthattherighttocallandappointministersbelongsto the whole Church: 1. Quia data est eccclesiis potestas clavium. Hequotes Tostatus, who, he says, proves by various arguments, "Clavesdatas esse toti ecclesiæ, atque adeo jus illarum exercedarum ad eamprimario et radicaliter pertinere, ad alios vero tantum secundario etparticipative.2.Idemprobaturexjureministerii,quodecclesiæcompetit.3. Ex jure superioritatis. Quia auctoritas et jus actionis ad superiorem,non ad inferiorem pertinet. At ecclesia est superior pastoribus, nonpastoresecclesiæ.4.Exprobationedoctorum.Quiaadillumpertinetjusvocandi, cujus est discernere doctores a seductoribus, probare sanamdoctrinam,vocemChristiavocepseudapostolorumdistinguere,alienumnon sequi, anathematizare eos qui aliud evangelium prædicant. 5. Expraxiapostolorum.6.Execclesiaprimativa.Gerhard,thegreatLutherantheologianoftheseventeenthcentury,teachesthesamedoctrine.Tomusxii.P.85.CuicunqueclavesregnicœlorumabipsoChristosunttraditæ,peneseumestjusvocandiecclesiæministros.AtquitotiecclesiætraditæsuntaChristoclavesregnicœlorum.Ergopenestotamecclesiamestjustvocandi ministros. Propositio confirmata ex definitione clavium regnicœlorum.Perclavesenimpotestasecclesiasticaintelligitur,cujusparsestjusvocandietconstituendiecclesiæministros.HequotesAugustin,lib.I.De doctrina Christ, cap. 18: "Has claves dedit ecclesiæ suae, ut quæsolveret in terra, soluta essent in coelo, et quæ ligaret in terra, ligataessentincoelo."IntheSmalcaldArticlesitissaid—"Adhæcnecesseestfateri,quodclavesnon ad personam unius certi hominis, sed ad ecclesiam pertineant, utmulta clarissima et firmissima argumenta testantur. Nam Christus declavibusdicens,Matt.Xviii.addit:ubicunqueduovel tresconsenserintsuperterrametcTribuitigiturprincipaliterclavesecclesiæ,etimmediate;sicutetobeamcausamecclesiaprincipaliterhabetjusvocationis.—Hase,LibriSymbolici,p.345.Ubicunqueestecclesia,ibiestjusadministrandievangelii.Quarenecesseest,ecclesiamretinerejusvocandietordinandiministros.Ethoc jusest

Page 472: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

donumproprie datum ecclesiæ, quod nulla humana auctoritas ecclesiæeriperepotest.—Ibidp.353.

[2]SherlockontheNatureoftheChurch,p.36.

[3] Certes ex pastorum superb a nata est haec tyrannis, ut quae adcommunemtotiusecclesiaestatumpertinent,exclusopopulo,paucorumarbitrio,nedicamlibidini,subjectasint.—CalvinonActsxv.22.

Appendix4

WhatisMeantbyAdoptingtheWestminsterConfession?

byCharlesHodge,D.D.

EveryministerathisordinationisrequiredtodeclarethatheadoptstheWestminster Confession and Catechism, as containing the system ofdoctrine taught in theSacredScriptures.Thereare threeways inwhichthesewordshavebeen,andstillare,interpreted.First,someunderstandthemtomeanthateverypropositioncontainedintheConfessionofFaithis included in the profession made at ordination. Secondly, others saythat they mean just what the words import. What is adopted is the"systemofdoctrine."The systemof theReformedChurches is aknownandadmittedschemeofdoctrine;andthatscheme,nothingmoreorless,weprofesstoadopt.Thethirdviewofthesubjectis,thatbythesystemofdoctrinecontained in theConfession ismeant theessentialdoctrinesofChristianityandnothingmore.

Astothefirstoftheseinterpretations,itisenoughtosay—l.Thatitisnotthemeaningofthewords.TherearemanypropositionscontainedintheWestminster Confession which do not belong to the integrity of theAugustinian orReformed system.Amanmaybe a trueAugustinian orCalvinist,andnotbelievethatthePopeistheAntichristpredictedbySt.Paul;orthatthe18thchapterofLeviticusisstillbinding.2.Sucharuleofinterpretation canneverbepractically carriedout,withoutdividing theChurch into innumerable fragments. It is impossible that a body of

Page 473: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

severalthousandministersandeldersshouldthinkalikeonallthetopicsembracedinsuchanextendedandminuteformulaofbelief.3.SuchhasneverbeentheruleadoptedinourChurch.Individualshaveheldit,buttheChurchasabodyneverhas.Noprosecution fordoctrinal errorhaseverbeenattemptedorsanctioned,exceptforerrorswhichwereregardedas involving the rejection, not of explanations of doctrines, but of thedoctrines themselves.Forexample,ourConfession teaches thedoctrineoforiginal sin.Thatdoctrine is essential to theReformedorCalvinisticsystem. Anyman who denies that doctrine, thereby rejects the systemtaughtinourConfession,andcannotwithagoodconsciencesaythatheadopts it. Original sin, however, is one thing; the way in which it isaccounted for, is another. The doctrine is, that such is the relationbetweenAdamandhisposterity,thatallmankind,descendingfromhimbyordinarygeneration,areborninastateofsinandcondemnation.Anymanwhoadmitsthis,holdsthedoctrine.Butthereareatleastthreewaysof accounting for this fact. The scriptural explanation as given in ourStandards is, that "the covenant being made with Adam, not only forhimself, but for his posterity, all mankind, descending from him byordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his firsttransgression." The fact that mankind fell into that estate of sin andmisery in which they are born, is accounted for on the principle ofrepresentation. Adam was constituted our head and representative, sothat his sin is the judicial ground of our condemnation and of theconsequentlossofthedivineimage,andofthestateofspiritualdeathinwhichallmencomeintotheworld.This,asitisthescriptural,soitistheChurch view of the subject. It is the view held in the Latin and theLutheran, aswell as in theReformedChurch, and therefore belongs totheChurchcatholic.Stillitisnotessentialtothedoctrine.Realistsadmitthe doctrine, but, unsatisfied with the principle of representativeresponsibility,assumethathumanityasagenericlifeactedandsinnedinAdam; and, therefore, that his sin is the act, with its demerit andconsequences,of everyman inwhom thatgeneric life is individualized.Others,acceptingneitherofthesesolutions,assertthatthefactoforiginalsin (i.e., the sinfulness and condemnation of man at birth) is to beaccounted for in thegeneral lawofpropagation.Likebegets like.Adambecamesinful,andhenceallhisposterityarebornintstateofsin,orwithasinfulnature.Althoughtheseviewsarenotequallyscriptural,orequally

Page 474: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

in harmony with our Confession, nevertheless they leave the doctrineintact,anddonotworkarejectionofthesystemofwhichitisanessentialpart.

So also of the doctrine of inability. That man is by the fall renderedutterly indisposed, opposite, and disabled to all spiritual good, is adoctrineoftheConfessionaswellasofScripture.AnditisessentialtothesystemofdoctrineembracedbyalltheReformedChurch.Whethermenhave plenary power to regenerate themselves, or can co-operate in theworkof theirregeneration,orcaneffectuallyresist theconvertinggraceof God, are questions which have separated Pelagians, the laterRomanists, Semi-Pelagians, Lutherans, and Arminians, fromAugustinians or Calvinists. The denial of the inability of fallen man,therefore,ofnecessityworkstherejectionofCalvinism.Butifthefactbeadmitted, it is not essential whether the inability be called natural ormoral;whetheritbeattributedsolelytotheperversenessofthewill,ortothe blindness of the understanding. These points of difference are notunimportant,buttheydonotaffecttheessenceofthedoctrine.

Our Confession teaches that God foreordains whatever comes to pass;thatheexecuteshisdecreesintheworksofcreationandprovidence;thathis providential government is holy,wise, and powerful, controlling allhis creatures andall their actions; that from the fallenmassofmenhehas, from all eternity, of his mere good pleasure, elected some toeverlasting life; that by the incarnation and mediatorial work of hiseternal Son, our Lord JesusChrist, and by the effectualworking of hisSpirit,hehasrenderedthesalvationofhispeopleabsolutelycertain;thatthereasonwhysomearesavedandothersnot,isnottheforesightoftheirfaith and repentance, but solely because he has elected some and notothers, and that in execution of his purpose, in his own good time, hesendsthemtheHolySpirit.whosooperatesonthemastorendertheirrepentance,faith,andholylivingabsolutelycertain.Nowit isplainthatmenmaydifferastothemodeofGod'sprovidentialgovernment,ortheoperationsofhisgrace,andretainthefactswhichconstitutetheessenceof this doctrinal scheme. But if any one teaches that God cannoteffectuallycontroltheactsoffreeagentswithoutdestroyingtheirliberty;thathecannotrendertherepentanceorfaithofanymancertain;thathe

Page 475: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

doesallhecantoconverteveryman,itwouldbeaninsulttoreasonandconscience,tosaythatheheldthesystemofdoctrinewhichembracesthefactsandprinciplesabovestated.

ThesamestrainofremarkmightbemadeinreferencetotheothergreatdoctrineswhichconstitutetheAugustiniansystem.Enough,however,hasbeensaidtoillustratetheprincipleofinterpretationforwhichOldSchoolmen contend. We do not expect our ministers should adopt everypropositioncontainedinourStandards.Thistheyarenotrequiredtodo.But they are required to adopt the system; and that system consists ofcertaindoctrines;nooneofwhichcanbeomittedwithoutdestroyingitsidentity.Thosedoctrinesare:—theplenaryinspirationoftheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestaments,andtheconsequentinfallibilityofalltheirteachings;—doctrine of the Trinity; that there is one God subsisting inthree persons, the Father, Son, and Spirit, the same in substance andequalinpowerandglory;—thedoctrineofdecreesandpredestination,asabovestated;—thedoctrineofcreation,viz.,thattheuniverseandallthatitcontainsisnoteternal,isnotanecessaryproductofthelifeofGod,isnotanemanationfromthedivinesubstance,butowesitsexistence,astosubstanceand form, solely tohiswill; and in reference toman, thathewas created in the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, andholiness,andnotinpurisnaturalibus,withoutanymoralcharacter;—thedoctrineofprovidence, or thatGodeffectually governs allhis creaturesand all their actions, so that nothing comes to pass which is not inaccordancewithhis infinitelywise,holy,andbenevolentpurposes;—thedoctrines of the covenants; the first, or covenant ofworks,wherein lifewas promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition ofperfect and personal obedience; and the second, or covenant of grace,whereinGodfreelyoffersuntosinnerslifeandsalvationbyJesusChrist,requiringofthemfaithinhim,thattheymaybesaved,andpromisingtogive,untoallwhoareordainedunto life,hisHolySpirit, tomake themwillingandabletobelieve;—thedoctrineconcerningChristourMediator,ordained of God to be our Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head andSaviourofhisChurch,theHeirofallthings,andJudgeoftheworld;untowhomhedid.frometernity,giveapeopletobehisseed,tobebyhimintime redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified; and that theeternal Son of God of one substance with the Father, took upon him

Page 476: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

man's nature, so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, theGodhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in oneperson, without conversion, composition, or confusion; that this LordJesusChrist,byhisperfectobedienceandsacrificeofhimself,hathfullysatisfiedthejusticeofhisFather,andpurchasednotonlyreconciliation,but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven for all thosewhomtheFatherhathgiventohim;—thedoctrineof freewill;viz., thatmanwascreatednotonlyafreeagent,butwithfullabilitytochoosegoodor evil, and by that choice determine his future character and destiny;thatbythefallhehaslostthisabilitytospiritualgood;thatinconversion,God, byhis Spirit, enables the sinner freely to repent andbelieve;—thedoctrineofeffectualcalling,orregeneration;thatthose,andthoseonly,whomGodhaspredestinatedunto life,heeffectuallycalls,byhisWordand Spirit, from a state of spiritual death to a state of spiritual life,renewingtheirwills,andbyhisalmightypowerdeterminingtheirwills,thuseffectuallydrawingthemtoChrist;yetsothattheycomemostfreely;andthatthiseffectualcallingisofGod'sfreeandspecialgracealone,notfromanythingforeseeninman;—thedoctrineofjustification;thatitisafreeact,oractofgraceonthepartofGod;thatitdoesnotconsistinanysubjectivechangeofstate,norsimplyinpardon,butincludesadeclaringandacceptingthesinnerasrighteous;thatitisfoundednotonanythingwrought inusordonebyus;noton faithorevangelicalobedience,butsimplyonwhatChristhasdoneforus,i.e.,inhisobedienceandsufferingsunto death; this righteousness of Christ being a proper, real, and fullsatisfaction to the justice of God, his exact justice and rich grace areglorified in the justification of sinners;—the doctrine of adoption; thatthose who are justified are received into the family of God, andmadepartakers of the Spirit and privileges of his children;—the doctrine ofsanctification;thatthoseonceregeneratedbytheSpiritofGodare,byhispower and indwelling, in the use of the appointed means of grace,renderedmoreandmoreholy;whichwork,althoughalwaysimperfectinthislife,isperfectedatdeath;—thedoctrineofsavingfaith;thatitisthegiftofGod,andworkoftheHolySpirit,bywhichtheChristianreceivesas true, on the authority ofGod,whatever is revealed in hisWord; thespecialactsofwhichfaitharethereceivingandrestinguponChristalonefor justification, sanctification, and eternal life;—the doctrine ofrepentance; that the sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the

Page 477: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

danger,buttheodiousnessofsin,andapprehensionofthemercyofGodin Christ, does, with grief and hatred of his own sins, turn from themunto God, with full purpose and endeavour after new obedience;—thedoctrineofgoodworks;thattheyaresuchonlyasGodhascommanded;thattheyarethefruitsoffaith;thatsuchworks,althoughnotnecessaryasthegroundofourjustification,areindispensable,inthecaseofadults,astheuniformproductsoftheindwellingoftheHolySpiritintheheartsof believers;—the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints; that thoseonce effectually called and sanctified by the Spirit can never totally orfinally fall from a state of grace; because the decree of election isimmutable; because Christ's merit is infinite, and his intercessionconstant;becausetheSpiritabideswiththepeopleofGod;andbecausethe covenant of grace secures the salvation of all who believe;—thedoctrine of assurance; that the assurance of salvation is desirable,possible,andobligatory,but isnotoftheessenceoffaith;—thedoctrineofthelaw;thatit isarevelationofthewillofGod,andaperfectruleofrighteousness;thatitisperpetuallyobligatoryonjustifiedpersonsaswellasonothers,althoughbelieversarenotunderitasacovenantofworks;—thedoctrineofChristianliberty;thatitincludesfreedomfromtheguiltofsin,thecondemnationofthelaw,fromalegalspirit,fromthebondageofSatananddominionofsin,fromtheworld,andultimatelyfromallevil,together with free access to God as his children. Since the advent ofChrist,hispeoplearefreedalsofromtheyokeoftheceremoniallaw.Godalone is the Lord of the conscience, which he has set free from thedoctrinesandcommandmentsofmen,whichareinanythingcontrarytohis Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship. The doctrinesconcerningworshipandtheSabbath,concerningvowsandoaths,ofthecivilmagistrate,ofmarriage,containnothingpeculiar tooursystem,orwhichismatterofcontroversyamongPresbyterians.ThesameistrueastowhattheConfessionteachesconcerningtheChurch,ofthecommunionof saints, of the sacraments, and of the future state, and of theresurrectionofthedead,andofthefinaljudgment.

ThatsuchisthesystemofdoctrineoftheReformedChurchisamatterofhistory. It is the system which, as the granite formation of the Earth,underlies and sustains the whole scheme of truth as revealed in theScriptures,andwithoutwhichalltherestisasdriftingsand.Ithasbeen

Page 478: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

from thebeginning the life and soul of theChurch, taught explicitly byour Lord himself, and more fully by his inspired servants, and alwaysprofessedbya cloudofwitnesses in theChurch. Ithas,moreover, everbeen the esoteric faith of true believers, adopted in their prayers andhymns,evenwhenrejectedfromtheircreeds.ItisthissystemwhichthePresbyterianChurchispledgedtoprofess,todefend,andtoteach;anditisabreachoffaithtoGodandmanifshefailstorequireaprofessionofthis system by all those whom she receives or ordains as teachers andguidesofherpeople.It is fortheadoptionof theConfessionofFaith inthis sense that the Old School have always contended as a matter ofconscience.

Therehas,however,alwaysbeenapartyintheChurchwhichadoptedthethird method of understanding the words "system of doctrine," in theordinationservice—viz.,thattheymeannothingmorethantheessentialdoctrinesofreligionorofChristianity.

Thatsuchapartyhasexistedisplain—l.Because,inouroriginalSynod,PresidentDickinsonandseveralothermembersopenlytookthisground.President Dickinson was opposed to all human creeds; he resisted theadoptionof theWestminsterConfession, andhe succeeded inhaving itadoptedwith theambiguouswords, "as toall theessentialprinciplesofreligion."Thismaymean the essential principles ofChristianity, or theessential principles of the peculiar system taught in the Confession 2.ThismodeofadoptingtheConfessiongaverisetoimmediateandgeneralcomplaint. 3.When PresidentDaviswas in England, the latitudinarianPresbyterians and other Dissenters from the Established Church fromwhomheexpectedencouragementandaid inhismission,objectedthatourSynodhadadoptedtheWestminsterConfessioninitsstrictmeaning.President Davis replied that the Synod required candidates to adopt itonly as to "the articles essential to Christianity." 4. The Rev. Mr.Creaghead, member of the original Synod, withdrew from it on theground of this lax rule of adoption. 5. The Rev. Mr. Harkness, whensuspended from the ministry by the Synod for doctrinal errors,complained of the injustice and inconsistency of such censure, on theground that the Synod required the adoption only of the essentialdoctrinesoftheGospel,nooneofwhichhehadcalledinquestion.

Page 479: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

While it is thus apparent that there was a party in the Church whoadopted this latitudinarian principle of subscription, the Synod itselfneverdidadoptit.Thisisplain,becausewhatwecalltheAdoptingAct,andwhich includes theambiguous language inquestion, theSynodcall"theirPreliminaryAct;"i.e.,anActpreliminarytotheactualadoptionoftheWestminsterConfession.Thatadoptionwaseffectedinasubsequentmeeting(ontheafternoonofthesameday),inwhichtheConfessionwasadoptedinallitsarticles,exceptwhatinthetwenty-thirdchapterrelatedtothepowerofthecivilmagistrateinmattersofreligion.ThisiswhattheSynoditselfcalleditsAdoptingAct...Whenin1787theGeneralAssemblywasorganized,itwassolemnlydeclaredthattheWestminsterConfessionofFaith,asthenrevisedandcorrected,waspartoftheCONSTITUTIONof this Church. No man has ever yet maintained that in adoptingRepublican constitution, itwas accepted only as embracing the generalprinciples of government common to monarchies, aristocracies, anddemocracies.

The Old School have always protested against this Broad Churchprinciple—1.Because,intheirview,itisimmoral.ForamantoassertthatheadoptsaCalvinisticconfessionwhenherejectsthedistinctivefeaturesof the Calvinistic system, and receives only the essential principles ofChristianity, is to say what is not true in the legitimate and acceptedmeaningoftheterms.ItwouldbeuniversallyrecognizedasafalsehoodshouldaProtestantdeclarethatheadoptedthecanonsoftheCouncilofTrent,ortheRomishCatechism,whenheintendedthathereceivedthemonlysofarastheycontainedthesubstanceoftheApostles'Creed.IftheChurch is prepared to make the Apostles' Creed the standard ofministerialcommunion,lettheconstitutionbealtered;butdonotletusadopt the demoralizing principle of professing ourselves, and requiringotherstoprofess,whatwedonotbelieve.

2.Asecondobjectiontothelaxruleofinterpretationis,thatitiscontrarytotheveryprincipleonwhichourChurchwasfounded,andonwhich,astChurch,ithasalwaysprofessedtoact.

3.TheOldSchoolhavealwaysbelievedthatitwasthedutyoftheChurch,asawitnessforthetruth,toholdfastthatgreatsystemoftruthwhichinallageshasbeenthefaithofthegreatbodyofthepeopleofGod,andon

Page 480: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

which,astheybelieve,thebestinterestsoftheChurchandoftheworlddepend.

4.Thislaxprinciplemustworktherelaxationofalldiscipline,destroythepurityoftheChurch,andintroduceeitherperpetualconflictordeath-likeindifference.

5.Therealwayshasbeen,andstillis,abodyofmenwhofeelittheirdutytoprofessandteachthesystemofdoctrinecontainedinourConfessionin its integrity.Thesemennevercanconsent towhat theybelieve tobeimmoral and destructive; and therefore any attempt to establish thisBroadChurchprincipleofsubscriptionmusttendtoproducedissensionanddivision.Eitherletourfaithconformtoourcreed,ormakeourcreedconform to our faith. Let those who are convinced that the Apostles'CreedisabroadenoughbasisforChurchorganization,formaChurchonthatprinciple;butdonotletthemattempttopersuadeotherstosacrificetheirconsciences,oradvocate theadoptionofamoreextendedformulaoffaithwhichisnottobesincerelyembraced.

Appendix5

ON THE PASSAGES OF THE CONFESSION CONCERNING THEMAGISTRATE'SPOWERASTORELIGIONANDTHECHURCH.

BYTHEEDITOR.

No alteration has been made by any of the Presbyterian Churches inGreatBritainandIrelandonthesubstanceoftheConfessionofFaith.Invarious ways, however, they have given explanations of the sense inwhich they adhere to those passages in it on which doubts have beenentertainedastotheirconsistencywiththerightsofconscienceandtheindependenceof theChurch.The threepassagesonwhich thedifficultyturns are given on pages 22-23, with the modifications to which theAmerican Presbyterians have subjected them. As the document itselfcontainsthenoblestassertionoftherightsofconscience(WCF20.2),andwas prepared by a venerable Assembly, composed of men singularly

Page 481: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

distinguished for theological attainments, and summoned in aid of agreat movement for public freedom, reluctance has been felt by theBritish Churches to affirm that any of the passages referred to isincapableofreconciliationwiththeassertionofChristianlibertymadeintheConfession,aswellaswiththeclaimputforth in itonbehalfof theChurch, that its government is "in the hand of church officers, distinctfromthecivilmagistrate,"sothat"thereisnootherheadoftheChurchbutJesusChrist,"[WCF25.6]and"thecivilmagistratemaynotassumetohimselfthepowerofthekeysofthekingdomofheaven."[WCF23.3]Itwas presumed that some principle might exist by which any seeminginconsistency between these declarations and the passages supposed tobeatvariancewiththerightsofindividualconscienceandthelibertiesofthe Church could be explained and removed. Various explanations,indeed,tothiseffecthavebeenoffered.AsalinkconnectingthemodernChurch with the past, and constituting a bond of union withPresbyterians of all countries—for it is remarkable how universallyPresbyterianChurches of British origin, in all lands, and in spite of alldivisions, have held to theWestminster Confession of Faith—there hasalways been anunwillingness evinced to tamper to any extentwith thesubstanceofthedocumentitself.

Not that theunwillingnessarose fromany superstitiousdeference to it.Onthecontrary,therighttoexamineandreviseithasatalltimesbeenclaimedandexercised,totheeffectofissuingimportantexplanationsandqualificationsofit.IntheveryActpassedinapprovaloftheConfessionofFaithbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheChurchofScotlandinAD1647,thefollowing explanation is given of the sense in which the Assemblyunderstood and held binding one portion of the Confession:—"It isfurther declared, That the Assembly understandeth some parts of thesecond article of the thirty-one chapter only of kirks not settled, orconstituted inpoint of government:And that although, in suchkirks, asynod of ministers, and other fit persons, may be called by themagistrate'sauthorityandnomination,withoutanyothercall,toconsultand advise with about matters of religion; and although, likewise, theministers of Christ, without delegation from their churches, may ofthemselves, and by virtue of their office, meet together synodically insuchkirksnot yet constituted, yet neither of these ought to bedone in

Page 482: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

kirks constituted and settled; it being always free to the magistrate toadvise with synods of ministers and ruling elders, meeting upondelegationfromtheirchurches,eitherordinarily,or,beingindictedbyhisauthority, occasionally, and pro re nata; it being also free to assembletogether synodically, aswell pro renata as at theordinary times, upondelegation from the churches, by the intrinsical power received fromChrist, as often as it is necessary for the good of the church so toassemble, in case the magistrate, to the detriment of the Church,withhold or deny his consent; the necessity of occasional assembliesbeingfirstremonstrateuntohimbyhumblesupplication."

Astheresultofvariousdiscussionsonthesubjectoftherelationofcivilmagistracy to religion and theChurch, theFormulaused in theUnitedPresbyterian Church, in the ordination of ministers, missionaries, andelders,hasbeencouched in the followingterms:—"Doyouacknowledgethe Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and ShorterCatechisms as an exhibition of the sense in which you understand theHolyScriptures;itbeingunderstoodthatyouarenotrequiredtoapproveof anything in thesedocumentswhich teaches, or is supposed to teach,compulsoryorpersecutingandintolerantprinciplesinreligion?"

It isalso inconnectionwith thequestionsof theFormula that theFreeChurchguards itselfagainstmisconstructionon thispoint. InanActofAssemblyAD1846,"AnentQuestionsandFormula,"itisdeclared—"TheGeneralAssembly,inpassingthisAct,thinkitrighttodeclarethat,whilethe Church firmly maintains the same scriptural principles as to theduties of nations and their rulers in reference to true religion and theChurch of Christ, for which she has hitherto contended, she disclaimsintolerantorpersecutingprinciples,anddoesnotregardherConfessionof Faith, or any portion thereof, when fairly interpreted, as favouringintolerance or persecution, or consider that her office-bearers, bysubscribing it, profess any principles inconsistent with liberty ofconscienceandtherightofprivatejudgment."OneofthequestionsintheFormula itself contains the following clauses:—"Doyoubelieve that theLordJesusChrist,asKingandHeadoftheChurch,hasthereinappointeda government in the hands of church officers, distinct from, and notsubordinate in its ownprovince to, civil government; and that the civil

Page 483: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

government does not possess jurisdiction or authoritative control overtheregulationoftheaffairsofChrist'sChurch?"

ThecourseadoptedintheReformedPresbyterianChurchisdifferent.

ThisChurchgivesforcetotheActAD1647,but,inaddition,bymeansofaTestimony,specifiedinitsTermsofCommunionandintheFormulaforOrdinationasanauthoritativeillustrationoftheprinciplesoftheChurch,itmakesanapplicationofthedoctrinescontainedintheConfession,andgivesafullexhibitionofthesenseinwhichitadherestothem;declaringthat it is "not pledged to defend every sentiment or expression," andexplicitly asserting that "to employ civil coercion of any kind for thepurposeof inducingmen torenounceanerroneouscreedor toespouseand profess a sound, scriptural one, is incompatiblewith the nature oftruereligion,andmusteverproveineffectualinpractice."InreferencetothedisputedanddoubtfulpassagesintheConfession,thisTestimonylaysstress on the obligation to interpret and explain them by the clearerstatements in the document, which assert the claims and protect theinterestsofreligiousandcivilfreedom.

The United Original Secession Church likewise avails itself of itsTestimonyinordertoexplainitsviewsonthissubject.IntheHistoricalPart of that Testimony, the following appears as the sixth generalproposition: "6th, That the doctrine respecting civil rulers contained inthe Confessions of the Reformed Churches, and particularly in theWestminsterConfession,canbedefendedontheprinciplesofScriptureand reason above stated. Whatever sense may be imposed on someexpressions in it, taken by themselves, yet, upon a fair and candidinterpretationofthewholedoctrinewhichitlaysdownuponthesubject,the Westminster Confession will not be found justly chargeable withcountenancingpersecution forconscience'sake,withsubjectingmatterspurelyreligioustothecognizanceofthecivilmagistrate,orwithallowinghimasupremacyovertheChurch,oranypowerinit."

Themainbodyof theAmericanPresbyterians—aswillbeseenfromtheIntroductiontothiswork(page21)—takethedirectmethodofsolvingalldifficultyandescapingallmisconstructionby thedeletionofoneclauseandthealterationoftwoparagraphsintheConfessionofFaith.

Page 484: The Westminster Confession of Faith - Monergism | Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A. A. Hodge Table of Contents A Short History of the Creeds and Confessions Some

MONERGISMBOOKS

TheWestminsterConfessionofFaithCommentary,Copyright©2014

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American CopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofMonergismBooks.

ePuband.mobiEditionsDecember2011Requestsforinformationshouldbeaddressedto:MonergismBooks,POBox491,WestLinn,OR97224


Recommended