Author: Reformed Baptista

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 245

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Day 245

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 4.

“To them also he gave sundry judicial Laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any now by virtue of that institution; their general equity only, being of moral use.”

Scripture Lookup

1 Corinthians 9:8-10

Reflection

With all the laws that God gave to the people of Israel, we can see three categories: moral, ceremonial, and judicial or civil. The moral law was codified in the Ten Commandments, and is the law that is all people know intrinsically, although their knowledge is faulty due to the Fall. The ceremonial laws regulated the worship of Israel. When Christ came, He abrogated those laws, as they were types that pointed to Him. The final category of laws given to Israel are civil laws. Are they to be obeyed today?

The civil laws are those laws given to govern the nation of Israel in everyday occurrences. Disputes over property, punishment for crimes, and other applications of justice were among these laws. When Israel ceased being a nation, those laws ceased with them. No longer does stoning have to be a punishment, or cities specifically set aside for rash murderers avoiding revenge. Other nations are not expressly set up by God, and thus do not need to follow Israel’s laws to the letter.

While not applicable for other nations, the civil laws given to Israel serve a moral use to Christians today. Through them, we see principles that we can apply to our own situations. How do we deal with our neighbor? What is our obligation when we damage someone’s property? The action taken may be different than what the law to Israel specified, but the spirit of the law is implemented in our response to the modern-day situation.

Questions to Consider

  • Can you take a civil law given to Israel and see how the general equity can apply to yourself?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 244

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Day 244

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 3.

“Besides this Law commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel Ceremonial Laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties, all which Ceremonial Laws being appointed only to the time of reformation, are by Jesus Christ the true Messiah and only Law-giver who was furnished with power from the Father, for that end, abrogated and taken away.”

Scripture Lookup

Hebrews 10:1

Colossians 2:17

1 Corinthians 5:7

Colossians 2:14,16,17

Ephesians 2:14,16

Reflection

The Ten Commandments are the universal law that was written on the heart of Adam, and remains (albeit disfigured) on the hearts of all his descendants. These were not the only laws given to the nation of Israel, though. What about them? Do they apply to believers today? Why were they given to Israel?

Some of the other laws God gave to Israel dealt with worship. These laws were types: they pointed to a greater reality that was to come. Some of them pointed to Christ and what He would accomplish. For example, the sacrifice of animals for sin pointed to the reality of Christ’s sacrifice atoning for sin. Some were instructions that pointed to a higher moral duty. Unleavened bread pointed to remaining free from sin. These ceremonial laws existed for Israel until something, or rather Someone, greater came along.

Through His life and death, Christ fulfilled that to which these ceremonial laws pointed. Christ is the One who has authority to give or take away such laws, and since His coming those laws are no longer needed. Our righteousness and forgiveness of sin is found through His mediatorial work! Because of this, ceremonial laws are not to be followed today.

Unfortunately, there is a fascination with ceremonial laws that goes beyond understanding how they are fulfilled in Christ. Some groups wish to bring back the food laws, the festivals, and other ceremonial laws. Those who follow such do not understand how Christ is the reality those laws shadowed. Do not live in the shadows. Live in the light of the Lawgiver!

Questions to Consider

  • Are you more fascinated with ceremonial laws than the One they point to?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 243

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Day 243

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 2.

“The same Law that was first written in the heart of man, continued to be a perfect rule of Righteousness after the fall, and was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai, in Ten Commandments, and written in two Tables; the four first containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 2:14,15
Deuteronomy 10:4

Reflection

Blurred writing exists on the heart of all humanity who has been born of ordinary generation. This writing is the law of God, written in the heart of Adam, yet smudged when he transgressed and fell from his state of righteousness. As a result, people know there is a God and that He should be obeyed, but that knowledge of what is required of them is faulty.

In His mercy, however, God revealed that law written upon the heart of Adam to the Israelites. Ten commandments summarize that standard of righteousness that, although broken by Adam, have remained in effect to this day. Four deal with our actions towards God; six deal with our actions towards our neighbors. This is the law of God that is present, albeit fuzzily, on the hearts of every single ordinary person that has ever lived:

More than a plaque on a wall, or a relic of a bygone nation, the Ten Commandments were expressly written by the finger of God. What was written there was written upon the heart of Adam and continues to be the rule of righteousness for all mankind. Since the Ten commandments are given such prominence by God, doesn’t it make sense that we should learn what they are? Doesn’t it make sense that we should strive to obey them?

Questions to Consider

  • What role does the Ten Commandments play in your life?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 242

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Day 242

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 1.

“God gave to Adam a Law of universal obedience written in his Heart, and a particular precept of not eating the Fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; by which he bound him, and all his posterity to personal entire exact and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it.”

Scripture Lookup

Genesis 1:27

Ecclesiastes 7:29

Romans 10:5

Galatians 3:10,12

Reflection

Rules. Regulations. Do’s and don’ts. Not something many people enjoy. Not something many Christians like to study. Why learn about God’s law anyway? Aren’t we saved by grace? Aren’t we simply told to love God and love our neighbor?

Knowing about God’s law and its role in the life of the believer is crucial to understanding just what loving God and loving our neighbor looks like. Understanding what was broken in the Garden, and what is broken today, helps us to see just how much we need God’s grace. Through understanding what God’s law actually is, we steer clear of putting demands on others that God does not require. Knowing what delights Him aids us as we grow in sanctification.

To understand the law of God, we need to revisit Adam in the Garden. When Adam was created, he had knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. The law of God was written on his heart. What does that mean? It means that there were commands of God that were intrinsic to Adam’s nature. Adam originally did good because those good works flowed from the law of God written upon his heart. He knew what God required of him, and had the ability to fulfill those requirements.

However, God gave Adam a command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This specific command Adam would not have known, since it was not part of the law written upon his heart. This is why in the Confession the command not to eat is called a particular precept. It was specifically charged to Adam to obey at that time in history. Through Adam’s obedience to the universal law and the particular precept, he and his posterity would enjoy life, but if disobeyed would bring death. This universal law as well as the specific precept was to be kept not only by him but also his descendants, completely and exactly, forever.

We all know the result. Adam and Eve ate the fruit, disobeying God’s specific command. The law written on their hearts was blurred and smudged due to their transgression. All mankind born of ordinary generation inherit this corruption and blurry knowledge of the law of God.

Questions to Consider

  • What law of God is binding upon all mankind?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 241

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Day 241

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 4.

“…that Love of Christ, and the brethren, that sincerity of Heart, and Conscience of duty, out of which by the operation of the Spirit, this Assurance may in due time be revived: and by the which in the meantime they are preserved from utter despair.”

Scripture Lookup

Psalm 42:5,11
Lamentations 3:26-31

Reflection

When a true Christian is struggling with assurance of salvation, despite whatever she may be feeling, there are remaining evidences within her that prove she is regenerate. The Holy Spirit remains with her. She still has faith. She loves Christ and His church, knows the good she ought to do, and desires to do it. Can this be said of someone who has not been changed? These are not marks of an unregenerate person.

If you are not so much as a smoking flax, then why do you not renounce your interest in Christ, and disclaim the covenant of grace? This you dare not do. Why do you not give yourself up wholly to other pleasures? This your spirit will not allow you to do….Cast yourself into the arms of Christ, and if you perish, perish there. If you do not, you are sure to perish. If mercy is to be found anywhere, it is there.

-Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed

Such weak confidence will not last forever. Through the Spirit working in her, the Christian will be brought to a strong assurance again. God will keep His people. If you are a struggling Christian, rest in Him. Believe that certain assurance of being in a state of grace will be yours once again.

Questions to Consider

  • Does God ever leave His people to perish?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 240

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Day 240

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 4.

“…yet are they never destitute of the seed of God, and Life of Faith,…”

Scripture Lookup

1 John 3:9
Luke 22:32

Reflection

You’re struggling with assurance. Through neglect of the ordinary means God has provided, falling into a particularly grievous sin, struck by a powerful temptation, or not enjoying the blessing of God’s countenance, you wonder if you were ever saved to begin with. It sure doesn’t feel that way right now. What do you do, then?

Those who are truly in Christ, although they may have little assurance that they are His, are never cut off from God’s promise of keeping them until the end. If you hate your sin, love Christ, and desire to please God, these are indications that you are one of His. The Holy Spirit is still within you, for He has promised never to leave you. He still witnesses with your spirit that you are His child. He still will keep you to the end. He still works in you to will and to do His good pleasure. He still works repentance in you. He still sanctifies you.

There may be times when you wonder if you are His. You thought you had faith, but now you don’t know. Unbelief may seem like an easier path. Yet for the true Christian, it will be impossible to walk away from your faith. You may feel bereft of God, unloved, unfavored, but through it all your spirit will continue to cry, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Christian struggling with assurance, be assured. The Holy Spirit and your faith give evidence you are His.

Questions to Consider

  • Do unregenerate people struggle with assurance of faith?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 239

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Day 239

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 4.

“…by God’s withdrawing the light of his countenance and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light;…”

Scripture Lookup

Psalm 30:7

Reflection

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

These are words the Lord gives to comfort those that are His. He does not lie.

There are times, though, when true believers do not have the light of His countenance upon them. The Lord has sovereignly purposed for these children of His to experience walking in darkness. The blessing of God’s favor is not felt. Rather, His displeasure and discipline are constantly before her. At these times, assurance of salvation wanes.

What should a Christian do in such situations? Knowing that assurance can falter during such times helps to prepare for if those times come. If you have sin to confess, He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. The promises of God have not changed, even if our feelings have. Remember that, when the darkness engulfs you and you don’t know when His face will shine on you again.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. -James 4:8

Questions to Consider

  • Have you ever experienced God withdrawing His countenance?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 238

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Day 238

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 4.

“True Believers may have the assurance of their Salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as by negligence in preserving of it, by falling into some special Sin, which woundeth the Conscience and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation,…”

Scripture Lookup

Canticles (Song of Solomon) 5:2,3,6
Psalm 51:8,12,14
Psalm 116:11; 77:7,8, 31:22

Reflection

Assurance of salvation is not something that, once obtained, remains vibrant throughout the course of the believer’s life. Certain circumstances can cause it to wane. Three such circumstances are: neglecting its preservation, falling into a especially conscience-pricking sin, and by an extremely passionate temptation. At such times assurance is naturally frail.

How does a believer neglect the preservation of her assurance? By neglecting to make her calling and election sure. Ignore the means of grace provided, refuse to avail yourself of what God has given to enlarge your heart in joy and thankfulness to Him, and confidence in your salvation will wane.

Certain sins cause great anguish of the conscience. While all sin is horrible, there are sins that are especially heartbreaking. They also grieve the Spirit, the same Spirit that works repentance in us. When a conscience is crushed and the Spirit grieved, assurance of salvation is low.

Temptation is not sin. However, it can come upon you so strongly and suddenly that any confidence carried is knocked out of you. This is not temptation that we face daily, but as Sam Waldron writes in his commentary on the Confession,

…the authors of the Confession apparently intend us to think here…of an overwhelming trial or solicitation to evil which for a time so shakes the believer’s emotional frame that he questions his assurance.

These are all ways a believer can diminish her assurance. Thankfully, that assurance, although brought low, will not be quenched. May we pray for strength to persevere no matter the state of our assurance.

Questions to Consider

  • What should a Christian do when her assurance is low?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 237

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Day 237

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 3.

“…and therefore it is the duty of every one, to give all diligence to make their Calling and Election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this Assurance; so far is it from inclining men to looseness.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 5:1,2,5, 14:17

Psalm 119:32

Romans 6:1,2

Titus 2:11,12,14

Reflection

Struggling with assurance? What should you do? Is there anything you can do? While we cannot merit our salvation, we can have assurance that we are saved. Through the means that God has provided, the Spirit enables us to know what He has freely given to the believer. Prayer, Scripture, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, worshiping with the saints are such means. Participating in them may feel as if you are rowing against the tide, but as you continue, the load lessens and the joy of assurance is obtained.

When you are hungry yet wish to feel full, you do not reject food given for your nourishment. Likewise, if you are struggling with assurance, do not neglect what is beneficial for your soul. These have been given to enlarge your heart in the joy and peace of the Spirit!

Settled in your assurance? What should you do? Does infallible assurance mean a free pass to sit on the couch and do nothing? Of course not! A result of such assurance is that the believer cheerfully obeys her Lord’s commands. This doesn’t look much different than what the unsure believer is to do, and the result of a heart enlarged in the joy and peace of the Spirit is also the same. Each receive strength to obey, with love and thankfulness to God. Assurance is the wind that pushes our sails onward in Christian obedience.

Resting in Christ, with assurance confirmed with inward evidence of saving graces, does not mean retirement from Christian life. The believer presses on, availing herself of the nourishment He has spread for her. Continue to work out your salvation, then, with fear and trembling, confident that God is working in you.

Questions to Consider

  • How diligent are you at making your calling and election sure?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 236

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Day 236

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 3.

“This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true Believer, may wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it; yet being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may without extraordinary revelation in the right use of means, attain thereunto:…”

Scripture Lookup

Isaiah 50:10

Psalm 88

Psalm 77:1-12

1 John 4:13

Hebrews 6:11,12

Reflection

Confidence of salvation will always mark a true believer: yes or no?

True faith brings assurance, but it does not necessarily bring it immediately. While the saving graces of God enact change in a believer, such changes may cause her to question her salvation. Especially when struggling with certain sins, frustration and despair tend to surface: “Walking in holiness isn’t coming easily – what’s wrong with me? I must not be one of Christ’s elect. He wouldn’t want someone like me.” Such thinking, though misinformed, can be thought by believers. After all, in the irreconcilable fight against the flesh, the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail (Confession 13.3).

Although assurance may not come to a believer for a time, a comforting fact is it will come eventually. We do not need to wait until we die to know if we are truly saved. The Spirit guiding us into all truth through the means of grace that God has provided – Scripture, prayer, worshiping with the saints, the Lord’s Supper and so on – enables us to obtain such a blessed assurance.

Questions to Consider

  • If you are struggling with whether you are truly saved, what should you do?