Author: Reformed Baptista

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 205

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Day 205

Of Sanctification.

Chapter 13, Paragraph 2.

“This Sanctification is throughout, in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part, whence ariseth a continual, and irreconcilable war; the Flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the Flesh.”

Scripture Lookup

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Romans 7:18, 23

Galatians 5:17

1 Peter 2:11

Reflection

Fighting against our selves is not new to women. Just look at the financial success of the beauty industry. Every day, millions of women are curling straight hair, straightening curly hair, moisturizing dry skin, drying up oily skin. Commercials tout products with words like restore, renew, correct, reverse. We long to change our imperfections, and spend time and money to see a difference in our appearance.

Before being called and drawn by God to Himself, not only is our appearance imperfect, but our entire self is “wholly defiled, in all the faculties, and parts, of soul, and body.” (LBCF 6.2) When we are regenerated, however, we are freed from the power sin has over us, and are set apart, or sanctified. There is no part of you that is not affected by the Spirit and the word dwelling in you. While formerly corruption seeped through every pore unhindered, now that corruption is weakened and destroyed.

Yet in this life sanctification is not complete. There is no part of you that does not have to wage war, to put to death the remaining sin within you. The diligence with which we attend to our outward appearance should seem like sloth compared to the painstaking mortification of our sinful flesh. The battle is constant and irreconcilable. Yet in this war, through the work of the Holy Spirit, we shall overcome, and our sinful flesh shall be overcome.

Questions to Consider

  • How goes the battle, Christian?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 204

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Day 204

Of Sanctification.

Chapter 13, Paragraph 1.

“…and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of all true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

Scripture Lookup

Colossians 1:11

2 Corinthians 7:1

Hebrews 12:14

Reflection

In sanctification, those of us in Christ have the sin which remains in us progressively weakened and destroyed. This occurs through the Holy Spirit and the word dwelling in us. This mortification of sin lasts the remainder of our lives. We will wage war within ourselves until death.

While we have the intimidating task of fighting our remaining sin ahead of us, it is not the only thing we can anticipate. We are not left in a neutral state as we struggle with our remaining corruption of sin. The same word and Spirit that regenerate us, and that weaken and destroy our remaining sin, also aid us in growing in all saving graces. As a result of such we grow in godliness. In Christ, you are not where you were yesterday, and you are not where you will be tomorrow. The climb heavenward may include some falls, but it resolutely moves onward and upward.

With the Spirit Himself quickening you and strengthening you, you do not have to fear that your attempts at holiness will end in utter failure. Like the Proverbs 31 woman we can smile at the future, for in His provision the Lord has promised that growth will happen. Rely on the Spirit, let His word dwell in you richly, and with endurance pursue sanctification.

Questions to Consider

  • Are you trusting in the Holy Spirit as you pursue holiness?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 203

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Day 203

Of Sanctification.

Chapter 13, Paragraph 1.

“…the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts of it are more and more weakened and mortified…”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 6:14
Galatians 5:24

Reflection

The elect are called, justified, and also sanctified. Through the Holy Spirit and the word of Scripture dwelling in them, they are freed from sin’s rule, and that remaining corruption of sin that believers possess is put to death. This sanctification is a constant battle in this life, but victory is assured.

Look at what the confession says: “the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed”. Sin no longer has any power over you. Is there any part that still reigns? No, for the whole body of sin is destroyed. When you are in Christ, there is not one sin that is still master over you. You are free to live to righteousness!

While sin no longer has any hold over the believer, though, like an evicted tenant who claims squatter’s rights, it refuses to leave. Thomas Boston wrote:

[Believers] are planted together with Christ in the likeness of His death, which was a lingering death (Rom. 6.5). Sin in the saint, though not quite dead, yet is dying. If it were dead, it would be taken down from the cross, and buried out of his sight: but it hangs there as yet, working and struggling under its mortal wounds. – Human Nature In Its Fourfold State

We will still succumb to temptation. Knowing we are no longer slaves to sin should make our grief over the times we do sin more keenly felt. Thankfully, through Christ we are forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness.

Through the grace of sanctification, our corrupt nature is progressively weakened and put to death. It doesn’t always feel that way, does it? As believers, we have heightened senses to the sin in ourselves, so we see it for the hydra it is: one head is slain and two more pop up in its place. Despair can tempt us to give up. Yet the Holy spirit is dwelling within us, with the same omnipotence that raised Christ from the dead. We need not doubt that He will accomplish what He says. Christian, your sin is being stamped out; trust Him to give you strength to continue the fight!

Questions to Consider

  • Are you drawing strength to fight sin from the Holy Spirit?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 202

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Day 202

Of Sanctification.

Chapter 13, Paragraph 1.

“They who are united to Christ, effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, are also farther sanctified, really and personally, through the same virtue, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them…”

Scripture Lookup

Acts 20:32

Rom. 6:5,6

John 17:17

Ephesians 3:16-19

1 Thessalonians 5:21-23

Reflection

A regenerated sinner does not stay a mere sinner. Not only is she declared righteous on account of Christ’s perfect obedience to the law, she is set apart as well. She is declared holy, or sanctified, because of what Christ has done on her behalf.

Freed from the guilt of sin, God enables the believer to will that which is good. The elect desire to be righteous since they have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. However, they still drag their corrupted nature with them throughout this life. How can they do what is right with such an enemy as their own flesh hanging around?

Herein lies the beauty of sanctification: not only are we declared righteous due to Christ, but God works in us so that we are personally sanctified. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the Word, the alien righteousness of Christ becomes ours as we are gradually conformed to His image. Our corrupt nature is slowly but surely defeated. Victory over sin is guaranteed at death.

It is important to note that sanctification requires the dwelling of the Spirit and the Word. Scripture is not only necessary for conversion, but for the rest of the Christian’s walk. Thus Paul instructs believers to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:6). To neglect the Word is to neglect our sanctification. The same is true of the Spirit. We are not regenerated so that we may turn around and tell God “I’ve got it from here, thanks!”, but constantly depend upon the Spirit for strength to produce the fruit of sanctification. Through His guidance combined with His Word, we will grow in godliness.

Questions to Consider

  • Do you find you separate the Spirit and the Word, rather than see how they work together for your sanctification?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 201

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Day 201

Of Adoption.

Chapter 12.

“…yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.”

Scripture Lookup

Lamentations 3:31
Ephesians 4:30
Hebrews 1:14, 6:12

Reflection

Several years ago there were a couple of high-profile news stories about parents who no longer wished to care for their adopted children. The reasons given by the adults included: the children were too violent, were not what they expected, and that they were unable to bond with them. The kids did not measure up, and so the parents gave up.

We are told through Scripture that the elect receive the grace of adoption. Believers have God’s name put upon them, are enabled to call Him “Abba, Father”, and can boldly access the throne of grace. We hear that our heavenly Father will care for us, protect us, provide for us. He will also lovingly chastise us. But will He ever give us up? Does He know what He’s getting into, dealing with such sinners are we are?

God does not cast off His elect. His seal has been put upon us, and it will never be broken. Despite our corruption that remains with us in this life, He always remains with us constantly until the end, and works in us to conform us to His image. Adopted as “sons”, we will receive the full inheritance like eldest sons in a family traditionally did. What will we inherit?  Everlasting life, forever in the presence of our Lord. Nothing is going to separate us from His love:

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-9

“O Love that will not let me go!”

Questions to Consider

  • If God does not change (and He doesn’t), then how does that affect your salvation?

A Little time With The 1689: Day 200

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Day 200

Of Adoption.

Chapter 12.

“…are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him, as by a Father;,…”

Scripture Lookup

Psalm 103:13

Proverbs 14:26

1 Peter 5:7

Hebrews 12:6

Isaiah 54:8, 9

Reflection

Through the grace of adoption, the elect enjoy certain privileges of having God as their Father. Some of the privileges bestowed upon the elect are:

  • pitied. As a believer, you are not declared righteous and then summarily ignored. God sees your weak frame and gives comfort accordingly.  “…a bruised reed he will not break; and a faintly burning wick he will not quench…” (Isaiah 42:3)
  • protected. Christ restrains and conquers all His and our enemies. God diligently guards His children. “My Father…is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:29)
  • provided for. All our needs are provided by God. Every. Single. One. As our heavenly father, He knows what we need better than we do ourselves. We can place complete trust in Him, knowing that His care for us is all-encompassing. “He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” (Psalm 111:5)
  • chastened by him. It is hard to think of this as a privilege at first, but when we see that such reproof is done out of love, we learn to welcome it. Such discipline smarts, but the balm of being drawn closer to our Father is all the more soothing. “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and chastises every son he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)

We are not left alone when we come to faith, but receive blessings through the adoption of God, who will never disown us. “…for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5)

Questions to Consider

  • In times of trial, how does the doctrine of adoption bring comfort?

A Little Time With the 1689: Day 199

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Day 199

Of Adoption.

Chapter 12.

“… have his name put on them, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father,…”

Scripture Lookup

2 Corinthians 6:18

Revelation 3:12

Romans 8:15

Galatians 4:6

Ephesians 2:18

Reflection

What’s in a name? Shakespeare concluded in Romeo and Juliet that a name shouldn’t have much bearing on a person. However, names have always carried significance. They speak to the history of the individual, where her ancestors came from, what influences has shaped her upbringing. Family names can carry great power and influence: someone with the last name Trump or Obama will receive much more attention than a Smith. When a woman takes the last name of her husband, she is declaring to the world that they are now one flesh. Names carry great importance, despite Shakespeare’s complaint.

Biblically, receiving a new name changes a person tremendously. When the elect receive the grace of adoption, God’s name is put upon them. Those who receive Him, who believe in His name, He gives the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). Our status is changed from being children of the devil to being God’s children. Through believing in His name, we have His name put on us! We belong to Him. We are part of the family, with all the privileges being a son of God entails.

Through the Spirit of adoption, due to our position as sons of God, we are enabled to call God “Abba, Father”.  We can boldly access the throne of grace. No taking a number, no appointment necessary – our relationship with God is such that we can call upon Him at any time. We have a closeness with Him that is unattainable by anyone not in the family. This closeness is not only present in times of peace, but in our distress as well. Sinclair Ferguson writes concerning Romans 8:15:

The picture is not that of the believer resting quietly in his Father’s arms in childlike faith, but of the child who has tripped and fallen crying in pain, ‘Daddy, Daddy’. That cry is the mark of the presence of the Spirit of adoption, not least because it shows that in time of need it is towards our Father in heaven that we look. – (The Christian Life)

What’s in a name? For the Christian, there is great blessing in having His name. We need no longer fear, for we are His.

Questions to Consider

  • How does knowing that the elect receive adoption as God’s sons affect your relationship with them?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 198

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Day 198

Of Adoption.

Chapter 12.

“All those that are justified, God vouchsafed, in, and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the Grace of Adoption; by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the Liberties, and Privileges of Children of God;…”

Scripture Lookup

Ephesians 1:5

Galatians 4:4,5

John 1:12

Romans 8:17

Reflection

All those that are justified are also adopted. We could have been declared righteous, and then left to go about our business, never counted as sons of God, never enjoying the benefits that come with such a title. Because of Christ, however, we are brought into the family of God. What does adoption mean?

To be adopted implies that there was a time when we were not adopted. This is certainly true: before regeneration, we were by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). Adam was God’s son when he was created, but that status was revoked when he fell. Since all of humanity fell with him, they can no longer can be called “sons of God”. All people are made in God’s image, and all are created by God, but they are not God’s children. That right belongs solely to the elect.

In the adoption of sons and daughters [God] restores for himself that glory of the image of his Son which was marred and shattered at the Fall.

-Sinclair Ferguson, The Christian Life

Because of Jesus Christ, God graciously granted that the elect receive the blessing of adoption. Male and female, young and old, are all granted the title of being “sons”. Our status is changed from being children of wrath to being children of God, and we receive all the liberties and privileges that contains. There is no trial period – to enter into the number of God’s children means that you will never be cast away.

Questions to Consider

  • How does being adopted by God affect your life right now?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 197

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Day 197

Of Justification.

Chapter 11, Paragraph 6.

“The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.”

Scripture Lookup

Galatians 3:9

Romans 4:22-24

Reflection

Abraham! Joseph! Moses! They and all the Old Testament saints who witnessed miracles, sacrificed animals, and lived in a culture, time, and place so foreign to my own, I admit I find them hard to relate to. Blame the old movies, musicals, and storybooks written about them, but their lives seemed so sweeping, so grandiose, so larger-than-life. (And in Technicolor!) What could modern-day Christians have in common with such ancient people whose faith was so strong movies were made about them millennia later?

A beautiful fact about justification is that when it comes to being declared righteous before God, all the elect are equal. The reason why Abraham is considered righteous, or Rahab, or Daniel, is not because there was something inherently amazing in them that made God take notice. They were justified by faith through the obedience and death of Jesus Christ. As any sinner who is drawn to Christ today is pardoned of sins and accepted as righteous, so too they were.  Time does not divide the elect when it comes to justification.

How could the Old Testament saints be justified by faith in Christ when Jesus had not been born yet? Earlier in chapter seven of the Confession we read how the Covenant of Grace (the offer of life and salvation to sinner by Jesus Christ) was revealed first to Adam and Eve after the Fall, then by farther steps until “the full discovery thereof was compleated in the new Testament”. Through the animal sacrifices, promises, and various types, Jesus was revealed to be the Seed of the Woman who would crush the Serpent’s head. Those elect who lived before Christ were not justified due to all the offerings they  sacrificed, but were justified by faith in the One who was to come. They received all the benefits of Christ’s redemption although it had not yet occurred. (Confession, Chapter 8, paragraph 6)

I may not lead a nation or have movies made about me. You might not, either. But if we are both in Christ, our righteousness is the same. We have God to thank for that.

Questions to Consider

  • Is it hard to believe that you have anything in common with Old Testament saints?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 196

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Day 196

Of Justification.

Chapter 11, Paragraph 5.

“God doth continue to Forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification; yet they may by their sins fall under God’s Fatherly displeasure; and in that condition, they have not usually the light of his Countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith, and repentance.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 6:12

1 John 1:7,9

John 10:28

Psalm 89:31-33

Psalm 32:5

Psalm 51

Matthew 26:75

Reflection

Slipping into sin is a sad reality for the Christian. It occurs too often, and we are reminded each time of how lacking in righteousness we are in our flesh. Is there ever a time that we finally cross the line, where God says “That’s it, I’m done here”? Does such sinning void the justification they have in Christ? With great joy and thankfulness we can shout NO! The elect can never fall from justification! God will always forgive our sins on account of Christ.There is no need to hold back from seeking His forgiveness, for He gives it freely.

There may be times, however, that we take His grace for granted, and do not humbly confess our wrongdoing. Distrust and pride can restrain our repentance. We may pridefully think we are above needing to confess, be hesitant to believe that He is faithful and will forgive us, or simply be unaware that there is any sin in our lives. At such times God may remove the light of His countenance from us.  As Chapter 5, paragraph 5 of the Confession states, He may:

…leave His children to the corruptions of their own heart…that they may be humbled, to raise them to a more constant dependence upon Him, and to make them more watchful against future occasions of sin…

We must be ever ready to fight the temptation of unbelief, put aside our pride and come to Him in humility. Is it fun to do? No. But the alternative – remaining distant from Him who loves us and has justified us – is much worse. Don’t keep away from God. Freely confess and repent. He has forgiven you, and will continue to forgive.

Questions to Consider

  • What keeps you from immediately and freely confessing your sin before God?