1689

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 249

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Day 249

Of the Gospel, and of the extent of the Grace thereof.

Chapter 20, Paragraph 1.

“The Covenant of Works being broken by Sin, and made unprofitable unto Life; God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, the Seed of the Woman, as the means of calling the Elect, and begetting in them Faith and Repentance; in this Promise, the Gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and therein Effectual, for the Conversion and Salvation of sinners.”

Scripture Lookup

Genesis 3:15
Revelation 13:8

Reflection

Adam was our representative in the Covenant of Works. Its terms were: obey God’s commands, particularly His command to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and enjoy life everlasting. He had the ability and will to keep that covenant. He also had the ability and freedom to not keep that covenant. Willingly, Adam chose to disobey God, and ate of the fruit.

With an act of disobedience, Adam and Eve impacted the world, and not for the better. No human born in an ordinary way could live according to the requirements of the Covenant of Works. Decay and corruption are inherent from the moment of conception. Spiritual and physical death greet all of his descendants. Save One.

In the midst of the curses God pronounced on Adam, Eve, and the serpent that tempted them, He brought forth the promise of the Messiah, or Christ. This anointed One, a descendant of Adam and Eve, would crush the serpent’s head. A revelation of hope in the midst of so much darkness.

Through this promise God called His elect. It was a spark that the Spirit used to regenerate His own. The elect of Old Testament times did not have the knowledge of Christ to look back on as we do, but they were saved in the exact same way we are: through faith in Christ. Sam Waldron writes in his commentary on the 1689:

Men have always been saved in the same way and by the same gospel. In the Old Testament and in the New Testament that gospel was revealed. Every man ever saved was saved by its means.

Christian, not only do you share a common bond with your brothers and sisters in Christ scattered across the globe, but you share a common bond with your brothers and sisters in Christ scattered throughout eternity. The same Father that called you, called them; the same Christ that died for you, died for them; the same Holy Spirit that grants repentance and faith in you, granted faith and repentance in them. There is no special way of salvation for some, and not for others. It is always all of God’s free grace.

Questions to Consider

  • If people could be saved in a different way other than having faith in Christ, how would that affect the sufficiency of Christ for salvation?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 248

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Day 248

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 7.

“Neither are the forementioned uses of the Law contrary to the Grace of the Gospel; but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the Will of man, to do that freely and cheerfully, which the will of God revealed in the Law, requireth to be done.”

Scripture Lookup

Galatians 3:21
Ezekiel 36:27

Reflection

…sin is lawlessness… (1 John 3:4)

When I think of the Law and the Gospel, I picture them on opposite sides of a spectrum. In one corner, we have Law, cold, harsh, and unyielding; in the other corner we have Gospel, warm, gracious, and forgiving. The two don’t meet without sparring. Justification does not happen by keeping the law; it is an act of grace alone by faith alone. In the initial boxing match, the Gospel always wins. Grace is greater than the sin pointed out by the Law. Yet the Law and the Grace of the Gospel, rather than mortal enemies, are great friends in the life of a believer.

God in the Grace of the Gospel, after regenerating the heart of the elect, brings the sinner back to the moral law. The Spirit, through His grace alone, enables her to freely will and do that which is good. These good works are the obedience to God’s commands. In other words, good works are obeying the law. Without obeying the law of God, the believer would still be constantly sinning, for to sin is to not obey the law. Holiness is not cancelled out by grace. It is enabled by it.

…the one who practices righteousness is righteous… (1 John 3:7)

Isn’t it interesting that we bristle when told we are to keep God’s revealed will, but we spend so much time wondering what God’s will is for our lives? It may be more fun to ponder whether I should be a doctor in a city or an artist in the country, but striving to keep those commands that God has plainly showed in His Word should be the first priority. Through the Spirit, we can obey those commands freely and cheerfully.

He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

 

Questions to Consider

  • Do you struggle with the idea of the Christian life as one that obeys God’s moral law? Why or why not?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 247

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Day 247

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 6.

“Although true Believers be not under the Law, as a Covenant of Works, to be thereby Justified or condemned; yet it is of great use to them as well as to others: in that, as a Rule of Life, informing them of the Will of God, and their Duty, it directs and binds them, to walk accordingly; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their Natures, Hearts, and Lives; so as Examining themselves thereby, they may come to further Conviction of, Humiliation for, and Hatred against Sin; together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ and the perfection of his Obedience; It is likewise of use to the Regenerate to restrain their Corruptions, in that it forbids Sin; and the Threatenings of it serve to show what even their Sins deserve; and what afflictions in this Life they may expect for them, although freed from the Curse and unallayed Rigour thereof.  The Promises of it likewise show them God’s approbation of Obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof, though not as due to them by the Law as a Covenant of Works; so as man’s doing Good and refraining from Evil, because the Law encourages to the one and deters from the other, is no Evidence of his being under the Law and not under Grace.”

Scripture Lookup

Galatians 2:16

Romans 8:1, 10:4

Romans 3:20, 7:7, etc.

Romans 6:12-14

1 Peter 3:8-13

Reflection

Present all too often in nominally Christian mommy blogs is a post like this:

“Mommy, I know your days are hard. I know you strive to measure up. I’ve been there! But you know what? You are enough. Your heavenly Father loves you, warts and all. You don’t need to be perfect.”

Now, all of this is true…to an extent. If you are in Christ, you are loved. As Christians we are no longer condemned for not conforming to the law. Nothing we do to obey it will earn us salvation. Jesus is our representative, and His perfect righteousness is applied to us. We are accepted before God because of our union in Christ, and should not rely upon  perfectionism to be women who are holy and blameless before Him.

The problem with such blog posts is that they stop there. The reader is left feeling warm and fuzzy, not called to do anything that might be a hardship. Being justified by faith, however, does not mean that we are free to do whatever feels “good”. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” But how do we know what gives God glory? By how we feel?

Despite emotions being a popular indicator of right and wrong, Scripture shows that adherence to God’s moral law gives Him glory: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48); “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16);  “So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12).  As we grow in sanctification, we are conformed more and more to the moral law, God’s standard of holiness. These are the good works we are created to do.

The moral law is still to be followed by the Christian. To strive to obey God’s commands is not to be a legalist; it is to demonstrate the heart regenerated, the “fruits, and evidences, of a true and lively faith” (LBCF 16.2). Christian, do not shy away from following God’s moral law. It does not condemn you anymore, but guides you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Questions to Consider

  • If you are not striving to keep God’s commands as outlined in the Ten Commandments, what is holding you back?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 246

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Day 246

Of the Law of God.

Chapter 19, Paragraph 5.

“The moral law does for ever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof, and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator, who gave it; neither does Christ in the Gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 13:8-10

James 2:8,10-12

Matthew 5:17-19

Romans 3:31

Reflection

Civil and ceremonial laws given to Israel are no longer binding. Does the same hold true for the moral law? In the United States, the Ten Commandments used to be displayed in public schools. There was an outcry when such plaques were removed from various government buildings. Isn’t the Ten commandments, however, a relic of a bygone era, an outdated checklist? Is anyone obligated to obey them? What about the commands of Jesus?

Ten Commandments codify the moral law, the law that everyone inherently knows. It was written on the heart of Adam by God, where it was deformed by the Fall, and this defect passed on to all his posterity born of ordinary means. It was written down by God Himself on Mount Sinai. This is the law that condemns everyone who does not conform to it. Why does it condemn? Because all are still obligated to keep it.

Jesus reiterated the commands during His ministry. Rather than dismissing the moral law, He strengthened its obligation upon humanity. Not only is the moral law to be obeyed to the letter, but also to the spirit. All of a person’s thoughts, words, and actions  are to conform to this law. Any lack of conformity unto, or transgression of, God’s moral law, is sin.

Humanity has some sense of morality. They universally agree that there are things which are good, and things which are bad. Such morality is an echo of the true moral law that has been distorted in their hearts. Without such a universally binding moral law, there would be no sin, and no need for a Savior.

Questions to Consider

  • Should you hold an unbeliever accountable to the Ten Commandments??

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?