1689

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 219

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Day 219

Of Good Works.

Chapter 16, Paragraph 2.

“…edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glory God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that having their fruit unto holiness they may have the end eternal life.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 5:16

1 Timothy 6:1

1 Peter 2:15

Philippians 1:11

Ephesians 2:10

Romans 6:22

Reflection

What is the purpose of doing good works? If Christ has done everything on our behalf that is necessary to be saved, then good works can appear to be unnecessary. Indeed, there are have been those throughout history who have denied the need for any good works issuing from the believer. So what are the benefits of good works?

In the first part of paragraph 2 of Chapter 16 we learned that good works are the fruit of a true and lively faith. As such, they are evidences that a genuine faith dwells within a person, and assure her that she does possess true faith. Good works are also a demonstration of thankfulness on the part of the believer. Out of gratitude for Christ’s work on her behalf, the believer in turn obeys His commands.

Good works, then, contain benefits for the believer. But they provide benefits for others as well. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are encouraged and instructed when they see our obedience to God’s commands. The gospel, beautiful on its own, is further adorned when accompanied by good works. Unbelievers can not fault us when they see our good works.

Good works enrich the lives of believers and affect those around them. Most of all, however, they are a means of glorifying God. The good works that we do as new creations point to our Creator. For these works have been created by Him for us to do. Through the fruit of these works, which is holiness, we receive eternal life. All given by God, all for His glory alone.

Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. -Romans 6:13

Questions to Consider

  • How are you glorifying God by your good works today?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 218

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Day 218

Of Good Works.

Chapter 16, Paragraph 2.

“These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits, and evidences of a true, and lively faith; and by them Believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance,…”

Scripture Lookup

James 2:18,22

Psalm 116:12,13

1 John 2:3,5

2 Pet. 1:5-11

Reflection

What do we prove by our good works? That we’re better than others? No. Good works leave no room for boasting. They are not done to earn favor with God, for we have seen His mercy towards us in Christ. Rather, by obeying God’s commands we see a demonstration of the faith we profess. Good works flow from faith. They are the result, or fruit, of genuine God-given faith. Realizing what Christ has done on our behalf, our gratitude takes shape in the form of good works.

Good works also assure us that we do possess saving faith. We have tangible evidence that our hearts have been changed, because our actions have changed. No longer do we do all things out of an inclination toward evil. Looking back on our Christian walk, we can see that God’s commands have not been cumbersome, and that we have delighted to do them. Perhaps we have not delighted to them all the time, for we still have the corruption of sin remaining with us, but a true and lively faith will leave its marks by the good works it produces.

Therefore,

…let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Hebrews 10:24,25

Questions to Consider

  • Can you see good works in your life as evidence of your faith?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 217

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Day 217

Of Good Works.

Chapter 16, Paragraph 1.

“Good Works are only such as God hath commanded in his Holy word; and not such as without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intentions.”

Scripture Lookup

Micah 6:8

Hebrews 13:21

Matthew 15:9

Isaiah 29:13

Reflection

What makes a work good? Is it the consensus of the culture? Is it what some learned people determine is good? Is it what feels right?

The only good works are those which God has commanded in His word. “No one is good except God alone.” (Mark 10:18). Goodness does not exist apart from God. He has all goodness in and of Himself. As the Creator of all things, He is the sole determiner of what constitutes a good work. Through Scripture, God has declared to us what good deeds are and how they are to be performed.

Due to the Fall, creation and mankind are corrupted by sin. We are utterly indisposed to all good. As a result, without the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating us, we are unable to do good. Even after regeneration, the remaining corruption of sin can entice us to label works “good” that Scripture does not. Eager to demonstrate our holiness, we may ignorantly create commands that do not exist in Scripture. We may even violate a command found in Scripture because of our circumstances. Our intentions may be to do good, but when they are not in keeping with what God has proscribed in His Word, those actions cannot be called good.

If we desire to do good, then we must know what works are good. Study Scripture, that sufficient, certain and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. Thus you may learn what a good work is, and which works are not.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:2

Questions to Consider

  • How have you determined what works are good?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 216

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Day 216

Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation.

Chapter 15, Paragraph 5.

“Such is the provision which God hath made through Christ in the Covenant of Grace, for the preservation of Believers unto Salvation, that although there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation; yet there is no sin so great, that it shall bring damnation to them that repent; which makes the constant preaching of repentance necessary.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 6:23
Isaiah 1:16-18, 55:7

Reflection

There is no sin too small to slip through the cracks of God’s justice. No matter how minuscule you may consider it, that sin is a glaring neon contrasted with the spotless white of God’s law. Christian, do not treat your sin too lightly. While you are justified by faith, that sin causes a rift in your communion with God. Repent of your small sins, and receive forgiveness and restoration.

There is no sin too great that it lies outside the ability of Christ. You may see the magnitude of your sin as blocking out the light of God’s forgiveness, but that is not so! For in order to see your sin means that light still comes to you. Sin can not totally eclipse the love of God for one who repents. Repent of your big sins, then, and see how His face shines upon you with lovingkindness.

Persistent repentance is the means by which we are preserved unto salvation. A life marked by repentance, trusting in the work of Christ, is a life that will endure to the end. When repentance is preached, we are pointed once again to the majesty of God’s mercy through Jesus Christ. Repentance is not something from which to shy away. Rather, we ought to see it as the grace that it is, and welcome it, for it draws us close to God.

Questions to Consider

  • Are you avoiding repentance?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 215

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Day 215

Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation.

Chapter 15, Paragraph 4.

“As Repentance is to be continued through the whole course of our lives, upon the account of the body of death, and the motions thereof; so it is every man’s duty, to repent of his particular known sins, particularly.”

Scripture Lookup

Luke 19:8

1 Timothy 1:13,15

Reflection

Repentance is not a one-time deal. Because we still have the remaining corruption of sin within us, falling into sin is still a reality for the Christian. The battle against the flesh is a hard one, and we do not always resist successfully. Do not think that you can avoid sinning completely in this life. You will sin.

Since we personally sin, we have to personally repent. No one can repent for you. Since every sin is reprehensible to God, and we continue to sin daily, repentance should be sought out regularly. Do not let pride hinder your repentance. “God will forgive me” is not a reason to delay repentance. Yes, He will forgive you – all the more reason that you should repent as soon as you realize you have sinned!

We are commanded to repent. Throughout the course of our Christian walk, we are to utilize this grace of repentance, that we may not grow stagnant in our sins. May we continually repent, going before the throne of grace to seek forgiveness from Him who freely gives it.

Until sin be bitter—Christ will not be sweet. -Thomas Watson

Questions to Consider

  • Are you personally repenting of your personal sins?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 214

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Day 214

Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation.

Chapter 15, Paragraph 3.

“This saving Repentance is an evangelical Grace, whereby a person being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the manifold evils of his sin, doth, by Faith in Christ, humble himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self abhorrency; praying for pardon, and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavor by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well pleasing in all things.”

Scripture Lookup

Zechariah 12:10

Acts 11:18

Ezekiel 36:31

2 Corinthians 7:11

Psalm 119:6,128

Reflection

What does godly repentance look like? Is it merely feeling sorry? Is it perpetual guilt? While the word “repent” is despised by the world, the multi-faceted act of repentance is a healing, restorative grace given by God. Let’s explore what repentance entails:

  • Repentance is a grace of God. We do not have to muster up repentance. That said, if you know you have sinned, then you know your duty is to confess and repent of that sin. Do not continue in your sin because you feel you haven’t been granted repentance!
  • Repentance is realization. You are made aware of your sin. The first step of repentance is to realize and acknowledge that you have sinned.
  • Repentance requires reflection. Humbleness, godly sorrow, detestation, and self-abhorrence are part of repentance. Our sin has its origin in the inner man (Matthew 12:34), and so our repentance starts within as well. “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
  • Repentance relies on the grace and mercy of God. The penitent woman does not simply try harder next time to avoid sin. Rather, she seeks forgiveness from God and asks for strength from the Holy Spirit to resist temptation.
  • Repentance resumes running. The one who repents does not stay wallowing in remorse, but rejoices in the cleansing sacrifice of the Savior. She gets back on track running the race set before her, her eyes set on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of her faith.

We see, then, that repentance is not only a feeling. It is not a dour attitude, not is it living with constant guilt. Assent of sin, sorrow for it, prayer for pardon and mercy, supplication for strength, and resolve to walk in a manner worthy of our calling are all encompassed in repentance. Do not avoid repentance, then, but make great use of it.

Questions to Consider

  • How has the world’s view of repentance affected your understanding of it?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 213

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Day 213

Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation.

Chapter 15, Paragraph 2.

“Whereas there is none that doth good, and sinneth not; and the best of men may through the power, and deceitfulness of their corruption dwelling in them, with the prevalency of temptation, fall into great sins, and provocations; God hath in the Covenant of Grace, mercifully provided that Believers so sinning and falling, be renewed through Repentance unto Salvation.”

Scripture Lookup

Ecclesiastes 7:20
Luke 22:31,32

Reflection

No matter how hard you try, Christian, you’re going to sin sometime. There is no one that does good and does not sin. No one. The corruption of sin remains within us, and it is a formidable foe. It is strong, and it is tricky. We may succumb to its persuasions without even realizing it right away. As Christians it is possible to commit major sins, and there are faithful men and women who have done so. So if Christians will fall into grievous sins, how are they different from unbelievers?

Repentance. God’s provision for believers who have fallen into sin, repentance renews the right spirit within us. We do not have to continue to ignorantly wallow in the filth of sin, unable to return to communion with God. We do not have to continually look at the sin we commit and be sickened by its presence. Repentance is given, so that we can recognize our sin and turn from it, seeking forgiveness. It is a blessing that draws us closer to our Savior.

Christian, when you find you have sinned, do not delay. Do not get stuck in self-pity, beating yourself up for your stupidity and ignorance. Instead, lay hold of the gracious option that the Lord provides for you, and repent unto salvation.

Questions to Consider

  • Do you find it difficult to repent?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 212

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Day 212

Of Repentance Unto Life and Salvation.

Chapter 15, Paragraph 1.

“Such of the Elect as are converted at riper years, having sometime lived in the state of nature, and therein served divers lusts and pleasures, God in their Effectual Calling gives them Repentance unto Life.”

Scripture Lookup

Titus 3:2-5

Reflection

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

More people are living longer than their predecessors did. Rather than rocking in chairs all day, many of those old enough to be grandparents are out and about, active and influential. Many of those are without Christ as well.

The elect come to faith at all different ages. Some when they are young, not having much time to commit various sins. Others, however, remain in that unregenerate corrupted nature for years. They have racked up numerous sins of diverse kinds. Not only are they saturated in their corrupt nature, they are quite familiar with committing sin. Well seasoned veterans at vice, they are.

From a human perspective, hardened hearts firmly set in patterns of sin are unlikely to change their ways. Yet the elect is there among them. God draws His people from among the mature, experienced sinners as well. He grants them repentance unto life. They are changed, and act accordingly.

You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks. But God can.

Questions to Consider

  • Is anyone too sinful to repent?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 211

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Day 211

Of Saving Faith.

Chapter 14, Paragraph 3.

“…and therefore, though it may be many times assailed and weakened, yet it gets the victory, growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.”

Scripture Lookup

Ephesians 6:16

1 John 5:4,5

Hebrews 6:11,12

Colossians 2:2

Hebrews 12:2

Reflection

Often in times of struggle we berate ourselves for not having enough faith. We wonder if we will pull through this ordeal. Frail, fickle, and still full of sin as we are, frustration sets in as we see how much we lack. Walking away from belief altogether is a real temptation.

But who has granted us this faith?

“The Grace of Faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts:…” (LBCF 14.1)

God Himself, the infinite, eternal, immutable Being, the One who is most loving, gracious, merciful and long-suffering, is the One who has worked this faith in our hearts. The most holy and righteous God, who suffered and died for your salvation, is the One who enabled you to believe in Him. Do you think He will let this faith fade away to nothing?

Listen to what He says:

I will never leave you nor forsake you. -Hebrews 13:5

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. -Matthew 28:20

…the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. -Romans 8:27

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. -Romans 8:33

Is this a God who will walk away from you? Who will extinguish the faith that He worked in you at great cost to Himself?

Saving faith, no matter how much it waxes and wanes, overcomes in the end. This victory is solely because of Christ, who is the Author and finisher of our faith. It is not dependent upon us, thank God for that! When your faith is waning, look to Him with the little faith you have. Trust that He will strengthen it, and walk in that trust. Victory is assured.

Questions to Consider

  • If Jesus is the Author and finisher of our faith, who should we turn to when our faith is weak?

A Little Time With The 1689: Day 210

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Day 210

Of Saving Faith.

Chapter 14, Paragraph 3.

“This Faith although it be different in degrees, and may be weak, or strong; yet it is in the least degree of it, different in the kind, or nature of it (as is all other saving Grace) from the Faith, and common grace of temporary believers;…”

Scripture Lookup

Hebrews 5:13,14

Matthew 6:30

Romans 4:19,20

2 Peter 1:1

Reflection

Do you have enough faith?

That is the wrong question to ask.

Somehow some think that if you achieve a certain level of faith, then you’ve arrived. Then you can be a good Christian, and be considered saintly.

Such thinking is not Biblical.

Your faith may be incredibly strong. It may be flickering. But if it is saving faith, then it still enables you to believe God’s word, trust in Christ, and act upon that belief, whether it is a mustard seed or a mountain. The degrees of faith are not what defines saving faith: it is the nature of saving faith that determines its value.

Do you despise a diamond because it is not the largest one in the world? Of course not. You recognize it for the treasure it is, because it is a diamond. Such is the case with saving faith. Your faith may be the size of the smallest diamond in the world, but it is still a diamond and not a cubic zirconia. Saving faith is a grace of God, who gives good gifts to His children. Thank Him for the faith you have, and then humbly ask for more.

Questions to Consider

  • What is the nature of saving faith?