Adoption

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?

He’s our Father

/ wifewithpurpose / Leave a comment

My husband and I welcomed a new baby girl into our family in February. And we have been experiencing the highs and lows of having a newborn since then. In addition, dealing with the inevitable sibling jealousy and regression in behavior from our oldest has led both of us to our knees many many times this year, and it has caused me to reflect a lot on our family, my own family, and the family of God.

Presently, I am reading through J. I. Packer’s wonderful book Knowing God. (I can’t begin to tell you how great this book is, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to read it if you have not.) Andabba-father he has a great chapter on the topic of adoption, or being sons of God. Without a doubt, we know that once we have been born again, we become members of the household of God, and we see this clearly expressed in church membership and our fellowship with other brothers and sisters in the faith. But what of God? How is calling Him, Father, changing us? How has it changed our lives, our perspective on things in this life? Is it changing anything? Are we thinking about long enough for it to make a difference?

Let me share one final thought from Packer’s book that’s worth thinking about:

One more thing must be added to show how great is the blessing of adoption – namely, this: it is a blessing that abides… The depressions, randomnesses, and immaturities that mark the children of broken homes are known to us all. But things are not like that in God’s family. There you have absolute stability and security; the parent is entirely wise and good, and the child’s position is permanently assured. The very concept of adoption is itself a proof and guarantee of the preservation of the saints, for only bad fathers throw their children out of the family, even under provocation; and God is not a bad father, but a good one. When one sees depression, randomness and immaturity in Christians one cannot but wonder whether they have learned the health-giving habit of dwelling on the abiding security of true children of God.

Springboards: The Orphan, Michael

/ William F. Leonhart III / 1 Comment

In the land of Sorie Ayah was a village with no name.
They were a very simple folk who did not aspire to fame.
Men like Farmers, Bakers, Bankers, Barbers and the like,
With names like Joe and Josh and Sarah. Perhaps, even a Mike.

On the outskirts of this town there lived a farmer, name of Smith.
He had so many children that he had to hire Tiff.
Tiff was a young lady who would help Smith and his wife,
With chores like looking after children who were prone to flight.

One day, as the farmer Smith had gone off into town,
He stopped in at the feed store just to take a look around.
No one else was in the store, but a little ragged boy.
But he seemed like he’d cause no fuss, all taken with a toy.

“Hello there!” came a greeting from the clerk. His name was Bob.
“A perfect day for getting out.” The farmer gave a nod.
“So, what’s your pleasure this fine day? Come in to get some feed?
I have some worms for fishin’ and whatever else you need.”

“No thanks,” the farmer said, politely, wondering ‘bout the boy.
“I haven’t any needs, myself, but how much is that toy?”
With this, the boy looked up and then he gave a curious smile.
“Oh, that boy don’t belong here,” said Bob, charging down the aisle.

Stopping Bob right in his tracks, Smith said, “I don’t mind him.
Just tell me, how’d he get here?” asked the farmer with a grin.

“His mother left him on the step, about two hours ago.
I didn’t bother kicking him out, ‘cause business has been slow.
She said she didn’t care just what I did with him, today.
She said she won’t be coming back. He’s gotten in her way.”

“How terrible,” the farmer said. “He hasn’t got a home?”
“As far as I know,” now, Bob replied, “He’s left here all alone.”
So then they stood and talked about what should be done with him.
They spoke so softly that the boy could hardly listen in.

“Dear farmer, don’t you think you’ve taken enough upon yourself?
You have two dozen kids already. Leave him for someone else.”

“No one can raise him good as me. Of this you can attest.
So, if I raise him as my own, you know that will be best.”

Finally, the farmer said, “Son, grab your stuff. Let’s go.”
The little boy then dropped his toy and hopped up on his toes.
Walking to the door, the boy was haulted by old Smith.
“Come get this toy. I paid for it. Consider it a gift.”

The boy got in the pick-up truck, and so the farmer did.
Turning to the little tike, he asked, “What’s your name, kid?”
“Mike,” replied the little boy, still fumbling with the belt.
“Is it okay if I call you Michael. Do you think that would be swell?”

Michael shrugged his shoulders as he kicked his little feet.
The truck was nicer than his mom’s, and it certainly was clean.
The farmer drove a little ways and came upon a house.
He turned to Michael, said, “We’re here,” and then they both got out.

This was Sheriff Johnson’s house, and he was just ‘round back.
They heard him clanging tools around and saying this and that.
Following the noises, they found he was fast at work.
He was under his patrol car and all covered up with dirt.

“Need some help, there, Sheriff,” called the farmer from the hood.
Rolling out from under the car, the Sheriff slowly stood.
“Smith! What brings you ‘round these parts? It has been quite a while.”
“I was just down at the feed store, and I came upon this child.”

The sheriff took his glasses from the pocket on his shirt.
He wiped them with an old white cloth to remove all the dirt.
Pushing them snug to his nose, he gave the boy a look.
“Why, I’ve never seen this boy before, but I’ll look through my books.”

“Well, Sheriff Johnson, I’m impressed to keep him at my house.
And Tiff can look upon him till you figure all this out.
You know there’s always room at my house for these little ones.
And if you cannot find the mother, I’ll make him my own son.”

“Dear farmer, don’t you think you’ve taken enough upon yourself?
You have two dozen kids already. Leave him for someone else.”

“No one can raise him good as me. Of this you can attest.
So, if I raise him as my own, you know that will be best.”

Once again they hopped up in the farmer’s pick-up truck.
They drove out to his farm and gathered everybody up.
“Dear wife, and Tiff, and kids, this here is Michael. Please say, ‘Hi.’”
The group all greeted Michael, who so quickly became shy.

The farmer had two dozen kids, from babes to older teens.
They stood ‘round looking cheerful. Michael thought he might turn green.
They came and introduced themselves, one by one by one.
From oldest to the youngest. Twelve were daughters. Twelve were sons.

Last were Mrs. Smith and Tiff, both carrying young babes.
They welcomed him with kisses, and his worries did then fade.
In no time he felt right at home and fell in with the kids.
They played their games, told stories and spent time with Mrs. Smith.

While talking with the others, he found out they were just like him.
They all had been abandoned and the Smiths took them all in.
They all had special stories, though their stories were alike.
And though there were so many, the farmer gave each one his time.

The farm whipped up in conversations. Michael was all the buzz.
The farmer had another son, and the story’s moral was…

Though we had been forsaken from the fall of Adam and Eve,
We have a loving Father who steps down and intercedes.
He takes us off the streets of life where we would die alone.
He makes us all His children and prepares for us a home.

Catechism for Boys and Girls, Part Three: Salvation

/ William F. Leonhart III / Leave a comment

Visit the Catechism for Boys and Girls page to read the entire catechism as it is posted.

Q.68: What is a covenant?

A. A covenant is an agreement between two or more persons.

( 1Samuel 18:3; Matthew 26:14-15 )

 

Q.69: What is the covenant of grace?

A. It is an eternal agreement within the Trinity to save certain persons called the elect, and to provide all the means for their salvation.

( Genesis 17:1-8; Romans 11:27; Hebrews 10:16-17; 13:20-21; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-28 )

 

Q.70: What did Christ undertake in the covenant of grace?

A. Christ undertook to keep the whole law for his people, and to suffer the punishment due to their sins.

( Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 6:17-20; 7:22; 9:14-15; 13:20-21 )

 

Q.71: Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever sin?

A. No. He was holy, blameless, and undefiled.

( Hebrews 7:26; Luke 23:47; Hebrews 4:15; 1Peter 2:22; 1John 3:5 )

 

Q.72: How could the Son of God suffer?

A. Christ, the Son of God, took flesh and blood, that he might obey and suffer as a man.

( John 1:14; Romans 8:3; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14,17; 4:15 )

 

Q.73: What is meant by the atonement?

A. The atonement consists of Christ’s satisfying divine justice, by his sufferings and death, in the place of sinners.

( Mark 10:45; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 3:24-26; 5:8-9; 2Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 3:13; 1Peter 3:18 )

 

Q.74: For whom did Christ obey and suffer?

A. Christ obeyed and sufffered for those whom the Father had given him.

( Isaiah 53:8; Matthew 1:21; John 10:11,15-16, 26-29; 17:9; Hebrews 2:13 )

 

Q.75: What kind of life did Christ live on earth?

A. Christ lived a life of perfect obedience to the law of God.

( Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4; 1Peter 2:21-22 )

 

Q.76: What kind of death did Christ die?

A. Christ experienced the painful and shameful death of the cross.

( Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Matthew 26:47-75; 27:1-66; Mark 14:43-72; 15:1-47; Luke 22:47-71; 23:1-56; John 18-19 )

 

Q.77: Who will be saved?

A. Only those who repent of sin and believe in Christ will be saved.

( Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:37-41; 16:30-31; 20:21; 26:20 )

 

Q.78: What is it to repent?

A. Repentance involves sorrow for sin, leading one to hate and forsake it because it is displeasing to God.

( Luke 19:8-10; Romans 6:1-2; 2Corinthians 7:9-11; 1Thessalonians 1:9-10 )

 

Q.79: What is it to believe in Christ?

A. A person believes who knows that his only hope is Christ and trusts in Christ alone for salvation.

( John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1Timothy 2:5; 1John 5:11-12 )

 

Q.80: How were godly persons saved before the coming of Christ?

A. They believed in the Saviour to come.

( John 8:56; Galatians 3:8-9; 1Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebrews 9:15; 11:13 )

 

Q.81: How did they show their faith?

A. They offered sacrifices according to God’s commands.

( Exodus 24:3-8; 1Chronicles 29:20-25; Hebrews 9:19-23; 10:1; 11:28 )

 

Q.82: What did these sacrifices represent?

A. They were symbolic of Christ, the Lamb of God, who was to die for sinners.

( Exodus 12:46; cf. John 19:36; Hebrews 9-10; John 1:29; 1Corinthians 5:7; 1Peter 1:19 )

 

Q.83: What does Christ do for his people?

A. He does the work of a prophet, a priest and a king.

( Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:5; Matthew 13:57; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 18:37 )

 

Q.84: How is Christ a prophet?

A. He teaches us the will of God, reveals God to us, and really was God in human flesh.

( Deuteronomy 18:15,18; John 1:18; 4:25; 14:23-24; 1John 5:20 )

 

Q.85: Why do you need Christ as a prophet?

A. Because I am ignorant.

( Job 11:7; Matthew 11:25-27; John 6:67-69; 17:25-26; 1Corinthians 2:14-16; 2Corinthians 4:3-6 )

 

Q.86: How is Christ a priest?

A. He died for our sins and prays to God for us.

( Psalm 110:4; 1Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-25; 1John 2:1-2 )

 

Q.87: Why do you need Christ as a priest?

A. Because I am guilty.

( Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:19-23; Hebrews 10:14,27-28; 1John 1:8-9 )

 

Q.88: How is Christ a king?

A. He rules over us and defends us.

( Psalm 2:6-9; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 1:13,18; Revelation 15:3-4 )

 

Q.89: Why do you need Christ as a king?

A. Because I am weak and helpless.

( John 15:4-5; 2Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:11; Jude 24- 25 )

 

Q.90: What did God the Father undertake in the covenant of grace?

A. By His goodness and mercy, God the Father elected,and determined to justify, adopt and sanctify those for whom Christ should die.

( Exodus 33:18-19; Ephesians 1:3-5; Romans 8:29-33; Galatians 4:4-7; Hebrews 10:9-10; 1Corinthians 1:8-9; Philippians 1:6; 1Thessalonians 4:3,7 )

 

Q.91: What is election?

A. It is God’s goodness as revealed in his grace by choosing certain sinners for salvation.

( Ephesians 1:3-4; 1Thessalonians 1:4; 1Peter 1:1-2 )

 

Q.92: What is justification?

A. It is God’s regarding sinners as if they had never sinned and granting them righteousness.

( Zechariah 3:1-5; Romans 3:24-26; 4:5; 8:33; 2Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 8:12; Philippians 3:9 )

 

Q.93: What is righteousness?

A. It is God’s goodness as revealed in his law, and as honored in Christ’s perfect obedience to that law.

( Exodus 33:19; 34:6; Psalm 33:5; Hosea 3:5; Romans 11:22 )

 

Q.94: Can anyone be saved by his own righteousness?

A. No. No one is good enough for God.

( Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-23; Philippians 3:8-9 )

 

Q.95: What is adoption?

A. It is God’s goodness in receiving sinful rebels as his beloved children.

( John 1:12; Ephesians 1:5; 5:1; Galatians 4:7,31; 1John 3:1-3 )

 

Q.96: What is sanctification?

A. In sanctification God makes sinners holy in heart and conduct so that they will demonstrate his goodness in their lives.

( John 17:17; Ephesians 2:10; 4:22-24; Philippians 2:12-13; 1Thessalonians 5:23 )

 

Q.97: Is this process of sanctification ever complete in this life?

A. No.  It is certain and continual, but is complete only in heaven.

( Philippians 3:12-15; 2Peter 1:4-8; 1John 3:1-3 )

 

Q.98: What hinders the completion of sanctification in this life?

A. The Scripture says “The flesh lusts against the Spirit so that you cannot do the things you would.”

( Galatians 5:17 )

 

Q.99: Since we are by nature sinful, how can one ever desire to be holy and to gain heaven where God lives?

A. Our hearts must be changed before we can be fit for heaven.

( Ephesians 4:17-24; Colossians 3:5-12 )

 

Q.100: Who can change a sinner’s heart?

A. Only the Holy Spirit can change a sinner’s heart.

( John 3:3; Romans 8:6-11; 1Corinthians 2:9-14; 2Thessalonians 2:13-14; Titus 3:5-6 )

 

Q.101: What did the Holy Spirit undertake in the covenant of Grace?

A. He regenerates, baptizes, and seals those for whom Christ has died.

( Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:1-8; 4:30; 1Corinthians 12:13; 2Corinthians 1:22 )

 

Q.102: What is regeneration?

A. It is a change of heart that leads to true repentance and faith.

( Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:5-8; 2Thessalonians 2:13 )

 

Q.103: Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power?

A. No. I can do nothing good without God’s Holy Spirit.

( John 3:5-6; 6:44; Romans 8:2, 5, 8-11; 1Corinthians 2:9-14; Galatians 5:17, 18; Ephesians 2:4-6 )

 

Q.104: How does the Holy Spirit baptize believers?

A. He puts them into the body of Christ by making them a living part of all those who truly believe in Him.

( 1Corinthians 12 )

 

Q.105: How does the Holy Spirit seal believers?

A. He comes to live within them to guarantee that they will receive the wonders God has promised those who love Him.

( Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 2Timothy 1:9; 2Corinthians 1:22 )

 

Q.106: How can you receive the Holy Spirit?

A. God has told us that we must pray to him for the Holy Spirit;

( Luke 11:9-13; John 4:10; 16:24 )

–but the evidence of His presence is seen most clearly in our trusting and loving the Lord Jesus Christ.

( Luke 12:8-10; John 3:3-5,16,20-21; 14:17-21; 1Corinthians 12:3; 1Peter 1:2; 1John 5:6-12 )

The Baptist Catechism – Questions 33-41, The Application of Redemption

/ William F. Leonhart III / 1 Comment

Q.33: How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual calling.

( John 6:37,39; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:8; 3:17; 1Corinthians 1:9 )

 

Q.34: What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and our misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, He doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the Gospel.

( Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 6:44-45; Acts 2:37; 26:18; Philippians 2;13; 2Timothy 1:9; 2Thessalonians 2:13-14 )

 

Q.35: What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.

( 1Corinthians 1:30; Romans 8:30; Ephesians 1:5 )

 

Q.36: What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein He pardoneth all of our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

( Romans 3:24-25; 4:6-8; 5:17-19; 2Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9 )

 

Q.37: What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.

( John 1:12; Romans 8:14; 1John 3:1 )

 

Q.38: What is sanctification?

A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

( Romans 4:4-6; Ephesians 4:23-24; 2Thessalonians 2:13 )

 

Q.39: What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

( Proverbs 4:18; Romans 5:1-2,5,17; 1Peter 1:5; 1John 5:13 )

 

Q.40: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at their death?

A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory, and their bodies being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves, till the resurrection.

( Job 19:26-27; Isaiah 57:2; Luke 23:43; 2Corinthians 5:1,6,8; Philippians 1:23; 1Thessalonians 4:14 Hebrews 12:23 )

 

Q.41: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

A. At the resurrection believers, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged, and acquitted in the Day of Judgment, and made perfectly blessed, both in soul and body, in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.

( Matthew 10:32; 25:23; 1Corinthians 13:12; 15:43; 1John 3:2; 1Thessalonians 4:17-18 )

LBCF of 1677/1689 – Chapter Twelve, Of Adoption

/ William F. Leonhart III / Leave a comment

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 the children of God, have his name put upon them, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father, are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as by a Father, yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.
( Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:4, 5; John 1:12; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:18; Psalms 103:13; Proverbs 14:26; 1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 12:6; Isaiah 54:8, 9; Lamentations 3:31; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 6:12 )