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The Riches of His Glorious Inheritance in the Saints Week 3. Westminster Larger Catechism Q57-89. Resources. Resources. Resources. Resources – Christian Creeds and Reformed Confessions. Resources - iReformed. Our theme for the next several weeks:.
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The Riches of His Glorious Inheritance in the SaintsWeek 3 Westminster Larger Catechism Q57-89
Our theme for the next several weeks: “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,…” (Eph 1:15-19)
More background… • The WLC (and the WSC) is an OUTLINE of doctrine extracted from the Bible. • Answers many (most) of the questions that we might ask regarding the Christian life and experience. • We will look at the “Benefits of Redemption” or as Paul stated, “…that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,….” (Eph 1:18) • First the context in our outline of doctrine to establish the FOUNDATION:
A Biblical Pattern: Believe => Do This pattern is not arbitrary – why did they outline it this way? Because it has its roots in Scripture: • Belief begets practice. What you believe WILL dictate how you behave. Examples: • Paul’s letters – Romans 1-11 explain the work of God then at 12:1 “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice…” • Ephesians 1- 3 declares the work of God in salvation then at 4:1 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,…” • Even in the giving of the 10 commandments we see this pattern: ““I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me….” [God: “This is Who I am and who you are – therefore DO this…”]
Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace. me·di·a·tion /mēdēˈāSHən/ noun: mediation; plural noun: mediations • intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration. "the parties have sought mediation and it has failed" • intervention in a process or relationship; intercession. "they are offering sacrifice and mediation between God and man"
Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace. re·demp·tion /riˈdempSHən/ noun: redemption; plural noun: redemptions • the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. "God's plans for the redemption of his world" • a thing that saves someone from error or evil. "his marginalization from the Hollywood jungle proved to be his redemption" • the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.
Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace. OLD FRENCH redimer LATIN redeem red- buy back back LATIN redimere late Middle English LATIN emere buy late Middle English (in the sense ‘buy back’): from Old French redimer or Latin redimere , from re(d)- ‘back’ + emere ‘buy.’
What did Christ’s work accomplish? But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. (Heb 9:11-12 ESV) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 ESV)
Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured?A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the application of them unto us, which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost. … are made partakers… by the application of them … Who is doing the work here? Remember where we are in the catechism outline? What to believe about God > His works > His decrees > His works of providence What is the difference between the work of the Holy Spirit and that of Christ? Christ: redemption accomplished(Q 36 – 56) Holy Spirit: redemption applied(Q 57 – 90)
The Holy Spirit Applies the Benefits of Redemption But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3-5)
The Holy Spirit Applies the Benefits of Redemption But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7, ESV)
Q. 59. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:35-40, ESV)
Q. 59. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectuallycommunicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel. • What is that group of people called for whom Christ died? • His people • His sheep • His church • His body • The elect (Eph 1) • Those whom He foreknew (Rom 8:29-30) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30, ESV)
Underlying question: For whom did Christ die? • Didn’t Christ die for the whole world? (John 3:16, etc.) • Doesn’t the Bible teach that Christ died for “all?” • Does “ALL” mean “everyone without exception?” • In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (Luke 2:1, ESV) • That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. (Mark 1:32, ESV) • And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. (Acts 4:21, ESV) Isn’t it correct to say that “God gives everybody a chance to be saved, and we can take it or leave it?” Another way to look at it… Did Christ die to provide salvation … or did He die to provide the possibility of salvation?
… who are in timeby the Holy Ghost enabled to believe… The ETERNAL perspective: … even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. (Ephesians 1:4 ESV) The TEMPORAL perspective: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience – But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— (Ephesians 2:1-2 and 4-5 ESV)
Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the gospel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature?A. They who, having never heard the gospel, know not Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, cannot be saved, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, or the laws of that religion which they profess; neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, who is the Savior only of his body the church. What about the poor savage who has not had a chance to hear the gospel? God surely would not send them to hell if they never even had the chance to hear the gospel?
The case of the poor savage…. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23, ESV) For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:22-23, ESV) How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:14-17, ESV)
So what? • Why does all this matter? • It cuts to the heart of the gospel • It shows us who we are • It gives all the glory to God
QUESTIONS? • COMMENTS • OBJECTIONS?
Why join a group or club or organization? • Relationships • Resources • Purpose • Knowledge • Fun • Identity
Q.61. Are all they saved who hear the gospel, and live in the church?A. All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible. VISIBLE Church? INVISIBLE Church? Isn’t that double-speak? Where does the Bible say anything about a VISIBLE and an INVISIBLE church?
A visible church is deduced from the Scriptures… • “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17, ESV) • How can you “tell it to the church” unless there is a visible, organized group to which you can tell it?
A visible church is deduced from the Scriptures… • Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17, ESV) • How can you obey this command unless you know who “your leaders” are? • Are you supposed to obey every Pastor, Elder or Deacon in any visible gathering of the church? • Can leaders give an account for everyone that crosses their path?
A visible church is deduced from the Scriptures… • Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And 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 10:23-25, ESV) • We are to stir up one another to love and good works – how? • By (not neglecting) meeting together regularly…. • This is an encouragement to one another
A visible church is deduced from the Scriptures… • This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— (Titus 1:5, ESV) • Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1, ESV) • Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. (Colossians 1:1-2, ESV) • The church was visible and organized with leadership and members that could be seen.
Q.62. What is the visible church?A. The visible church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the world do profess the true religion, and of their children. • A society • Those in all ages and places • Profess the true religion • And of their children
Which church is the TRUE church? • Catholicism • Catholic Church • The Latin Church • Eastern Catholic Churches • Other churches • Independent (self-identified as Catholic) • Eastern Orthodox • Eastern Orthodox Church • Other churches • Oriental Orthodoxy • Other Churches • Church of the East • Other early Christians • Protestantism • Pre-Lutheran Protestants • Lutheranism • Anglicanism • Anglican Communion • Other Anglican Churches • Calvinism • Continental Reformed churches • Presbyterianism • Congregationalist Churches • Anabaptists • Brethren • Methodists • Pietists and Holiness Churches
Which church is the TRUE church? • Baptists • Spiritual Baptists • Apostolic Churches – Irvingites • Pentecostalism • Charismatics • Neo-Charismatic Churches • African Initiated Churches • Messianic Judaism / Jewish Christians • United and uniting churches • Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) • Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement • Southcottites • Millerites and comparable groups • Adventist (Sunday observing) • Adventist (Seventh Day Sabbath/Saturday observing) • Church of God movements (Sunday observing) • Church of God movements (Seventh Day Sabbath/Saturday observing) • Sabbath-Keeping Movements, Separated from Adventists • Sacred Name groups • Movements not related to the Millerites but comparable to them • Sabbath-Keeping movements, predating the Millerites • Sabbath-Keeping movements, Mormon
Which church is the TRUE church? • British-Israelism • Christian Identity • Miscellaneous/Other • Nontrinitarian groups • Latter Day Saints • Oneness Pentecostalism • Unitarianism and Universalism • Bible Student groups • Swedenborgianism • Christian Science • Other non-Trinitarians • New Thought • Esoteric Christianity • Syncretistic religions incorporating elements of Christianity This is just the OUTLINE of denominations
How can you tell a TRUE church? Belgic Confession Article 29: The Marks of the True Church We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church-- for all sects in the world today claim for themselves the name of "the church." … The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults. In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head. By these marks one can be assured of recognizing the true church-- and no one ought to be separated from it. …
The Marks of the Church • The gospel is preached: • And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42, ESV) • But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:24-28, ESV)
The Marks of the Church • The sacraments are observed: • and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24, ESV) • Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
The Marks of the Church • Discipline is administered (Think MEMBERSHIP) • And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. (1 Corinthians 5:2, ESV) • I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17, ESV) • If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. (2 John 1:10-11, ESV) • They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19, ESV)
Q.63. What are the special privileges of the visiblechurch?A. The visible church hath the privilege of being under God's special care and government; of being protected and preserved in all ages, not withstanding the opposition of all enemies; and of enjoying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation, and offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel, testifying, that whosoever believes in him shall be saved, and excluding none that will come unto him.
The Benefits of the Visible Church • The communion of the saints • Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And 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 10:23-25, ESV) • I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3 ESV) • Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. (Romans 12:15-16, ESV)
The Benefits of the Visible Church • the ordinary means of salvation, and offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel,… • And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:11-14, ESV)
