Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 16 Of Good Works (Part 1) I. Good works are only such as God has 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 intention. This subject naturally follows the previous topic of repentance. Genuine repentance must result in “good works.” The first point made here is that only God can define “good works,” ...
Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 15 Of Repentance Unto Life I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ. Repentance is that initial turning from sin to God which occurs in connection with regeneration. It is described here as “an evangelical grace” meaning that it is the work of God. This phrasing reflects the Scripture’s teaching concerning ...
Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 14 Of Saving Faith (Part 2) II. By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God Himself speaking therein; and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith ...
Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 14 Of Saving Faith (Part 1) This section of the Confession covers the matter of salvation, from the effectual call of God through the matter of our initial and life-long sanctification. This particular chapter deals with something that has been assumed up to this point and that is saving faith. Thus far, no definition has been given for saving faith, although these chapters, of course, presuppose the operation of saving faith. In ...
Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 13 Of Sanctification (Part 2) II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part; whence arises a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been those who taught what has come to be known as “perfectionism.” Generally speaking, this is ...