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201 Cards in this Set
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What is general revelation? |
General Revelation is truth about God available to everyone through nature, history and God's image in mankind. – Qualities rendering man without excuse.
WCF 1.1 Psalm 19:1-3, Romans 1:19-20 |
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What is special revelation? |
Special Revelation is what God has revealed about Himself to His people, through special messengers (angels or prophets), Jesus Christ, or the Scripture. The way of salvation, can come only through the Word, mediated through word and spirit.
WCF 1.1 2 Tim.3:15, 1 Cor 1:21, 2:13, Romans 10:17 |
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What is Total Depravity? |
Total Depravity – through the fall, every part of man has been corrupted by the effects so that man is not able to restore His relationship with God. God must restore relationship if man is to enter into fellowship with God. Psalm 14 Romans 3:10-18; Gen. 6:5 Eph 2 Jer. 9 Jer. 17 1 Cor 2 |
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What is Unconditional Election? |
Unconditional Election – God's choice of certain persons to salvation is not dependent upon any foreseen virtue or faith on their part. Rom. 9:11-13; Tit. 3:4-5. John 6 Eph 1 Exodus 33 |
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What is Limited Atonement? |
Limited Atonement, Particular Redemption – Christ came to save those the Father had given Him. All those Christ died for, God will draw to Himself. Sufficient for all, effectual for the elect. John 6:37,39 10:14-15. Rom 8 Matt 1 |
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What is Irresistible Grace? |
Irresistible Grace – The elect come to faith by the Spirit’s effectual call. Grace changes your nature giving you the ability to choose Him. John 6:37; 10:26-27; Acts 13:48. Ezek 36 Phil 2 |
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What is Perseverance of the Saints? |
Perseverance of the Saints – By God’s grace and perseverance, those who genuinely come to trust in Christ, despite their weaknesses, are preserved in the faith till the end. John 10:18; Rom. 8:28-37; Phil. 1:6 |
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Define And Defend (Including Scripture Proofs) The "Inspiration" Of Scripture.
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- a product of God' s direct intellectual superintending of the men who wrote it.
- the inspired Scriptures are the very words of God - the absolute authoritative rule for faith and practice. 2 Tim. 3:16, Heb. 1:1-2, 2 Pet.1:21. |
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What Is The Reformed Faith?" (Explain As To A New Christian.)"
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The Reformed faith is an approach to understanding God and the Bible through stressing what the Bible stresses:
- the need of man, - the grace of God; - the absolute sovereignty of God, - the centrality of the Bible to all of life, - Covenantal doctrine of Scripture, - Sufficiency of the work of Christ, - Effectual work of the Holy Spirit |
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What Is Covenant Theology?" Why Is It Important? (Explain As To A New Christian.)"
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"Covenant Theology is a way of understanding how God relates to the people he created. In the OT times, covenants were relationships between kings and his people. Covenant theology is important because it maintains the unity and continuity of the Old and New Testaments and the way God relates to His people in each. Covenant theology recognizes God's sovereignty over of history as an outworking of His loving grace."
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Define And Defend The Necessity" Of Scripture." |
Scripture is necessary as a means of revealing the saving truth of Jesus Christ, “the knowledge of God and of his will that is necessary for salvation”. WCF 1.1 WLC #2, Rom. 10:17, 1 Cor.2:11 2 Timothy 3:15 2 Peter 1:19 |
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What Is The Canon"? Defend It Scripturally."
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Canon means rule, measure or standard. The Old Testament canon was confirmed by Jesus himself (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament built on the teaching of Jesus as he taught and trained the disciples to accurately share his message.
Matthew 10: sending out of the twelve with a specific message. John 20: Jesus appears to twelve with final instructions and Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 3, Peter understands Paul to be writing Scripture. |
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Define And Defend The Authority" Of Scripture."
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"The authority of Scripture rests not with any humans but solely with God, inspired by the Holy Spirit which makes , it God's very word. It possesses historical authority in that it is 100% historically reliable. It possesses normative authority in that it is God's rule for faith and practice.
2 Tim.3:16–17 2 Peter 1:19 1 Thessalonians 2:13 |
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Define And Defend The Sufficiency" Of Scripture." |
Scripture is complete, containing all that is needed for God’s glory and for man’s salvation, faith, and life. WCF 1.6 2 Timothy 3:15-17
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Define And Defend The Perspicuity" Of Scripture."
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The knowledge of saving faith is so clearly and simply presented in Scripture that anyone who earnestly seeks salvation therein can easily gain this knowledge for himself, and need not depend on the church or the priesthood to attain it.
WCF 1.7 Psalm 119:105, 130 |
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What Is Distinctive About Reformed Interpretation Of Scripture?
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It sees the continuity between the Old and New Testament. The principle of private interpretation, that is, the right of the individual believer to interpret Scripture without the aid of a priest or any other.
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What Principles Should Guide Our Interpretation Of Scripture?
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Scripture is the only infallible rule of interpretation. When there is ambiguity concerning one passage, the true meaning must be found in other clearer portions of Scripture. WCF 1.9
2 Peter 1:20-21 |
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Define And Defend (Including Scripture Proofs) The Inerrancy" Of Scripture."
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"The Bible, in all that it teaches, is free from error. Doesn't speak to everything.
Proverbs 30:5 – Every word of God proves true. Numbers 23:9 - "God is not man, that he should lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind.Has he said, and will he not do it?Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" 2 Samuel 7:28 - "And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant." |
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What Do The Scriptures Principally Teach? |
What man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man. (WCF 2–5: WLC 7–19: WSC 4–11) John 20:31 Deuteronomy 10:12-13 |
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Briefly Explain And Defend (Including Scripture Proofs) The Doctrine Of The Trinity.
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The Trinity is made up of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. Deut. 6:4 (ESV) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.1 Timothy 2:5 – there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus Matthew 28:19 (ESV) ...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 1 Peter 1:2 |
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What is God? |
WSC #4 God is a: spirit - John 4 infinite - Psalm 139, 147, Job 11 eternal - Psalm 90, Revelation 1 and unchangeable - James 1, Malachi 3 in his being - Exodus 3, 1 Timothy 1, his wisdom - James 1, Psalm 104, 1 John 3, power - Ps. 62, Matt 19, Rev. 1, Jer 32, holiness - Lev. 11 & 19, 1 Pe 1, justice - Micah 6, Rom 3, goodness - Ps 107, Matt 19, Rom 2, and truth - Dt. 32, Heb 6. |
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Which attributes of God are communicable?
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"Wisdom: James 1:5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Holiness: 1 Peter 1:16 (ESV) since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy."" " Justice: Micah 6.8 – He has shown you, oh man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you– but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" |
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Which attributes of God are Incommunicable?
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Infinite: Job 11:7–9 (ESV) Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? [8] It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? [9] Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
Eternal: Psalm 90:2 (ESV) Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Unchangeable: James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." |
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What are the decrees of God?
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The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass– WSC #7
Isaiah 14 Acts 2 Ephesians 1 |
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What is the difference between infralapsarian and supralapsarian view of God's decrees?
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"Infra:
- views God’s decrees historically - God decreed to CREATE man in holiness -God decreed to permit the FALL -God decreed to ELECT some -God decreed to PASS over others Supra: - views God’s decrees logically (elect before the fall) - Decree to ELECT some and pass over others - Decree to CREATE - Decree to PERMIT the fall - Decree to JUSTIFY the elect and condemn the reprobate" |
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What is an Amyraldian view of God's decrees?
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A system of Reformed theology based on the premise that God wills all to be saved if they believe. – Moise Amyraut of the Saumer Academy– Unlimited Atonement or 4 point Calvinist
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How does God execute his decrees?
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God executes his decrees through the works of creation and providence– WSC #8
Isaiah 40 Prov 16 Jeremiah 29 |
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What is God's work of creation?
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The work of creation is, God’s making of all things out of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good– WSC #9
Genesis 1 & 2 Ps 33 |
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Evaluate biblically the theory of evolution.
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"Naturalistic Evolution– believes everything, including matter and man developed by natural random processes and are purely a result of natural forces functioning over a period of time. Naturalistic evolution denies God’s work of creation and providence. This system denies that God created the world out of nothing, by the power of his word, in the space of six days.
Theistic Evolution– believes that God as the worker/ mover behind the process set the evolutionary process in motion. This system , though acknowledging God as creator, gives him little more credit than first cause. This theory tends to view the creation account as mythical and denies God the sovereign capacity to create as he claims in Genesis 1–2 (essentially a form of Deism)" |
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What is God's work of providence?
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God’s work of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful, preserving and governing of all his creatures and all their actions– WSC #11
Jeremiah 29 Prov 16 Eph 1 |
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What is a miracle?
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"When God works without, above or against the normal means of his providence.
“God in His ordinary providence, makes use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at His pleasure – WCF 5.3" |
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Is God responsible for sin?
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NO
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Did he decree it?
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God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered the will of the creatures; nor is liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established –
WCF 3.1 James 1 |
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Who is the ultimate cause of all things?
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"God is!
God from all eternity, did by the most holy and wise counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass… WCF 3.1 The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own Glory, God has ordained whatsoever comes to pass. – WSC #7" Acts 2 Eph 1 |
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What is theodicy?
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the vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil
Romans 8 Isaiah 45 James 4 |
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If God is good and all–powerful, explain AIDS, deformed babies, natural disasters.
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The affirmation that God is good and all–powerful does not deny the reality that we live in a fallen world. Though God created the world good man in his rebellion against God brought sin into the world and with it sickness, destruction and death. However, God’s goodness is still seen in his common grace as he holds his creation together, as well as in his sovereign acts of providence. WE see God’s goodness in his willingness to subject himself to the depravity of the world in order to redeem us from the world and his all powerful sovereignty in his even using that which is otherwise evil to work good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8 |
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Discuss the biblical teaching regarding predestination, election, and reprobation.
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By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death–
WCF 3.3 Romans 9 Malachi 1 Eph 1 Prov 16 |
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Distinguish the Reformed and Arminian understandings of these doctrines.
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Arminians do not accept the Reformed doctrine of absolute predestination. Rather they support the doctrine of conditional predestination, that is, that God predestined his Elect based on the condition of his foreknowledge that they would believe.
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Are these doctrines compatible with belief in real human choice and responsibility?
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“nor is violence offered the will of creatures; nor is liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established– WCF 3.1. It seems to me that the Bible affirms both sovereignty of God and responsibility of man. (He will not leave the guilty unpunished)
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What should be some of the practical results of believing the doctrine of election?
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Humility, gratitude, comfort, security, assurance, grace/mercy towards others, obedience out of thankfulness
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Is there a real, personal devil? Explain from Scripture.
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Yes, Job 1; Matthew 4
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What is the chief end of man?
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Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. " –WSC #1
1 Cor. 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." |
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What is the supreme activity of man? (Catechism: what does God require of man?")"
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"Obedience to God's revealed will.
WSC 39 Dt 29 Micah 6 1 John 5 |
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What does the Bible teach about the creation of human beings?
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"“God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.” – WSC #10
WCF 4.2 Gen 1 |
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In what way is a man in the image of God?
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"Man is endued with:
knowledge - Col 3, righteousness - Eph 4, and true holiness - Gen 1, Ps. 8. |
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Are all men in the image of God? If so, to what extent?
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"Yes, to the extent that they possess the characteristics listed above and realizing that all men, share in the fallen state which has corrupted (though not destroyed) that imageWhosoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."" (Genesis 9:6) [post–fall; post–flood]"
James 3 |
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How does the doctrine of the image or God influence debates about gender roles?
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"They are equally the image of God.
God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26,27) " |
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What is sin? (See WSC 14). Include Scripture proofs.
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Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God. " (WSC #14)
(1 John 3:3,4) (James 4: 17) (James 2:10) Gal 3 |
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Discuss guilt of sin and the corruption of sin.
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"Guilt is a judicial or legal concept describing one's relationship to the, law–in this case God's law. Guilt is the state of deserving condemnation or being liable to punishment because the law has been violated.
Corruption has to do with our moral condition. WCF 6.4-5 Rom 5, 8 Col 1 Gen 6 |
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Define and discuss original sin (include Scripture proofs).
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"The effects of Adam ' s sin on the lives of all his descendants. The sinfulness of that estate where into man fell consists in the guilt of Adam 's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions that proceed from it. "" (WSC #18)"
Rom 5 1 Cor 15 |
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How can original sin be reconciled to the canons of justice, either human or divine?
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"The covenant was made with Adam and all his descendants, therefore Adam’s sin was the transgression of all men. This transgression requires of it the payment of the penalty of death. Thus, original sin is not only reconcilable with the perfect justice of God, his justice actually requires it.
The covenant being made with Adam as a public person, not for himself only, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in that first transgression. "" (WLC #22)""" Rom 5 1 Cor 15 |
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Is there any good remaining in a fallen, sinful man? Explain. |
"No. The fall has so corrupted and permeated all of man's being that nothing he does is not in some way effected by that fall. But yes, because of common grace. Nothing good in us, but God doesn't leave us utterly to wallow in the depths of our sin." |
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In what ways does man sin?
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"In that man does not perfectly conform to the righteous requirements of the law, but rather transgresses that law, he sins.
WSC 14 Lev 5 James 4 1 John 3 |
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What are some of the consequences of sin?
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All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself; and to the pains of hell forever. (WSC#19)"
Eph 4 Romans 1 Gal 3 Matt 25 |
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Is the will of man free? Explain (include Scripture proofs).
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• Created: possible to sin
- Gen 1 & 2, Ecc 7, WCF 9.2 • Fallen: not possible not to sin - Rom 3, Eph 2 • Redeemed: possible not to sin - Rom 6, Phil 2 • Glorified: not possible to sin - 1 John 3, Jude 24 |
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Can a sinner do anything good? Explain; include Scripture proofs.
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"Yes & No. God in his Providence works through us to cultivate crops, have children, and do many good things to perpetuate His created order thanks to common grace. But no, we are corrupt; nothing we do is free from our sin.
Rom 3 Is 64 Phil 3 |
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Is a sinner's will free to believe? Explain; include Scripture proofs.
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Not without the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10–12)
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Does a believer have free will? Explain; include Scripture proofs.
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"Yes, as God's grace enables him.
WCF 9.4 Rom 6 |
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What is a covenant?
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"–It is an agreement between persons. The elements of a covenant consist of parties, obligations/stipulations, promises, oaths/vows, blessings and curses and witnesses.
WCF 7 |
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What is the Covenant of Works? Who are its parties?
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"–(WSC 12) When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.
–The parties are God and Adam, as well as all the descendants of Adam." Gen 2 |
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Is there a present validity to the Covenant of Works?
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–The present validity of the Covenant of Works is the federal headship of Adam. He is our representative, and his sin and the subsequent effects of the fall are passed down to his descendants. We have sinned, fallen, and reaped the consequences of disobedience in Adam.
Romans 5 1 Cor 15 |
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What is the Covenant of Redemption? who are its parties?
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God the Father, Son and Spirit agreeing to choose, redeem, and renew a people for His own possession.
Ps 2 Rev 13 John 5-10, 12-17 |
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Discuss the Covenant of Grace
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"–Gracious = God had no obligation to enter into covenant and his word is the insurance of its validity.
–Trinitarian = Father elects, Son justifies, Spirit applies effectually –Eternal = cannot be broken –Particular = only effectual for the elect, not universal in scope –One covenant of grace with various administrations (dispensations)" |
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How is the Covenant of Grace related to the Abrahamic Covenant? Mosaic? Noahic? |
"–The promised Redeemer (seed of Gen 3:15 is coming one step closer in the covenant with Abraham. God chooses one man to be the eventual father of the promised Redeemer, the scope of the covenant encompasses all nations (eventually), and the sign of circumcision is added to the covenant as a physical reminder of God’s faithfulness to his covenant.
– The stipulations of the law are given in great detail under this administration of the covenant, regarding sacrifice, worship, and community, as a response to the redemption God achieves on behalf of his people. This administration of the covenant underscores God’s intention not to abandon the work of his hands but to sustain, preserve, and redeem his good creation through families, despite the ongoing presence of sin in the world. |
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Discuss the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Defend from Scripture. |
"WCF 7. 6 WLC 32-35 There is one covenant with different dispensations. (Galatians 3:14) There is a distinction between the Old and New (Hebrews 8:13), and the New in this sense replaces the old." Jeremiah 31 |
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Explain and defend with Scripture proofs the orthodox doctrine of the person of Christ.
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"(WSC 21) The only redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal son of God, became man, and so was, and continues to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.
1 Timothy 2:5 = the Man Colossians 2:9 = fully God Hebrews 1:1–4 = the union of both God and man" |
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"Briefly discuss the natures of Christ, including:
Was Christ a human person? Does Christ have a soul?" |
(WSC 22) Christ took to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin.
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What is kenosis?
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Kenosis means Christ emptied himself (by his incarnation). Philippians 2:5–11
The emptying has two aspects to it: taking on the likeness of sinful humanity and enduring death on the cross. |
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Did Christ lay aside any of his divine attributes at the incarnation?
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–No, Colossians 2:9 – “in Christ, all the fullness of the deity lives in bodily form”
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Briefly explain and defend against the challenges to orthodox Christology posed by: Docetism
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Christ only appears to become a man, the suffering and other human traits were merely imaginary phenomena – not a true body and a rational soul at the incarnation.
John 20 - Thomas touching the nail prints and the wounded side of Jesus. |
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"Briefly explain and defend against the challenges to orthodox Christology posed by:
Arius" |
Christ is not the eternal son of God, the first created being. John 1:1–14.
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"Briefly explain and defend against the challenges to orthodox Christology posed by Nestorius"
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Christ is divided into two persons, a human and divine. Colossians 2:9.
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"Briefly explain and defend against the challenges to orthodox Christology posed by: Apollinarius"
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Christ lacked a human soul. WSC 22 – “reasonable soul”
Phil 2 Heb 2 |
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"Briefly explain and defend against the challenges to orthodox Christology posed by: Eutyches"
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Christ only had one nature, a mixture of both human and divine. WSC 22– “two distinct natures”.
John 1 Gal 4 Isaiah 9 |
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Are any these early heresies regarding the nature of Christ held today? If so, by whom?
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The Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons hold a form of Arianism.
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"Define the following name: Jesus"
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he will save his people from their sins
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"Define the following name:Son of Man"
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Jesus favorite title for himself, taken from the book of Daniel 7
Mark 14 |
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"Define the following name:Christ"
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Messiah, the anointed one of God
John 1 & 4 |
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"Define the following name:Son of God"
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Jesus unique reality as the second member of the trinity
Luke 1 1 John 5 |
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"Define the following name:Lord"
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New Testament designation for Christ as Yahweh.
Gen 28 Rom 6 |
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"Define the following name:Lamb of God"
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Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world
John 1 1 Cor 5 Rev 13 |
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How was Christ born?
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Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her yet without sin. WSC #22
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Explain and defend the Virgin Birth. |
"WSC 22 Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:16–38" 1) highlights the supernatural aspects of what Christ would do (birth, resurrection, ascension) 2) shoes humanity needs redeeming it can't do itself 3) God's initiative is on display. 4) shows the 2 aspects of Christ's nature (divine & human) United in one body. |
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Trace the revelation of the person and work of Christ from the beginning of the Old Testament.
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"promised redeemer in Gen 3:15
prophet - Luke 4, Heb 2, WSC 24 priest - Isaiah 53, Heb 10, WSC 25 and king - Matt 28, Col 1, Ps 2, WSC 26 sacrifices - Lev 1-7, and laws - Ex 20, Dt. 5 |
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What is the humiliation of Christ?
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Christ’s humiliation consisted in being born and that in a low condition made under the law undergoing the miseries of this life the wrath of God and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried and continuing under the power of death for a time.”
WSC #26 2 Cor 8 (he became poor)Gal 4 (made under the law) Is 53 Phil 2 (humbled himself...to death) 1 Cor 15 |
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Define and distinguish the active and passive obedience of Christ.
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"Active = He fulfills the stipulations of the moral law in perfect obedience
1 Cor 1 Rom 5 WCF 11.1 Passive= He willingly undergoes the curses of the law for our sakes." Phil 2 2 Cor 5 Gal 3 WCF 11.1 |
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What happened in the resurrection of Christ?
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Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. – WSC#28
1 Cor 15 Eph 4 Ps 110 |
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Discuss the “glorified body”
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The glorified body is the resurrected state whereby the body is animated and guided wholly by the Spirit, free from sinful inclinations, imperishable, glorious and powerful.
1 Cor 15 |
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Who is the only redeemer of God’s elect?
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The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever. –WSC 21
1 Tim 2 John 1 Heb 7 |
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What is a redeemer?
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Someone who buys back another from slavery or bondage of some sort.
Is 44 Ruth 3 |
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What is the atonement?
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Christ paying the penalty for our sin. He died my death and paid my debt. It combines the images of justifying, reconciling, substituting, and assuaging God’s wrath.
1 Peter 2 Lev 16-17 Heb 9 |
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Why isn’t a good life enough to gain salvation?
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Isaiah 53:6
Rom 3 Eph 2 |
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"Define:Expiation"
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atonement for sins through the death of Christ on the cross as the sacrifice once and for all
John 3 Rom 3 1 John 4 |
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"Define:Propitiation"
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turn away/satisfy God’s wrath
Rom 3 1 John 2 1 John 4 |
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"Define:Reconciliation"
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restoring alienated people back into fellowship
2 Cor 5 Rom 5 |
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"Define:Redemption"
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to buy back at a price
Eph 1 Col 1 1 John 3 Rom 3 |
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"Define:Imputation"
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to reckon, to charge to one’s account. Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers.
Rom 5 2 Cor 5 1 Pet 2 Rom 6 |
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What is the nature of the atonement? Discuss “penal substitutionary atonement”.
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"Galatians 3:13–14 = Christ became a curse for us that we may avoid the curse
2 Corinthians 5:21 = Christ became sin for us that we may receive declaration of righteousness from God." |
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What of Christ’s work remains to be done?
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The calling of the elect to salvation, his second coming, and the subsequent judgement of all the nations.
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Were the Old Testament believers saved by Christ?
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"WCF 8.6 Promise of the Redeemer looked forward to by OT saints as we look back at the cross"
Gal 3 Gen 3 Rev 13 Heb 13 |
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Will any for whom Christ died be lost?
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"WCF 8.8
John 6:37 John 10:27-28 Romans 8 |
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What is the ordo salutis? Support your answer from Scripture.
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"The traditional sequence of discussions of the different aspects of salvation (WCF 3.6):
Foreknowledge - Rom 8, Eph 1 Predestination/Election - Rom 8, Eph 2, Rom 9 Effectual Calling - Rom 8, John 6, John 10 Regeneration - Titus 3, Ezel 36, John 3, Conversion (faith & repentance) - Eph 2, Rom 12, Heb 11, Justification - Rom 8, Rom 4, Gal 2, Adoption - Rom 8, Gal 4, John 1, Sanctification - 2 Thess 2, Rom 15, Phil 2, Gal 5, Ro 12, 1 Thess 4 Perseverance - Ro 8, Phil 1, John 6, Glorification - Rom 8, 1 John 3, 1 Cor 15. |
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How would you explain the plan of salvation to an unbeliever?
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Romans Road
Rom 3:23 Rom 6:23 Rom 5:8 Rom 10:9-10 Rom 12:1-2 |
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On what is God's decision to call a certain person based?
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This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, who is altogether passive therein until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it. "–WCF 10.2
2 Tim 1 Titus 3 Eph 2 |
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How can infants be 'called'? |
Elect infants who are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit. Acts 16 (?) 1 Cor 7 |
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Can anyone not called by the Spirit be saved? Explain and defend (include Scripture proofs). |
People may hear the gospel and have some response, but unless the Holy Spirit effectually calls them, they do not truly come to Christ and are not saved.
Matt 13 Titus 3 John 3 |
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Is Jesus really the only way of salvation? Explain and defend (include Scripture proofs).
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Yes.
John 14 Acts 4 John 17 Rom 3 |
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What about those who never had the chance to hear about Jesus?
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It is not a person's ignorance which will condemn him before God, it is his sinfulness.
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What about the sincere Buddhist (or Moslem, or Unitarian)?
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There sincerity is commendable, but in the end we must declare that they are sincerely wrong.
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Explain this statement: Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”"
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Salvation is by faith alone, but true saving faith unites you to Christ and thus his Spirit conforms you after his image producing works of obedience. All saving faith will produce good fruit.
James 3 Eph 2 |
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When is a Christian justified?
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When the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to you by faith. (When he/she trusts in Christ)God did, from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit does in due lime, actually apply Christ to them. "–WCF 11.4
Rom 8 |
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What happens when a Christian sins after being justified?
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They may fall under fatherly discipline and need to humble themselves asking for forgiveness. God does continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and, although they can never fall from the slate of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance. "–WCF 11.5"
1 John 1 Ps 51 |
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Can anyone become perfect (completely sanctified) in this life? Defend (include Scripture proofs).
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No, “This sanctification is throughout the whole man; yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still Some remnants of corruption in every part; whence arises the continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. –WCF 13.2
Rom 7 |
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What is saving faith? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel– WSC86
John 1, 3 Phil 3 Gal 2 |
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Where does saving faith come from? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Saving faith is worked in the heart by the Holy Spirit and the word of God.
Eph 2 |
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What does saving faith believe? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Believes whatever is taught in Scripture.
WCF 13 John 5 Rom 10 |
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Is all faith alike? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"No, there are degrees of weak and strong; saving and non–saving
Heb 5 Matt 6 James 2 |
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Define repentance." Defend your answer with Scripture proofs."
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"Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it, unto God with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience. WSC #87
Acts 2 Joel 2 |
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In what sense is repentance necessary?" Defend your answer with Scripture proofs."
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"Repentance is necessary in that no sinner may expect pardon without it.
WCF 15 Luke 13 Acts 17 |
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How ought we to confess our sins? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Specifically in public or private
WCF 15 Luke 19 Prov 28 1 john 1 |
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What are good works? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Good works are only such as God has commanded n 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– WCF 16.1
Micah 6 Heb 13 Eph 2 James 2 |
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What is the relation of good works to faith? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Good works are the fruit of true faith. WCF 16.2
James 2 Eph 2 |
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Are good works necessary for salvation? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"No, They are a fruit of salvation
James 2 |
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Can our good works save us? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"NO...WCF 16.5
Rom 3 Eph 2 Titus 3 |
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Can unbelievers do good works? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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No, though unbelievers might do that which is perceived by fellow man to be good (and even commanded by God), the unbeliever's heart is so impure as that nothing untainted by sin may proceed from them, and therefore nothing which God considers good.
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Define and defend (include Scripture proofs) the doctrine of perseverance.""
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"WCF 17.1– They, whom God has accepted in His Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly preserve therein to the end, and be eternally saved.
John 10 Phil 1 |
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Can a saved person later be eternally lost? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"NO! ... WCF 79
1 John 2 John 10 John 6 Phil 1 |
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On what does a believer's persevering depend? Defend with Scripture proofs.
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"The immutability of God’s free election of them in Christ.
WCF 17.2 John 10 John 6 Phil 1 |
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Can a person be sure he is saved? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Yes, WLC 80, WCF 18.3
1 John 5 Rom 8 2 Pet 1 Heb 12 (discipline) MAtt 7 (know by fruit) 1 John 3 (love brothers) |
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What should a person do who lacks assurance of salvation? |
"Avail oneself to the means of grace WSC #88 The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation. 2 Peter 1 (make election sure) Phil 2 - work out faith with fear and trembling |
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What is the moral law?
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"• The declaration of God's will directing and binding everyone to conformity and obedience to it. WLC 92-93
Rom 2, 10 |
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What laws besides the moral law did God give his people under the Old Covenant? |
"• The ceremonial law and the judicial (civil) law. WCF 19.3-4 Heb 10 Col 2 Eph 2 Lev. 11-15, 18, 20 |
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Are believers under obligation to the law today? Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• While believers are no longer under the law to be justified or condemned by it, it remains for them the rule of life, informing them of the will of God which they are to obey.
WCF 19.6 Rom 13 Eph 6 1 John 2 Matt 5 |
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What is theonomy?" Evaluate it biblically."
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"• Theonomy in its simplest definition means “God’s Law.”
Theonomy encompasses a fairly broad spectrum of views about the exercise, and authority to exercise the civil, social, and religious laws of the Mosaic Law and the legal system of the Old Testament theocracy of the nation of Israel. Matt 5 - I understand how passages like this could lead one down the path of theonomy, however, in John 4, Jesus did not stone the woman at the well to death as the law prescribed but rather demonstrated grace unto her. |
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Where is the law of God summed up?
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"The ten commandments–Love God and love your neighbor.
WSC 41 Luke 10 Matt 22 Mark 12 Dt 6, 10, 11, 13, 30 Joshua 22 |
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Can believers keep God's law? Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• Yes and no. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good, nonetheless, we cannot fulfill the law perfectly.
WSC 82 Ecc 7 Rom 3 1 John 1 ROm 6 Gal 5 |
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What is at stake in the current Lordship Controversy?" Explain and defend your view."
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"• The unity of the person of Christ. Christ is both Lord and savior in union of person
The Lordship controversy"" has implications for the nature of regeneration, assurance, and salvation as well as the question of who or what will be the sovereign over our life. " Jesus Christ is indeed Lord (King) and this must be acknowledged for true saving faith Rom 10 JAmes 2 |
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What are the means of grace?""
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"• Word, Sacraments, and Prayer
WSC 88 Acts 2 Matt 28 |
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What is Christian Liberty?" Explain and defend your answer with Scripture proofs."
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• The freedom of the Christian, on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, to be free from the power of sin and freedom from the ceremonial law. Also have more access to the throne of God and to the Holy Spirit than those who had been under the law (OT).
WCF 20 Rom 6 1 Peter 2 1 Cor 10 2 Cor 3 |
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Who or what is Lord of the conscience? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• God alone.
WCF 20 JAmes 4 Romans 14 1 Cor 10 |
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How does Christian liberty bear on the Christian's obligation to the state?
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"• Since God intends our liberty, not to destroy, but to uphold the powers which he has ordained; we are to submit to the state.
WCF 20 Rom 13 1 Peter 2 Heb 13 |
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What is the regulative principle?" Defend from Scripture."
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"• The principle that the manner in which we worship God should be in accordance with what he has instituted himself in his revealed will–the Scriptures.
WCF 21.1 Dt 12 Isaiah 29 Matt 15 |
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Who is to be worshipped? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and Him alone.
WCF 21.2 Matt 4 John 5 2 Cor 13 |
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What are the ordinary parts or elements of worship?
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WCF 21.5 preaching and hearing the Word - 2 Tim 4, James 1 administration of the sacraments - Matt 28, Acts 2, 1 Cor 11 MAtt 28 1 COr |
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Are Christians under obligation to keep a Sabbath? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• Yes. It is meant to be a day of rest and worship.
WCF 21.7 Gen 2 Ex 20 Dt 5 Ex 16 Ex 31 Is 58 |
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If so, how should the Sabbath be kept? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• By rest, worship, deeds of piety, deeds of mercy, healing, and goodness, and if need be that of necessity.
WCF 21.8 Ex 20 MAtt 12 MArk 2 John 7 |
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Differentiate between the Continental" and "Westminster" views of the Sabbath."
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"• The continental view of Sabbath (espoused by Calvin) stresses the ceremonial and typological view of the Jewish Sabbath.
• The Westminster views the Sabbath as a creation mandate and therefore moral and universal in scope." |
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Should a Christian ever take an oath or vow? Explain. Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• The taking of oaths for a Christian is permissible, yet they can never be contrary to the Word.
WCF 22.2 -Yet, as in matters of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the new testament as well as under the old; so lawful oath, being imposed by lawful authority, in such matters, ought to be taken. Heb 6 2 Cor 1 Ex 20 |
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What should be our attitude toward civil authorities? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• God has places the civil magistrates under his authority and over his people for his own glory and the public good.
WCF 23 Rom 13 1 Pe 2 Heb 13 MAtt 22 |
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What is the relationship between church and state?
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"• Civil government has the right and responsibility to protect the church, while not being allowed to intervene in ecclesiastical matters or abridging church government.
WCF 23.3 |
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What are the proper duties of civil authorities? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• To protect the church, prevent interference with church government, protect persons and their good name, to provide freedom of religion, and to guarantee the freedom of assembly
Rom 13 1 Tim 2 |
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What obligations do believers have to civil authorities? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"•Pray for magistrates, honor their persons, pay them tribute/other dues, obey lawful commands, and be subject to their authority .
WCF 23.4 1 Tim 2 Rom 13 1 Pe 2 |
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By whom and for what purpose was marriage designed? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• Marriage is for one man and one woman for their mutual help, the increase of mankind and to prevent uncleanness.
WCF 24.1-2 Gen 2 1 Cor 7 |
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Who may (and may not) lawfully be married? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• All sorts of people who are able to give their consent–with Christians being exhorted to marry only in the Lord.
WCF 24.3 Heb 13 1 Cor 7 2 Cor 6 |
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What is divorce?
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"• Dissolving the marriage bond.
WCF 24.5 |
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Under what circumstances is divorce permissible? Defend your answer with Scripture.
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"• Adultery and willful desertion
WCF 24.5-6 Matt 5, 19 1 Cor 7 |
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Is divorce an option for those abused by their spouses (physically or otherwise)? Defend.
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• In cases where it can in no way be remedied by the Church, or civil magistrates" (WCF 24.6) the guilty party has in effect willfully abandoned the other party. They have willfully broken the covenant that binds them and have split the unity of their flesh. However this would be a last resort situation and would not be considered until all other options have been exhausted. I want to defend the biblical principles of marriage, but not at the expense of doing good and showing charity."
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May those who have been divorced remarry? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"• Those who have been divorced on biblical grounds are free to remarry .
WCF 24.5 MAtt 19 Rom 7 |
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What is the universal or catholic church?
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"–“The catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of Christ’s elect, that have been, are , or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof.” (WCF 25.1)
WLC 64 Eph 1, 5 Col 1 |
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What is the visible church?
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"–“The visible church consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion and of their children.” (WCF 25.2)
WLC 62 1 Cor 1, 12 Ps 2 |
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What are the attributes of the church? Prove from Scripture.
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"–Holy: set apart from unbelief and sin; dedicated to the service of God
1 Peter 2:9–10 “You are . . . a holy nation” Ephesians 5: 25–27 “Christ loved the church . . . to make her holy” –Catholic: not limited ethnically nor spatially (as in the case of Israel) but rather unifies “all those throughout the world who profess the true religion”. Ephesians 4:4–6 “There is one body . . .” –Apostolic: founded upon the authority and teachings of the apostles Ephesians 2:19–20 “built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone”." |
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What are the marks of the church?
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"–Preaching of the Word
2 Tim 4 –Proper administration of the sacraments Matt 28, 1 Cor 11, - Exercising Church discipline Matt 18, 1 Cor 5 - Acts 2:42-47 |
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Who is the head of the church?
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"– Jesus Christ
Eph 1, 2 Col 1 |
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Define three basic forms of church government.
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"Episcopal (Prelacy, Monarchial) asserts that Christ has given administration of his church, directly and exclusively to an order of bishops, who form the line of succession from the apostles themselves. These bishops are separate, independent, and self–perpetuating. The actual people of the church have no share in the governance of the church.
Congregational (Independent, Democratic) maintains that each individual church is a complete church. There is no dependency upon other churches. The balance of power does not rest in a bishop but rather it lies with the members of the church and their officers elected as functionaries. These churches may choose to join together in fellowship; however, the decisions rendered are only advisory and not authoritative for any individual church unless the congregation so desires. Presbyterian (Republican) government affirms both Christ as the head of the church and the importance of individual churches to govern their own affairs. It is accomplished through representative bodies. The local church session is the most basic. The regional presbytery is a assembly of the elders from the local congregations in a specified area. The next level extends to the national level with synods and general assemblies. The larger assemblies do have the power to impose certain limitations on the autonomy of local churches at the same time as they seek to promote the growth and welfare of churches, to guarantee the rights of its members, and to give fuller expression to the overall unity of the Church universal." |
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What are the principles of Presbyterian church government? Support your answer from Scripture.
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•Christ is the King and Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22)
•The office bearers were chosen by the people (Acts 1:21–26, Acts 6) •The office of bishop and elder are identical (Titus 1:5–7) •In each church there was a plurality of elders (Philippians 1:1, Acts 14:23, 20:17, I Timothy 5:17) •Ordination was an act of the presbytery, that plurality of elders (I Timothy 4:14 Acts 6:6 and 13:1–3) •The privilege of appeal was to the assembly of elders, and they exercised the right of government in their corporate character. (Acts 15)" |
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What is the role of women in the church? Support from the Scriptures.
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"•Women should be welcomed to fulfill any duty a non–ordained member of the church is permitted to perform. Women are a crucial and significant part of the church, just as any other member of the church, in possession of the full rights of the children of God. Women should seek to use their gifts in a manner that edifies and encourages the body of Christ. The one role that the Scriptures forbid that a woman should have is that of authority over a man, which the PCA interprets to mean, not holding an ordained office in the church. (I Timothy 2:12)
•Women should be encouraged to make their own contribution to the life and well–being of the church within the parameters outlined in the Bible. Certainly evangelism, discipleship and teaching of other women, compassionate service, leaders in children ministries, and many other roles are excellent avenues through which women may exercise their gifts for the building of the church and the kingdom of God." |
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May women serve as officers in the church? Support your answer from Scripture.
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"–Women may not hold an ordained office in the church.
1 tim 2, titus 3 Eph 5 |
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"What is “subscription”? What view of subscription do you hold and why?"
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"–Subscription refers to the vow of a church officer to submit himself to the system of doctrine and the confessional standards of the PCA, as outlined in the Westminster Confession of Faith. There are four possible views surrounding the issue: The substance of doctrine view, the vital to the system view, the very doctrine of the Word view, and the very word of doctrine view.
–The disagreement over this issue stems from the candidate’s need to determine what his oath to the second ordination vow entails for him and the session/presbytery’s need to be satisfied that the candidate’s answer does not allow him to hold a view that destroys the unity of the system of doctrine established as the standard for the PCA. –The “vital to the system view” maintains that a session must determine if a scruple expressed by a candidate as an exception affects any of the articles essential tot he system. –The “very doctrines of the Word” position asserts that the WCF and its catechisms are the expression of the very doctrines of the Word. Therefore, scruples are limited to the exceptions taken over the exact wording of a proposition. They cannot question the substance of any part of the documents. –The “substance of doctrine” and the “very word of doctrine” views have fatal flaws. The substance of doctrine removes the distinctiveness of the Westminster standards, and the very word of doctrine elevates the standards to the level of scripture itself, ignoring that it is subordinate to the Bible." |
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What privileges do Christians share?
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"–We enjoy “Fellowship with Christ” and “Union with one another in love” (WCF 26.1)
1 John 1 Eph 4 Col 2 |
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What duties do Christians owe one another?
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WCF 26.2 –Holy Fellowship–Communion in worship –Mutual edification –Relieving of our outward needs Heb 10 Acts 2 1 Cor 11 1 John 3 |
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Does the “communion of the saints” deny the right of private property? Explain. |
Scripture teaches that Christians can own property and exercise control over it. WCF 26.3 Eph 4 Acts 5 |
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What authority does the church possess?
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"–They possess the “keys to the kingdom”
–They possess the power “to retain and remit sins” –They have the power “to shut the kingdom to the impenitent” and “open the kingdom to penitent sinners.” WCF 30.2 Matt 16 Matt 18 John 20 |
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What is the purpose of church censures?
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"–For the purpose of “reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren” . . .
–for deterring others from like offenses . . . –for vindicating the honor of Christ and the holy profession of the gospel . . . –for preventing the wrath of God from falling on the church for notorious and obstinate offender WCF 30.3 1 Cor 5 1 Tim 5 Matt 7 1 Cor 11 Jude 23 |
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What censures may the church impose?
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"– Admonition
–Suspension from the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for a season –Excommunication from the church WCF 30.4 2 Thess 3 1 Cor 5 Titus 3 |
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Identify some Scripture passages, which support the practice of church discipline.
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"–Matthew 18: 15–17 = biblical confrontation
–Titus 3:10 = warn a divisive person twice before having nothing to do with him – 2 Thessalonians 3:14 = if someone doesn’t obey the apostle’s instruction, warn him as a brother. –Galatians 6:1 = if anyone is caught in a sin, restore him gently – 1 Cor 5:12–13 = expel the wicked man from among you" |
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Who may properly call church assemblies, synods, or councils?
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Sessions, Presbyteries or GA. Not a civil magistrate.
WCF 31.1 Acts 15 |
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For what purposes are church assemblies, synods, or councils called?
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"–to determine controversies of faith
–to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God –to receive complaints and to determine them authoritatively WCF 31.2 Acts 15 |
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What authority do church councils possess?
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"–Ecclesiastical and not Civil. Ministerial rather than Declarative.
WCF 31.4 Eph 2 1 Cor 1 |
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How should Christians respond to church councils?
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–they are intended to be a help in both faith and practice WCF 31.3 Acts 15 Matt 18 |
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What happens to believers at death? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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The souls do 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.” WSC #37
Luke 23 Phil 1 1 thess 4 Dabiel 12 John 5 |
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What happens to unbelievers at death? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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They are cast into hell.
WCF 32.1 Jude 6-7 1 Peter 3 Luke 16 |
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Who will be raised to life at the last day?
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The unjust and just alike.
WCF 32.3 John 5 |
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Who will be judged at the last day? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"The apostate angels and all persons who have walked the earth.
WCF 33.1 2 Peter 2 2 Cor 5 Jude 6–7 Jude 14–15 |
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By whom will they be judged? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"By Jesus Christ.
WCF 33.1 Acts 17:31 John 5 |
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Will any receive a second chance? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"No, man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.
Heb. 9:27 John 8:24 |
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What practical use is the doctrine of the final judgment? Include Scripture proofs.
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"•Deters men from sin, consoles the godly facing adversity; shakes off carnal security; creates a watchfulness
WCF 33.3 2 Cor. 5 2 Thess 1 |
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When will Christ return? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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No one knows. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son.
MAtt 24, 25 |
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What will heaven be like? Scripture clearly represents heaven as a place.
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Christ ascended to heaven, which can only mean the he went from one place to another. It is described as the house of our Father, with many mansions (John 14:1), and this description would hardly fit a condition. Moreover believers are said to be within and unbelievers without. Scripture givens us reason to believe that the righteous will not only inherit heaven but an entire new creation.
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Is there a hell? Defend your answer with Scripture proofs.
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"Yes.
Matt 13, 18 Rev 20 Luke 16 |
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What is annihilationism?" Evaluate it biblically."
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"The teaching that the reprobate are destroyed completely (annihilated) after the judgment, rather than facing eternal punishment.
•Hell–fire imagery: Hell–fire speaks of the pain of the wicked, not of their consumption. MAtt 13, 18 Rev 20 Luke 16 |
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What is your view of the millennium? Briefly defend your view from Scripture.
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Amillennialism– According to this view there is not sufficient ground for belief in a literal millennium that will last for a thousand years. This position advocates that after Christ's second coming the final judgment and the eternal state will be ushered in. This position sees the number 1000 as symbolic for a long period of time, or of completeness."
Postmillennialism– This position holds to the idea that Christ will return after the millennium. The 1000 or more I years of peace on the earth that come about as a result of Christians' preaching and teaching. Their work in the world will bring many conversions, reducing evil to a minimum. After this period of the Church' s greatness, Christ will come again, the dead will rise, and God will conduct the final judgment. Premillennialism– The teaching that Christ will return, set up an earthly kingdom, and role for 1000 years. According to this view, Christ's return will be preceded by an increasingly evil world–more wars, famines, earthquakes–by the Gospel's being preached to all peoples, by the appearance of the Antichrist and by the great tribulation. Christ will then come and set up His Kingdom and reign with the saints for 1000 years. Jews will come to Christ in large numbers and will again take an important place in God's kingdom. After the millennium, evil will again cause rebellion. but God will crush it At that time God will raise unbelievers for eternal judgment in hell and create a new heaven and earth for believers." |
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What does the Bible teach about the Holy Spirit's work in the Old Testament?
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"The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament as he is in the New Testament was an agent in creation, giving life, revealing God’s Word, and enabling his people.
a.shaping creation - Gen 1 b.revealing God’s message - 1 Cor 2, John 14 c.eliciting faith, repentance, obedience and righteousness" |
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What is the Holy Spirit's function today? Is it different than in the past?
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The Holy Spirit includes the generation of life, preparing men for office, the inspiration of Scripture, the formation and increase of the church, and teaching and guiding the church. He also grants blessings which are ours in Christ: regeneration, conviction of sin, adoption, the fruit of the Spirit, etc
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What happened at Pentecost? How does this relate to the church today?
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"At Pentecost the Spirit began to indwell the church empowering the apostles with courage and memory of all that Jesus taught. Not only did this allow for the infallible Scriptures of the New Testament, but also provided the bold proclamation of the gospel to people of all tribes tongues and nations
A.The outpouring of the Holy Spirit as fulfillment of OT/Baptist/Jesus (Acts 2:1–41). 1.The salvation–historical place of Pentecost a.God’s outpouring of the Spirit is not divorced from the rest of God’s work b.It is foreseen in the OT (Jeremiah 31:31–37 c.What does Pentecost mean to a Jews? 1)First–fruits of the harvest (like Thanksgiving)—first–fruits of the work of Christ 2)Connection between the giving of the Law and the Pentecost (Intertestamental material) – signifies that God is writing His law on the hearts of the people –– for the purpose of godliness a)The giving of the Law came 50 days after the passover b)Pentecost came 50 days after the death of Christ" |
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Distinguish between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit.
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"The fruit of the Spirit is developed in believers’ character as they mature in their relationship with the Lord. Spiritual gifts are given to believers for “the equipping of the saints for the works of service, the building up of the body of Christ. They are not character qualities as much as abilities given for the planting and sustaining of the church
Gal 5 |
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Does the Spirit give gifts today? Explain.
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The gifts of the spirit can be defined as abilities given to God’s people which are essential to the planting and sustaining of the church. As such, the Spirit continues to give gifts for the sustaining of the church (Preaching, evangelism, teaching, prayer, helps, administration, etc) though I believe extra–ordinary gifts have ceased. Especially with regard to new revelation.
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Are there gifts mentioned in Scripture that are not given today? Explain and defend.
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There are gifts of the Spirit which seem to have been designed to provide for the foundation upon which the church would be built. This foundation is given to us in the form of Scripture–the apostolic witness of the New Testament. Such gifts include prophecy, signs and wonders, and miracles– those gifts associated with the affirmation of the message and witness of the Apostolic office which has now ceased.
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What do New Testament passages teach us concerning the following work of the Holy Spirit? |
•How he comes - He comes like a dove; in tongues of fire at Pentecost, through the hearing of the Word Matt 3 Acts 2
•How he works - In our hearts by and with the word Ezek 36, Jere 31 2 Cor 1
•What he does -Generation of life, preparing men for office, formation and increase of the church, teaching and guiding the church, with the word, grants blessings which are ours in Christ: regeneration, conviction of sin, adoption, the fruit of the Spirit.
•What his ministry is today - Sealing us in our union with l Eph 1 |
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Name 20 of 33 topics (chapter headings) the WCF addresses. |
1. Scripture 2. God & the Trinity 3. God's eternal decree 4. creation 5. providence 6. fall of man, sin, punishment 7. god's covenant with man 8. Christ the mediator 9. Free Will 10. Effectual Calling 11. Justification 12. Adoption 13. Sanctification 14. Saving Faith 15. Repentance 16. Good Works 17. Perseverance of the saints 18. Assurance of grace and salvation 19. Law of God 20. Christian Liberty 21. Religious Worship & Sabbath 22. Oaths and Vows 23. Civil MAgistrate 24. Marriage and Divorce 25. Church 26. Communion of the Saints 27. Sacraments 28. Baptism 29. Lords Supper 30. Church Censures 31. Synods & Councils 32. State of man after death, resurrection 33. Last Judgement |
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What according to scripture is the purpose of God's decrees? |
His Glory. Prov 16 Rom 9 |
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what is the relationship between the authority of scripture and the authority of the church? |
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