What is Covenant Theology? A Theology, Not a Religion

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1 What is Covenant Theology? A Theology, Not a Religion The study of religion is the study of a certain kind of human behavior. So the subject matter is man. The study of theology is the study of God. So the subject matter is God. Reformed theology is first and foremost an understanding of the character of God. Though God reveals himself in general revelation (creation), his ultimate revelation is in his Son and the special revelation of himself (Scripture) authored through chosen organs of revelation. Though it recognizes that the Scriptures were penned by different writers at different times, the divine inspiration of the whole carries with it the unity and coherency of the truth of God. Therefore Reformed theology is the search for a systematic theology, which is the system of doctrine taught internally by the Scriptures themselves. Every doctrine touches in some way every other doctrine of the faith. The most fundamental doctrine is the doctrine of God; the nature and character of God himself. Reformed theology is God-centered. From this understanding of God, we learn the nature of man, God s image-bearer; the nature of Christ and his work; the nature of salvation; the nature of ethics based upon God s character; etc. Reformed theology applies the doctrine of God and his sovereignty relentlessly to all other doctrines. If God is not sovereign, then he is not God. The ultimate goal of God s revelation and work is his glory. Reformed theology seeks to understand God in such a way that we humbly bow to give him our worship and praise him for his glory. So we must begin with the doctrine of the nature and character of God himself. 1

2 Foundation of Covenant Theology 1 1. Centered on God 2. Based on God s Word alone 3. Committed to faith alone 4. Devoted to Jesus Christ 5. Structured by three covenants 1. God is Incomprehensible Centered on God 2 A. Apprehensive vs. Comprehensive Knowledge of God The finite cannot grasp the infinite. (Calvin) Because God is infinite in his being and eternal, and we are finite and bound by space and time, our knowledge of him is never comprehensive. Thus, we enjoy an apprehensive knowledge of God, but not a comprehensive knowledge of him. B. Way of affirmation - we are made in His image and likeness, so some point of likeness makes communication possible, however limited. So, we may make positive assertions about God: He is holy, sovereign, and just. C. Way of eminence describes God by elevating creaturely categories to the ultimate degree: God is omnipotent: We have limited power but God has absolute power over his creation. So God is all-powerful or omnipotent. God is omniscient We have limited knowledge but God is allknowing. D. Martin Luther the hidden God and the revealed God God must reveal what He desires us to know about Him, but hides the rest. Let God keep His decrees and mysteries in hiding. Our role is not to speculate. 1 What is Reformed Faith, R.C. Sproul, Baker Books, 1997, pp What is Reformed Faith, R.C. Sproul, Baker Books, 1997, pp

3 E. John Calvin Though God s essence is incomprehensible, His glory on each of His works is clear for all to see. It is not until we understand who God is that we adequately understand who we are God is Self-Sufficient A. God and God alone is the ground of His own being. He is not made. There never was a time when He was not. B. He derives His being from nothing outside of Himself. He is selfexistent. God alone is pure being. C. Our being, by contrast, is derived, dependent, and contingent, dependent on the power of God for our very existence. D. Westminster Confession of Faith 2.2 God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleaseth. 3. God is Holy (The Majesty of God) A. God s Otherness the sense in which he is different from and higher than we are; His greatness and transcendent glory. B. God s Purity the perfection of His righteousness is displayed in His holiness. C. Calvin holy men were struck and overwhelmed whenever they beheld the presence of God. 4 Calvin s driving passion was to free the church from all forms of idolatry. The very essence of idolatry involves the distortion of God s character (Rom. 1:22-25). 5 3 Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, 2 Vols. 1:37 (1.1.1); 1:38-39 (1.1.2) 4 Calvin s Institutes, 1:39 (1.1.3) 5 IBID 1:59-60 ( ) 3

4 D. Humanism, the Ultimate Form of Idolatry regarding man as the measure of all things, the primary concern, and the central focus of everything. 4

5 The Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 2 Of God, and of the Holy Trinity 6 1. There is but one only, Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 1 Cor. 8:4,6 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence, and that there is no God but one.... yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Gal 3:20 - Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. living and true God, 1 Thess. 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, Jer. 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. Who is infinite in being and perfection, Job 11:7-9 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? 9 Deeper than Sheol what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. Job 26:14 Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand? Psalm 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 6 The Westminster Confession of faith, The Orthodox PC, 2005, Chp 2, pp

6 A most pure spirit John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Invisible 1 Tim. 1:17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father s side, he has made him known. Without body, parts Deut. 4:15-16 Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Luke 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. Or passions; Acts 14:11,15 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men! 15 Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Immutable, 6

7 James 1:17 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. Mal. 3:6 For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. Immense, 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Jer. 23:23-24 Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away? 24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD. Eternal, Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 1 Tim. 1:17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Incomprehensible, Psalm 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Romans 11:34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? almighty, 7

8 Gen. 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, Rev. 4:8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! most wise, Rom. 16:27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. most holy, Isa. 6:3 And one called to another and said: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! Rev. 4:8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! most free, Psalm 115:3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Isa. 14:24 The LORD of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, most absolute; Isa. 45:5-6 I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no 6 God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. Ex. 3:14 God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And he said, Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. 8

9 working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, Eph. 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, for his own glory, Prov. 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Rom. 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Rev. 4:11 Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. most loving, 1 John 4:8,16 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; Ex. 34:6-7 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children s children, to the third and the fourth generation. 9

10 the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; Heb. 11:16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. and withal, most just, and terrible in his judgments, Neh. 9:32-33 Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. 33 Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. Heb. 10:28-31 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, Vengeance is mine; I will repay. And again, The Lord will judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. hating all sin, Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Psalm 5:5-6 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psalm 11:5 The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. and who will be no means clear the guilty. 10

11 Exodus 34:7a keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, Nah. 1:2-3, 6 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, 2. God hath all life, Jer. 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. John 5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. Glory, Acts 7:2 And Stephen said: Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, Goodness, Psalm 119:68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. Blessedness, 1 Tim 6:15 which he will display at the proper time he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Rom. 9:5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. In and of himself; and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made, 11

12 Acts 17:24-25 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. Nor deriving any glory from them, Luke 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty. But only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things, Rom. 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. And hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever himself pleaseth. Rev. 4:11 Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Dan. 4:25, 35 that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, What have you done? 1 Tim. 6:15 which he will display at the proper time he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 12

13 In his sight all things are open and manifest, Heb. 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, Rom. 11:33-34 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. So as nothing is to him contingent, or uncertain. Acts 15:18 known from of old. Ezek. 11:5 And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and he said to me, Say, Thus says the LORD: So you think, O house of Israel. For I know the things that come into your mind. He is most holy in all his coujnsels, in all his works, and in all his commands. Psalm 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. Rom. 7:12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience he is pleased to require of them. Rev. 5:12-14 saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on 13

14 earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! 14 And the four living creatures said, Amen! and the elders fell down and worshiped. 3. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; Matt. 3:16-17 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matt. 28:19 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, 2 Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Eph. 2:18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. The Father is of none, neither begotten, not proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; John 1:14, 18 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father s side, he has made him known. Heb. 1:2-3 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 14

15 Col. 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. The Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. John 15:26 But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. Gal. 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! 15

16 Foundation of Covenant Theology 1. Centered on God 2. Based on God s Word alone 3. Committed to faith alone 4. Devoted to Jesus Christ 5. Structured by three covenants Based on God s Word alone 7 Martin Luther, Diet of Worms: On trial for his life to recant his doctrine of justification by faith, he insisted that his doctrine was based on the Bible. Unless I am convinced by Sacred Scripture or by evident reason, I will not recant. My conscience is held captive by the Word of God and to act against conscience is neither right nor safe. The Protestant Reformation: Its Material Cause (sola fide) the dispute over the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Its Formal Cause (sola Scriptura) the dispute over biblical authority over church tradition and authority. Sola Scriptura by Scripture alone only the Bible has the authority to bind the consciences of believers. All other authorities are derived from and subordinate to the authority of God, who alone is infallible. He alone can bind the conscience absolutely. The Question: Is the Bible the only infallible source of special revelation? o Roman Catholics there are two sources of infallible special revelation: 1) Scripture 7 What is Reformed Faith, R.C. Sproul, Baker Books, 1997, pp

17 2) Tradition since they attributed this authority to the tradition of the church, they did not permit any person to interpret the Bible in a way contrary to this tradition. 3) This is what led them to excommunicate Luther and condemn his doctrine. o The Reformers: two kinds of divine revelation 1) General or Natural Revelation God s revelation of himself in nature (Rom. 1:18-20). Its Audience all people receive it in nature; not all have read the Scriptures. Its Content it does not reveal the history of redemption or the person and work of Christ; special revelation does. 2) Special Revelation (the Scriptures alone) are the only written source of special revelation; because the Bible is inspired by God, while church creeds and pronouncements are the works of men. 1. The Inspiration of Scripture A. John Calvin:... the Scriptures are the only records in which God has been pleased to consign his truth to perpetual remembrance, the full authority which they ought to possess with the faithful is not recognized, unless they are believed to have come from heaven, as directly as if God had been heard giving utterance to them. 8 B. 2 Tim. 3: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. C. inspired (theopneust) God-breathed breathed out Scripture is breathed out by God. This refers to the way in which God enabled the human authors of Scripture to function, so that they wrote every 8 Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, 2 Vols. 1:68 (1.7.1) 17

18 word under divine superintendence. Thus, they were agents of divine revelation, so that they wrote the very Word of God. D. Summary: The inspiration of the Bible refers then to the divine superintendence of Scripture, preserving it from the intrusion of human error. It refers to God s preserving his Word through the words of human authors. 2. The Infallibility of Scripture A. Infallibility indefectibility or the impossibility of its being in error because it is the work of God, who is infallible. God & his work are infallible because of his nature and character. God s nature: He is omniscient ( all-knowing ). Therefore it is impossible for Him to make a mistake. God s character: He is holy and altogether righteous. Therefore it is impossible for him to lie. B. Modern Issues: Inspired but not Infallible: Theologians affirm the Bible s inspiration while denying its infallibility; thus, the Bible, while inspired, still errs. o Divinely inspired error leaves us with God inspiring error. o To inspire error would require either God is not omniscient or that He is evil. Inspired by ineffectual: fails to accomplish its purpose. o Divinely inspired but ineffectual leaves us with God inspiring but not able to accomplish his purpose and thus attacks His omnipotence ( all powerful ). o God is simply not able to manage human authors propensity for error. The Bible is the Word of God, which errs. o If it is the Word of God, it does not err. o If it errs, it is not the Word of God. C. The Origin of Scripture is God: 18

19 Rom. 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, of God a genitive of possession the gospel belongs to God. Paul is declaring that the gospel he preaches is not from men but is given by divine revelation. D. Summary: Reformed theology is committed to Christianity as a revealed faith, a faith that costs, not on human insight, but on information that comes to us from God himself. 3. The Inerrancy of Scripture A. Inerrancy Scripture does not err; while infallibility means Scripture cannot err. B. Modern Issues: The Bible is infallible but not inerrant. An infallible person would never err simply because infallibility precludes the very possibility of error. C. The Reformers held to inerrancy and infallibility. Martin Luther: The Word must stand, for God cannot lie; and heaven and earth must go to ruins before the most insignificant letter or tittle of His Word remains unfulfilled. St. Augustine:... I have learned to hold only the Holy Scripture inerrant. D. The Reformers restricted inerrancy to the original manuscripts of the Bible, or the autographa. However, God has preserved them, as textual criticism demonstrates so that the existing text is remarkably pure and exceedingly reliable. E. Application for today: A debate over a clear text of Scripture with the meaning understood, but one believes God s text is infallible revelation. He is bound to submit to it. While the other is persuaded that the text itself is fallible (in the original autographs), then he believes he is under no moral obligation to be bound by it. Her one,s morality determines one s theology. 4. The Authority of Scripture 19

20 A. The basic issue is Authority: The supreme authority rests with the Bible, not the church; with God, not with man. B. The Church receives (recepimus) or acknowledges that the books of the Bible are what they are in themselves, the Word of God. They don t decide what is God s Word and what is not. C. Luther: The church does not make the Word, but it is made by the Word. D. Roman Catholics view the canon as an infallible collection of infallible books. Protestants view it as a fallible collection of infallible books. E. Rome believes the church was infallible when it determined which books belong in the New Testament. Protestants believe the church acted rightly and accurately in this process, but not infallibly. This does not mean that Reformed theology doubts the canonical status of books included in the New Testament canon. F. Reformed principle of simper reformanda, which indicates that reformation of the church is an ongoing process, as we seek more and more to bring our faith and practice into conformity to the Word of God. G. We respect and submit to lesser ecclesiastical authority, but we are not bound by it absolutely as we are by biblical authority. 5. The Interpretation of Scripture A. The principle of private interpretation. At great price, the Reformation put the Bible into the hands of the laity as it was translated into the vernacular of the common man. Every Christian has the right to read and interpret the Bible for himself. With this right comes the responsibility of handling the Bible carefully and accurately. The Bible is not to be interpreted arbitrarily. 20

21 B. Hermeneutics Is the process by which we seek to understand a message. The Reformation established crucial rules for interpreting the Bible. 1) Analogy of faith Scripture is to interpret itself. We are to interpret Scripture by Scripture. God does not contradict Himself. We are to interpret the obscure in light of the clear. 2) Literal interpretation of Scripture (sensus literalis) recognizing different forms of literature within the Scripture (i.e. parable, metaphor, proverb, etc), the Bible must be interpreted in the manner in which it is written. Literal refers to the literary form of Scripture. We must adhere to the simple, pure, and natural meaning of the words in accordance with the rules of grammar and the usage of speech. 3) Grammatico-historical method of interpretation pays close attention to the historical setting of Scripture and to the grammatical structure of the biblical text i.e. verbs are verbs and nouns are nouns. We look for the plain sense, the most obvious meaning of the passage. 21

22 The Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Of the Holy Scripture 9 1. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; 14 Rom. 2:14 15 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 19 Rom. 1:19 20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 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. Psalm 19:1 3 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 32 Rom. 1:32 Though they know God s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Rom. 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. 9 WCF, pp

23 21 1 Cor. 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe Cor. 2:13 14 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manner, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church; Heb. 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: 19 Prov. 22:19 21 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you. 20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, 21 to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? 3 Luke 1:3 4 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. 4 Rom. 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 23

24 4 Matt. 4:4,7,10 But he answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 7 Jesus said to him, Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test. 10 Then Jesus said to him, Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. 19 Isa. 8:19 20 And when they say to you, Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; 15 2 Tim. 3:15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus Pet. 1:19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, those former ways of God s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased. Heb. 1:1 2 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 2. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these, 24

25 OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Genesis Ecclesiastes Exodus The Song of Songs Leviticus Isaiah Numbers Jeremiah Deuteronomy Lamentations Joshua Ezekiel Judges Daniel Ruth Hosea I. Samuel Joel II. Samuel Amos I. Kings Obadiah II. Kings Jonah I. Chronicles Micah II. Chronicles Nahum Ezra Habakkuk Nehemiah Zephaniah Esther Haggai Job Zechariah Psalms Malachi Proverbs OF THE NEW TESTAMENT The Gospels according to Thessalonians I Matthew Thessalonians II Mark To Timothy I Luke To Timothy II John To Titus The Acts of the Apostles To Philemon Paul s Epistles to the Romans The Epistle to Hebrews Corinthians I The Epistle of James Corinthians II The first and second Epistles of Peter Galatians The first, second and third Epistles of John Ephesians The Epistle of Jude Philippians The Revelation of John Colossians 25

26 All which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life. 29 Luke 16:29, 31 But Abraham said, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent. 31 He said to him, If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead. 20 Eph. 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 18 Rev. 22:18 19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 3. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings. 27 Luke 24:27, 44 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 44 Then he said to them, These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Rom. 3:2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 2 Pet. 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 26

27 4. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God Pet. 1:19, 21 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 1 John 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 1 Thess. 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverend esteem of the Holy Scripture. 1 Tim. 3:15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is 27

28 from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. 1 John. 2:20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 13 John 16:13 14 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you Cor. 2:10 12 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. Isaiah 59:21 And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD: My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children s offspring, says the LORD, from this time forth and forevermore. 6. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men Tim. 3:15 17 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 28

29 8 Gal. 1:8 9 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 2 Thess. 2:2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word: John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me 9 1 Cor 2:9 12 But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed Cor. 11:13 14 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 29

30 26 1 Cor. 14:26, 40 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. But all things should be done decently and in order. 7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all: 2 Pet. 3:16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. 105 Ps. 119:105, 130 Your word is a lamp to my feet 130 and a light to my path. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; Matt. 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. Isa. 8:20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. 30

31 Acts 15:15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 39 John 5:39, 46 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, 6 1 Cor. 14:6, 9, 11 12, 24, Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner; Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 31

32 and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope. Rom. 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly Pet. 1:20 21 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 15 Acts 15:15 16 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 10.The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. 29 Matt. 22:29, 31 But Jesus answered them, You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: Eph. 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, Acts 28:25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 32

33 Foundation of Covenant Theology 1. Centered on God 2. Based on God s Word alone 3. Committed to faith alone 4. Devoted to Jesus Christ 5. Structured by three covenants Committed to faith alone 10 (Sola Fide) Importance: Faith Alone is the central affirmation of historic evangelicalism. Martin Luther: the article with and by which the church stands, without which it falls... This doctrine is the head and the cornerstone. It alone begets, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the church of God; and without it the church of God cannot exist for one hour.... Answers the Basic Issue of Life: How can a sinner, an unjust person, ever withstand the judgment of a holy and just God? How is a person justified? On what basis or grounds does God ever declare anyone just? Psalm 130:3 If You, O Lord should mark iniquities,... who could stand? John Calvin:... Thus we simply interpret justification, as the acceptance with which God receives us into his favor as if we were righteous; and we say that this justification consists in the forgiveness of sins and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ. 1. Forensic Justification A. A definition of forensic justification A legal declaration whereby we are declared righteous by God in a legal sense. The ground of this legal declaration is the imputation of Christ s righteousness to our account. 10 What is Reformed Faith, R.C. Sproul, Baker Books, 1997, pp

34 Luther: At the same time (simultaneously), just and sinner. The person considered in himself remains a sinner, yet at the same time, by virtue of the imputation of Christ s righteousness, the person is considered just in the sight of God. B. How Forensic Justification is Acquired: How does the sinner acquire the necessary righteousness? Pelagian Heresy: o Pelagius denied the doctrine of original sin, claiming that Adam s sin affected Adam alone and nobody else. o He argued that man becomes righteous without the assistance of divine grace; although grace facilitates righteousness, it is not necessary. C. The Controversy Over Justification: The Roman Catholic Church: condemned Pelagius, insisting that we cannot become righteous without grace. o Grace is necessary for justification: An atonement is necessary to satisfy the demands of God s justice; which is the gracious work of Christ on the Cross dying & paying the debt for our sins. o Initial Righteous is necessary for justification: We must first be righteous before we can be justified. 1) It begins with baptism, the instrumental cause of justification. Through this sacrament, the grace of Christ s righteousness is infused into the soul. The baptized person is cleansed of original sin and is now in a state of grace. 2) The grace of justification is not permanent. It may be lost through the commission of mortal sin, which destroys grace but not faith. A person can retain true faith and still not be justified. 3) Restoration to a state of grace is through penance & works of satisfaction. The sinner confesses his sin to a priest, makes an act of contrition, receives priestly absolution, and then performs works of satisfaction to be restored to a state of grace. The Controversy in the 16 th Century: 34