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Dec 12
3

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (3 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Psalm 119
  • Support Passages: Psalms 1, 19, 111, 112; Matthew 10:28
  • Bible Story: Acts 5:12-42

Thoughts

  • There are three common uses of God’s law. One of those is the normative use; this means that God’s law is used in the life of believers who have been saved by faith apart from the law. God’s law is good and righteous. It defines and points out sin that is not pleasing to God. It is one of the means by which the Holy Spirit convicts and guides believers into becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. Psalms 119 provides a beautiful description of God’s commands and how they play an important part in the life of those who love God. It is important that we remember that while we are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ alone God expects us to be holy as he is holy. Scripture calls this process sanctification.
  • “The word sanctification (Gk. Hagiasmos) means ‘to set apart’. The same root word is found in the English words saint, holy, and holiness. Sanctification and its related terms are used in a variety of ways in both the Old Testament and New Testament. With respect to the New Testament believer, however, there are primarily three aspects of sanctification.
  • (1)   Positional sanctification. This is the believer’s position or standing before God, based on the death of Christ. In positional sanctification the believer is accounted holy before God; he is declared a saint. Paul frequently began his letters by addressing the believers as saints (Rom. 1:7). It is noteworthy that so carnal a group as the church at Corinth is addressed as ‘those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus’ (1 Cor. 1:2). This positional sanctification is achieved through the once-for-all death of Christ (Heb. 10:10, 14, 29).
  • (2)   Experiential Sanctification. Although the believer’s positional sanctification is secure, his experiential sanctification may fluctuate because it relates to his daily life and experience. Paul’s prayer is that believers should be sanctified entirely in their experience (1 Thess. 5:23); Peter commands believers to be sanctified or holy (1 Peter 1:16). This experiential sanctification grows as the believer dedicates his life to God (Rom. 6:13; 12:1-2) and is nourished by the word of God (Ps. 119:9-16). Clearly, additional factors enter into experiential sanctification.
  • (3)   Ultimate Sanctification. This aspect of sanctification is future and anticipates the final transformation of the believer into the likeness of Christ. At that time all believers will be presented to the Lord without any blemish (Eph. 5:26-27)” (Pg. 329-330). [1]

Discussion Questions

  • Read Psalm 119. How is God’s law described?
  • Do you feel the same way about God’s law? Explain
  • Why are we to obey God’s law?
  • What are the things the Psalmist says he does with God’s law?
  • Listed are some of the verbs the Psalmist wrote about God’s law: Learn, keep, seek, stored, delight, meditate. What do these mean and how do you apply them?

[1] Enns, Paul (1994). The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago, Illinois, USA; Moody Press.

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Nov 12
26

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (2 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Romans 7:7-13
  • Support Passages: Romans 2:14-15, Acts 24:24-25, Matthew 14:1-10, I Timothy 1:9-10, Galatians 3:24, Romans 1:20, Galatians 3:10
  • Bible Story: Acts 24

Thoughts

  • There is a common misunderstanding in regards to the law of God and it often shows itself through the teaching of antinomianism theology. While this term could be rather broad it often refers to those who reject the notation that Christians are commanded to keep the moral law. This is not to say that they support unethical living but rather they believe that scripture teaches that the law has served its purpose and is finished and now you live solely by the Spirit. I believe that this heretical teaching is a result of not fully understanding Paul’s teaching on the law. There are many times when Paul seems to speak harshly about the law not because the law is bad or unholy but because of what it does to man. For example, Romans 7:8 says “but sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness.” Romans 7:11, “for sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.” But Paul also speaks very highly of the law in Romans 7:12-13, “so the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.” Paul makes it rather clear that the laws of God are good, holy, and righteous. God’s law does not cause the sin in man but rather point out the sin that is already within their hearts.
  • If God’s commands are holy, righteous, and good and man is inherently sinful and evil then what needs to change, man or God’s law? The obvious answer is man. Instead of expecting a holy, righteous, and unchangeable God to change is character and in doing so changing is moral laws he sent his son to do earth to do what no man could ever do, live a perfect obedient life to the law and die a perfect sacrifice for the sins of those who believe. God’s law and expectations have not changed but rather through his mercy and love provided a way for man to be accepted before him.
  • As the memory verse teaches us it is through our faith in Jesus’ perfect life and death that makes a sinner are justified. Salvation is apart from keeping any commands. But we must be careful not error in thinking that the commands play no part in the life of a believer. God’s commands teach us what is good and acceptable and how we should live. His law is what the Holy Spirit uses in the life of a believer sanctifying them, making them more and more like Jesus.

Discussion Questions

  • Describe God’s character?
  • How closely tied is God’s character to his laws?
  • Read through Romans 7:7-13. What does God’s law reveal in an individual?
  • Does God’s law cause people to sin? Explain
  • God’s law points people to whom? Explain
  • How does Paul describe God’s law in the passage of scripture?
  • If God’s law is good and people are sinful what needs to change?
  • How does God make people acceptable before himself and his law?
  • If Jesus lived a perfect life for us what use does the law have for Christians?
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Nov 12
18

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #40 & 41

Doctrinal Standard #40 & 41 (1 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. What rules did God first reveal for man to obey?
  • A. The rules He first revealed were the moral law.
  • Q. Where is the moral law summarized?
  • A. The moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.

Memory Verses

  • “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 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” (Matthew 5:17–18, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Matthew 5:17-20
  • Support Passages: Psalms 1, 19, 25:8-15, 119; Deuteronomy 6:4-9,11:18-32, 30:11-20
  • Bible Story: Matthew 10:17-31

Thoughts

  • Chapter 19.5-19.7 of the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 with notes from Peter Masters provides a good description on of how the moral law is an important part of the Christian life.
  • “5. The moral law ever binds to obedience everyone, justified people as well as others, and not only out of regard for the matter contained in it, but also out of respect for the authority of God the Creator, Who gave the law. Nor does Christ in the Gospel dissolve this law in any way, but [on the contrary] He considerably strengthens our obligation to obey it.
  • 6. Although true believers are not under the law as a covenant of works, to be justified or condemned by it, yet it is of great use to them as well as to others, because as a rule of life it informs them of the will of God and their duty and directs and binds them to walk accordingly.

    It also reveals and exposes the sinful pollutions of their natures, hearts and lives, and using it for self-examination they may come to greater conviction of sin, greater humility and greater hatred of their sin. They will also gain a clearer sight of their need of Christ and the perfection of His own obedience [to the law on their behalf].

    It is of further use to regenerate people [in self-examination] to restrain their corruptions [sinful tendencies], because of the way in which it forbids sin. The threatening of the law serve to show what their sins actually deserve, and what troubles may be expected in this life because of these sins even by regenerate people who are freed from the curse and undiminished rigours of the law.

    The promises connected with the law also show believers God’s ­approval of obedience, and what blessings they may expect when the law is kept and obeyed, though blessing will not come to them ­because they have satisfied the law as a covenant of works. [To do this would of course require perfect obedience to every part all the time.] If a man does good and refrains from evil simply because the law encourages to the good and deters him from the evil, that is no evidence that he is under the law rather than under grace.

  • 7. The aforementioned uses of the law are not contrary to the grace of the Gospel [the Gospel of undeserved mercy and favour], but they sweetly comply with it, as the Spirit of Christ subdues and enables the will of man to do freely and cheerfully those things which the will of God, which is revealed in the law, requires to be done.” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What is a moral?
  • Who decides what is moral? Why
  • Name each of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20).
  • Why are these considered to be moral laws?
  • Can you be accepted before God by keep these commands perfectly? Explain
  • How is someone accepted before God?
  • How do these laws play an important part in the life of a Christian? (see “Thoughts” section).

[1] Masters, Peter (1982). The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 – Notes by Peter Masters. Ashland, Ohio, USA; BookMasters, Inc.

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Nov 12
13

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #39

Doctrinal Standard #39

  • Q. What does God require of man?
  • A. God requires man to obey His revealed will.

Memory Verses

  • “And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22b–23a, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Luke 11:27-28
  • Support Passages: John 3:36, 14:15, I John 2:3-4, Acts 5:29, Romans 13:1-7, II Thessalonians 1:6-10, Hebrews 13:17
  • Bible Story: I Samuel 15

Thoughts

  • When teaching our child about the importance of obeying God’s Law we must be careful not error in teaching moralism instead of biblical Christianity. To understand the difference between the two we must understand the difference between the Law and Gospel and how they relate to one another in the life of an individual.
  • There are three uses of the Law of God: the civil, pedagogical, and normative use. We will briefly discuss the pedagogical and normative use to better understanding how it plays a part in the life of a believer.
  • The catechism states that God requires man to obey his will (law) but what we also understand is that scripture teaches that all mankind is unable to keep the commands of the Lord.  Therefore God’s Law has a “pedagogical use (usus elenchticus sive paedagogicus), it shows people their sin and points them to mercy and grace outside of themselves” (Lems). While God’s law revels his will and standards for mankind it also brings individuals to the realization that they are in need of the gospel. What man is unable to do according to the Law, Christ did in their place by living a perfect life to the Law and paying the ransom for their sins by dying on the cross. God’s Law and the Gospel of Jesus Christ works together in the life of an individual to bring about saving faith.
  • Many people have a limited view of the Law of God and believe that it’s only purpose is to point people to Christ and then should be left alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth. God’s law is perfect and holy. God’s Law has a “normative use (usus didacticus sive normativus). Which means this use of the law is for those who trust in Christ and have been saved through faith apart from works” (Lems) [1]. The law cannot save people because people are unable to keep it. But God’s law does direct the behaviors of those who are part of the family of God. The law is what helps guide believers in becoming holy as God is holy. The commands of the Lord are an essential part in the sanctification process of a believer.
  • The distinction between moralism and biblical Christianity is rather simple but can often be overlooked if not careful. Moralism teaches that man ought to live a life of good moral character by continually doing what is right. While there is nothing wrong with this statement in itself, the serious error of moralism that it never presents the gospel message. Moralism never addresses the problem that man can never be good enough to be accepted by God. Moralism is a self righteous religion found in many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day.
  • For a relevant case study on moralism in Christianity refer to a blog post on our website titled Veggie Tales and Moralism.

Discussion Questions

  • What does God require of man?
  • What is the problem with God requiring man to keep his commands?
  • Do you think God knew about this problem before he commanded people to keep his laws? Explain.
  • If God knew that man would not be able to keep his commands why did he give them?
  • How did God fix man’s problem in keeping his laws?
  • Are Christians still commanded to keep God’s law? Explain

[1] Lems, Shane. Three Uses of The Law, Reformedreader.com

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Nov 12
5

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #38

Doctrinal Standard #38 (2 of 2 weeks)

  • Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
  • A. At the resurrection, believers, raised in glory, will be publicly recognized and declared not guilty on the day of judgment and will be made completely happy in the full enjoyment of God forever.

Memory Verses

  • “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Revelation 21,22
  • Support Passages: II Peter 3:10-13, I John 3:2, II Corinthians 12:2-4, Isaiah 65:17, 66:22
  • Bible Story: Revelation 21


Thoughts

  • Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology (Pg. 1163-1164) states that, “scripture consistently portrays this new creation (heaven) as a place of great beauty and joy. In the description of heaven in Revelation 21 and 22, this theme is repeatedly affirmed. It is a ‘holy city’ (21:2), a place ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband’ (21:2). In that place ‘death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more’ (21:4). There we can drink ‘from the fountain of the water of life without payment’ (21:6). It is a city that has ‘the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal’ (21:11). It is a city of immense sixe, whether the measurements be understood as literal or symbolic. Its length measures ’12,000 stadia’ (21:16), or about 1,400 miles (2,250 kilometers), and ‘its length and breadth and height are equal’ (21:6). Parts or the city are constructed of immense precious jewels of various colors (21:18-21). It will be free from all evil, for ‘nothing unclean shall enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life’ (21:27). In that city we shall also have positions of rule over God’s entire creation, for ‘they shall reign forever and ever’ (22:5).”
  • “But more important than all the physical beauty of the heavenly city, more important than the fellowship we will enjoy eternally with all God’s people from all nations and all periods in history, more important than our freedom from pain and sorrow and physical suffering, and more important than reigning over God’s kingdom – more important by far than any of these will be the fact that we will be in the presence of God and enjoying unhindered fellowship with him. ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes (21:3-4).”
  • “When we finally see the Lord face to face, our hearts will want nothing else. ‘Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides you…. God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever’ (Ps. 73:25-26). Then with joy our hearts and voices will join with the redeemed from all ages and with the mighty armies of heaven singing, ‘Holy holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ (Rev. 4:8).” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • How would you describe what heaven will be like?
  • How does scripture describe heaven? (Revelation 21,22).
  • Why do you think people in heaven will fully enjoy God forever?
  • Do you enjoy God here on earth? Explain
  • Would you rather be in heaven or on earth right now? Explain
  • Does your answer to the previous question reveal anything about your heart?

 

 


[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.

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Oct 12
29

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #38

Doctrinal Standard #38 (1 of 2 weeks)

  • Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
  • A. At the resurrection, believers, raised in glory, will be publicly recognized and declared not guilty on the day of judgment and will be made completely happy in the full enjoyment of God forever.

Memory Verses

  • Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
  • Support Passages: I Corinthians 15:51, Daniel 12:2-3, Hebrews 9:28, Job 19:26-27
  • Bible Story: Matthew 25:31-46

Thoughts  

  • Below is an explanation of the resurrection of the dead taken from J. Dwight Pentecost’s book, The Moody Handbook of Theology (pg. 376-377).
  • “The return of Christ has an important implication for the believers because it means the hope of bodily resurrection. The resurrection hope is taught in both the Old and New Testaments and is foundational to the Christian faith. David spoke of awaking in God’s presence (Ps. 17:15). Korah expressed the hope that God would rescue him from the power of death and receive him to His presence (Ps. 49:15). Asaph had faith that God would guide him throughout life and when life was over, God would receive him to hope: ‘Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. You who lie in dust, awake and shout for joy. For your dew is as the dew of the dawn. And the earth will give birth to the departed spirits’ (Isa 26:19). Daniel also clearly describes the future resurrection as all people will be resurrected form the dust of the earth, some to enter into everlasting life, others to judgment and everlasting condemnation (Dan. 12:1-12).“The New Testament provides added revelation concerning the resurrection. In His debate with the Sadducees, Jesus rebuked them for their mistaken notion in denying the resurrection. They neither understood the Scriptures (for the Old Testament taught the resurrection) nor the power of God (for He is able to raise the dead) (Matt. 22:29; cf. Mark 12:24-27; Luke 20:34-38). In John 5:28-29 Jesus spoke words reminiscent of Daniel 12:2 when He explained that the dead would hear the voices of Christ and come forth, some to a resurrection life, others to a resurrection judgment (John 5:28-29). Christ also promised eternal life to those believing in Him; they had the assurance that He would raise them from the dead (John 6:39-40, 44, 54). At the raising of Lazarus Jesus declared, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die’ (John 11:25-26).”

    In his detailed defense and explanation of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul cites the resurrection as foundational to the Christian faith. If the resurrection is not true then Christ has not been resurrected, faith is useless, and the sin problem remains unsolved (1 Cor. 15:17). The resurrection is also explained in connection with the return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16).” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What is a resurrection?
  • Explain Jesus resurrection?
  • How will man’s resurrection be similar to Jesus’ resurrection?
  • Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so important to the Christian faith?
  • Will unbelievers be resurrected as well? Explain
  • How does the future resurrection of your body make you feel?

[1] Enns, Paul (1994). The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago, Illinois, USA; Moody Press.

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Oct 12
22

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #37

Doctrinal Standard #37

  • Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ when they die?
  • A. When believers die, their souls are made perfectly holy and immediately pass into glory. Their bodies, which are still united to Christ, rest in the grace until the resurrection.

Memory Verses

  • For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain… I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better (Philippians 1:21, 23b, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: II Corinthians 5:1-10
  • Support Passages: Philippians 1:21-23, Luke 23:43, Romans 15:2-4, I Corinthians 15:23, I John 3:2, Job 19:26-27
  • Bible Story: II Kings 2:1-14

Thoughts

  • Grudem describes the believer’s transformation at the moment they pass from this life (pg. 816-817). “Death is a temporary cessation of bodily life and a separation of the soul from the body. Once a believer has died, though his or her physical body remains on the earth and is buried, at the moment of death the soul (or spirit) of that believer goes immediately into the presence of God with rejoicing. When Paul thinks about death he says, ‘we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord’ (2 Cor. 5:8). To be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord. He also says that his desire is ‘to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better’ (Phil. 1:23). And Jesus said to the thief who was dying on the cross next to him, ‘today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43). The author of Hebrews says that when Christians come together to worship they come not only into the presence of God in heaven, but also into the presence of the ‘spirits of just men made perfect’ (Heb. 12:23). However, God will not leave our dead bodies in the earth forever, for when Christ returns the souls of believers will be reunited with their bodies, their bodies will be raised from the dead, and they will live with Christ eternally.” [1]
  • Erickson in his book, Christian Theology (pg. 1011) provides a brief description of the glorified state of a believer in eternity. “In glorification the individual will also be perfected, morally and spiritually. Several biblical references point to a future completion of the process begun in regeneration and continued in sanctification. One of the most direct of these statements is Colossians 1:22: ‘ But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.’ The concept of future flawlessness or blamelessness is also found in Ephesians 1:4 and Jude 24. Guiltlessness is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:8. Paul prays that the Philippians’ ‘love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God’ (Phil 1:9-11). Our moral and spiritual perfection will be attained in part through the removal of temptation, for the source of sin and evil and temptation will have been conclusively overcome (Rev. 20:7-10).” [2]

Discussion Questions

  • When a believer dies where does his soul/spirit go?
  • What transformation takes place in a believer’s soul after they die?
  • How is this made possible?
  • Where does a believer’s body go once they die?
  • Does their body remain in the ground for eternity? Explain
  • What changes take place to a believers resurrected body?

[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.

[2] Erickson, Millard J. (1998). Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Baker Books.

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Oct 12
15

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #36 (3 of 3 Weeks)

Doctrinal Standard #36 (3 of 3 weeks)

  • Q. What benefits in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
  • A. The benefits that in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: the assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, and growing and persevering in grace to the end of our lives.

Memory Verses

  • “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10b, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Job 1:20-22; 2:10; 13:15
  • Support Passages: Ezekiel 14:14,20; James 5:11, II Thessalonians 1:4
  • Bible Story: Job

Thoughts

  • C.I. Williamson in his book The Westminster Shorter Catechism (pg. 167) explains how perseverance of believers does not mean that they will not experience difficulties in this life.  “One of the greatest conflicts in the history of the Church has come to focus at this point: Can a true believer fall? In answer to this question we shall have to say, yes, a true believer can fall in his diligence and faithfulness to God, but we shall have to say, no, a true believer can never fall out of God’s mercy and grace, which are unto everlasting life. This may be illustrated (as C.H. Spurgeon once said) by a man on board a great ship. If he is not careful, he may indeed fall down on board that ship, and injure himself. But so great and so safe is the ship that he will never fall overboard. This may not be literally true of any ship. But is true of God’s grace. Christ said, of all true believers, ‘I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [one] pluck them out of my hand’ (John 10:28). It is for this reason that there will always be ‘increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end’ in the life of every true believer.” [1]
  • The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 chapter 17.1 provides a good explanation regarding the perseverance true believers will experience throughout their life. “The saints are those whom God has accepted in Christ the Beloved, and effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit. To them He has given the precious faith that pertains to all His elect. The persons to whom such blessings have been imparted can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but they shall certainly persevere in grace to the end and be eternally saved, for God will never repent of having called them and made gifts to them. Consequently He continues to beget and to nourish in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit that issue in immortality. Many storms and floods may arise and beat upon them, yet they can never be moved from the foundation and rock on which by faith they are firmly established. Even if unbelief and Satan’s temptations cause them for a time to lose the sight and comfort of the light and love of God, yet the unchanging God remains their God, and He will certainly keep and save them by His power until they come to the enjoyment of their purchased possession; for they are engraved on the palms of His hands, and their names have been written in the book of life from all eternity.” [2]

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to persevere?
  • How does a Christian persevere through this life? (Discuss God’s actions and man’s responsibility)
  • Does the perseverance of the saints (Christians) mean this life will be easy? Explain
  • Look up these verses: Job 1:20-22; 2:10; 13:15 and discuss Job’s life in regards to perseverance.
  • Even though this life may be difficult why can Christians have true joy?
  • If the perseverance of the saints is true why do people who claim to be Christians fall away from Christ?

 


[1] Williamson, C.I. (2003). The Westminster Shorter Catechism – 2nd Edition. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.

[2] London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689

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