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Truths We Confess #2
Truths We Confess - Volume 2: A Layman's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith: Salvation and the Christian Life
"Christianity is a religion with content," R. C. Sproul affirms in the preface to this work. "Its truths are central to the life and practice of the church." He adds, "It is necessary in every generation for the church to clarify its beliefs against constant attacks and distortions of her body of truth."
Few evangelical leaders in recent decades have contributed as much to our understanding of scriptural truth as has Dr. Sproul. "For almost a biblical generation, the ministry of R. C. Sproul has been transforming the convictions of evangelicals," wrote Edmund Clowney, who described him as "a morning star of a new reformation."
In keeping with his conviction that theology belongs to everyone, Sproul has written this highly readable commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Each of the three volumes of this commentary includes the portions of the confession being discussed, chapter by chapter and section by section. Key confessional phrases are also highlighted in bold as Sproul explains their significance for our faith and practice.
This second volume (of three), covering chapters 9-22 of the confession, explains the doctrines of free will, effectual calling, justification, adoption, sanctification, faith, repentance, good works, perseverance, assurance, God's law, Christian liberty, the sabbath, and oaths. Every discussion is geared toward bringing us to a deeper knowledge of and greater love for the doctrines of grace set forth in God's Word.
Few evangelical leaders in recent decades have contributed as much to our understanding of scriptural truth as has Dr. Sproul. "For almost a biblical generation, the ministry of R. C. Sproul has been transforming the convictions of evangelicals," wrote Edmund Clowney, who described him as "a morning star of a new reformation."
In keeping with his conviction that theology belongs to everyone, Sproul has written this highly readable commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Each of the three volumes of this commentary includes the portions of the confession being discussed, chapter by chapter and section by section. Key confessional phrases are also highlighted in bold as Sproul explains their significance for our faith and practice.
This second volume (of three), covering chapters 9-22 of the confession, explains the doctrines of free will, effectual calling, justification, adoption, sanctification, faith, repentance, good works, perseverance, assurance, God's law, Christian liberty, the sabbath, and oaths. Every discussion is geared toward bringing us to a deeper knowledge of and greater love for the doctrines of grace set forth in God's Word.
362 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
673 books1,996 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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July 12, 2020
This volume 2 of a 3-volume set focuses on chapters 9-22 of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). I plan to read the other volumes at some point. Each chapter quotes a WCF chapter, then Sproul explains and comments on that chapter in plain language for the layman. It would've been nice if the WCF proof texts had been included. Sproul has great respect for the WCF, but he's not afraid to point out the few places where he disagrees with it, on Scriptural grounds.
There were a couple points where I disagreed with Sproul, though perhaps I misunderstood him. He says the 10 Commandments are part of the Mosaic law and that "As Christians, we are not bound by the Ten Commandments since they are part of the old covenant." It's not clear if he means they're merely part of the Mosaic law. The Bible presents them as applicable to all people for all time; they were delivered at Sinai, but not first established there. Fortunately, Sproul says that "We are still morally obligated to keep the moral law of God [Ten Commandments]." (See fuller quote below.)
In another chapter, Sproul says, "When we have a burden to pray for someone, that is usually a pretty good indication that God is working. If God has laid that burden upon us, he will bring that person to salvation." Maybe he's making a distinction between God placing a burden on us to pray for a person, versus our putting that burden on ourselves, but that's not stated. The Bible doesn't give us warrant to believe that God will save each person we pray for Him to save.
Sproul's high regard for the WCF is clear throughout. He says,
Notes
10. Effectual Calling
Sinners resist grace to an extent, but grace is irresistible in sense that God's saving work overcomes any resistance in the elect.
If you love Christ as He appears in the Bible, you can be assured of your salvation, because only a regenerated heart can love Christ.
The question isn't, "Why has God given only one way to be saved?" but "Why has God given any way to be saved?"
13. Sanctification
When David says, "against You, You only have I sinned" (Ps 51:5), he's speaking in ultimate categories; all sin is ultimately against God.
Heb 6:9 shows that a true Christian won't commit the blasphemy warned of in Heb 6:4-6.
1 John 5:16 doesn't say we're commanded not to pray for that person; it says we're not commanded to (we don't have to). Sproul says many assume the sin unto death is blasphemy against the Spirit, but he says he doesn't know what it is.
16. Good Works
When Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions (Luke 18:22), it wasn't a universal precept; it was a test for that man.
There are at least 25 NT passages that say we'll be rewarded in heaven for our works.
When we sin, we displease God. We incur His corrective wrath, which is different than His punitive wrath, because it's the discipline of a loving Father.
18. Assurance of Grace and Salvation
Marks of assurance: genuine faith; true belief in Christ; sincere love for Christ; endeavoring to walk in a good conscience before Him.
Imposters and the devil can't do miracles, only clever tricks. If unbelievers could do miracles, then miracle-working wouldn't authenticate Christ (John 3:1-2), Moses, or other agents of God.
The Holy Spirit bears witness with our Spirit (Rom 8:16) through the Word.
If Sabbath is creation ordinance, and state is called by God to maintain God's law outside the church, then it's state's duty to legislate regarding Sabbath.
"Since the Old Testament came from God, who is holy and righteous, we should not be offended by any laws that we read there. If we are offended by them, it is because our thinking has been distorted by a secular perspective …"
To pray "in faith" is to plead your case to God and leave it in His hands and trust Him (Job 13:15), not a guarantee that God will grant your request if you have enough faith.
Although Bible doesn't say sacraments can only be administered by ordained elders, it's fitting because God gives elders authority over and responsibility for spiritual life of church members.
Sabbath is simply 1 day in 7. Earliest Christians chose Sunday because Christ rose on that day. It became known as Lord's Day (Rev 1:10). Christ is Lord of Sabbath (Mark 2:28).
Sproul disagrees with WCF 21.8. He says the fact that Jesus did works of mercy on Sabbath shows that we may, not that we must. "I demure whenever someone says that our whole time has to be taken up with worship and doing works of necessity and mercy. There is also time to enjoy fellowship and to rest."
22. Oaths and Vows
Jas 5:12 doesn't forbid oaths and vows; it simply means we must be people whose word can be trusted. Paul frequently took vows or swore oaths (e.g., Rom 9:1-4).
There were a couple points where I disagreed with Sproul, though perhaps I misunderstood him. He says the 10 Commandments are part of the Mosaic law and that "As Christians, we are not bound by the Ten Commandments since they are part of the old covenant." It's not clear if he means they're merely part of the Mosaic law. The Bible presents them as applicable to all people for all time; they were delivered at Sinai, but not first established there. Fortunately, Sproul says that "We are still morally obligated to keep the moral law of God [Ten Commandments]." (See fuller quote below.)
In another chapter, Sproul says, "When we have a burden to pray for someone, that is usually a pretty good indication that God is working. If God has laid that burden upon us, he will bring that person to salvation." Maybe he's making a distinction between God placing a burden on us to pray for a person, versus our putting that burden on ourselves, but that's not stated. The Bible doesn't give us warrant to believe that God will save each person we pray for Him to save.
Sproul's high regard for the WCF is clear throughout. He says,
I am not aware of any theological document in all of church history that articulates the biblical faith more precisely or with greater care than the Westminster Confession. I stand in awe at the wisdom manifested by those who framed this document …After reading this volume, I read the book that contains all 3 volumes. Here's my complete review.
Notes
10. Effectual Calling
Sinners resist grace to an extent, but grace is irresistible in sense that God's saving work overcomes any resistance in the elect.
If you love Christ as He appears in the Bible, you can be assured of your salvation, because only a regenerated heart can love Christ.
The question isn't, "Why has God given only one way to be saved?" but "Why has God given any way to be saved?"
13. Sanctification
If the Old Testament moral law reveals to us what is pleasing to God, and the new covenant commands us to live in a way that pleases God, that tells us that we must give serious attention to the Old Testament law.15. Repentance
When David says, "against You, You only have I sinned" (Ps 51:5), he's speaking in ultimate categories; all sin is ultimately against God.
Heb 6:9 shows that a true Christian won't commit the blasphemy warned of in Heb 6:4-6.
1 John 5:16 doesn't say we're commanded not to pray for that person; it says we're not commanded to (we don't have to). Sproul says many assume the sin unto death is blasphemy against the Spirit, but he says he doesn't know what it is.
16. Good Works
When Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions (Luke 18:22), it wasn't a universal precept; it was a test for that man.
There are at least 25 NT passages that say we'll be rewarded in heaven for our works.
The formula for the Reformed faith on this point is, 'Justification is by faith alone, but our reward in heaven will be according to our works'—though not because those works merit or deserve any reward whatsoever. … That God does reward them is, as Augustine said, God crowning his own gifts.17. Perseverance of the Saints
The Bible nowhere uses the expression 'unconditional love.' … It is true that God love the elect unconditionally, but he works in them to meet certain conditions for salvation. He creates faith in people and brings them to repentance.2 Pet 3:9 means that Jesus hasn't returned because He isn't willing that any of the elect ("us") should perish before coming to faith.
When we sin, we displease God. We incur His corrective wrath, which is different than His punitive wrath, because it's the discipline of a loving Father.
18. Assurance of Grace and Salvation
Marks of assurance: genuine faith; true belief in Christ; sincere love for Christ; endeavoring to walk in a good conscience before Him.
Imposters and the devil can't do miracles, only clever tricks. If unbelievers could do miracles, then miracle-working wouldn't authenticate Christ (John 3:1-2), Moses, or other agents of God.
The Holy Spirit bears witness with our Spirit (Rom 8:16) through the Word.
If God never bestowed another blessing upon me for the rest of my days, I would still have every reason to be joyful for the blessings he has already poured out on me. We have an insatiable appetite for more and more blessings before we can be joyful. If we are poverty-stricken or unemployed, if we are doubled over in pain from a chronic or an acute illness, we will still be blessed people because our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. That is the most wonderful thing for which anyone could rejoice.19. The Law of God
If Sabbath is creation ordinance, and state is called by God to maintain God's law outside the church, then it's state's duty to legislate regarding Sabbath.
"Since the Old Testament came from God, who is holy and righteous, we should not be offended by any laws that we read there. If we are offended by them, it is because our thinking has been distorted by a secular perspective …"
In the Old Testament law, the Ten Commandments were delivered to Israel as part of their terms of the covenant that God made through Moses. We call that the Mosaic covenant, the Sinaitic covenant, or the old covenant, as distinguished from the new covenant. As Christians, we are not bound by the Ten Commandments since they are part of the old covenant … What I mean is that I am not under the damnation, the bondage, the power of the law. Nor am I under covenantal obligation to the Old Testament law. … I am under the law in the sense that its instructions and guidelines are a revelation of what is pleasing to God … 'you are saying that you are still just as much bound by the Ten Commandments as you would have been, had you lived in Old Testament times.' That is true … We are still morally obligated to keep the moral law of God. We no longer have a covenantal relationship through Moses, but we do … through our Mediator, Jesus Christ.21. Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
To pray "in faith" is to plead your case to God and leave it in His hands and trust Him (Job 13:15), not a guarantee that God will grant your request if you have enough faith.
Although Bible doesn't say sacraments can only be administered by ordained elders, it's fitting because God gives elders authority over and responsibility for spiritual life of church members.
Sabbath is simply 1 day in 7. Earliest Christians chose Sunday because Christ rose on that day. It became known as Lord's Day (Rev 1:10). Christ is Lord of Sabbath (Mark 2:28).
The promise of heaven is communicated every Sabbath day. That is why I am convinced that there is a perpetual, ongoing, sacramental significance to the Sabbath day, at least until the final consummation of heaven and earth.Puritans inferred that recreation is forbidden on Sabbath because Isa 58:13 forbids "finding your own pleasure" on the Sabbath. But in context, "your own pleasure" refers to doing business on Sabbath, not recreation.
Sproul disagrees with WCF 21.8. He says the fact that Jesus did works of mercy on Sabbath shows that we may, not that we must. "I demure whenever someone says that our whole time has to be taken up with worship and doing works of necessity and mercy. There is also time to enjoy fellowship and to rest."
22. Oaths and Vows
Jas 5:12 doesn't forbid oaths and vows; it simply means we must be people whose word can be trusted. Paul frequently took vows or swore oaths (e.g., Rom 9:1-4).
October 31, 2011
This is just what is says: a LAYMAN'S GUIDE to the Westminster Confession. R.C. does a good job covering the Confession's major points and addressing some current concerns and applications. You won't find anything too technical though R.C. can't stay away from some of his favorite "hobby horses." Still, really good for most folks looking for a a companion to get a little bit of help digesting the Confession.
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