Chapter 3, paragraph 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith addresses the doctrine of God’s eternal decree, teaching that God has sovereignly and unchangeably planned everything that happens in history. This means that God’s will is the ultimate cause behind all events, but He carries out His plan in a way that does not violate human will or make God the author of sin. Instead, His purposes are carried out in wisdom, holiness, and for His glory.
This paragraph emphasizes that God’s decrees are eternal, meaning they were established before the foundation of the world. Everything that happens—whether in creation, redemption, or daily life—unfolds according to His perfect and wise plan. Yet, while God is sovereign, humans remain responsible for their choices and actions.
Historically, this teaching was central to Reformed theology during the Protestant Reformation. It was a response to medieval Catholic teachings that sometimes emphasized human free will in ways that seemed to diminish God’s sovereignty. The Reformers, particularly figures like John Calvin, emphasized that God’s sovereignty encompasses all things, but in a way that is compatible with human responsibility.
Key biblical references include:
- Ephesians 1:11: God works all things according to the counsel of His will.
- Romans 11:36: All things are from Him, through Him, and to Him, showing God’s ultimate purpose in all events.
- Isaiah 46:9-10: God declares the end from the beginning and accomplishes His purposes.
- James 1:13: While God is sovereign, He does not tempt people to sin, affirming His holiness.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God has unchangeably decreed all that happens, carrying out His plan with wisdom and holiness. His sovereignty does not undermine human freedom or make Him the author of sin. This doctrine reflects the Reformers’ emphasis on God’s ultimate control over all things while upholding human responsibility, rooted in Scripture’s teaching about God’s eternal and perfect purposes.
Chapter 3, paragraph 2 of the Westminster Confession of Faith explains that God’s eternal decree is comprehensive and all-encompassing. It teaches that everything that happens in creation and history is included in God’s plan, and nothing is outside of His sovereign control. This decree is unchangeable, meaning that God’s purposes are fixed and certain, and nothing can thwart or alter them.
However, this paragraph emphasizes that God’s decree does not eliminate human responsibility or the importance of means (the ways God accomplishes His plans). While God has ordained all things, He uses secondary causes—such as human actions, natural processes, and events—to bring about His purposes in a way that is consistent with His wisdom and holiness.
Historically, this teaching was formulated in response to challenges during the Reformation. The Reformers wanted to affirm both God’s complete sovereignty and human accountability, countering errors like fatalism (which denies human responsibility) and Pelagianism (which diminishes God’s sovereignty by overemphasizing human free will). They sought to uphold the biblical teaching that God is in control of all things without being the author of sin.
Key biblical references include:
- Isaiah 46:10: God declares the end from the beginning, and His purposes will stand.
- Proverbs 16:9: Humans plan their way, but the Lord directs their steps.
- Acts 2:23: Jesus was delivered up according to God’s definite plan and foreknowledge, but human agents were still responsible for their actions.
- Romans 8:28: God works all things together for good for those who love Him, showing His sovereign control over all events.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God’s eternal decree includes everything that happens and is unchangeable, yet it does not negate human responsibility or the use of means. God works through His creation in ways that reflect His wisdom, holiness, and purpose. This teaching reflects the Reformers’ commitment to affirming both God’s sovereignty and human accountability, rooted in the clear teaching of Scripture.
Chapter 3, paragraph 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith explains that God’s eternal decree includes His choice to allow the fall of humanity into sin and its consequences. God did not merely foresee the fall; He ordained it as part of His perfect and wise plan. However, it is important to emphasize that God is not the author of sin, nor does He compel anyone to sin. The paragraph highlights that God permits sin to occur in a way that is consistent with His holy nature, and He uses even sinful actions to accomplish His purposes.
This teaching reflects the biblical view that God’s sovereignty extends over all things, including human disobedience, yet He remains holy and blameless. Human beings bear full responsibility for their sinful actions, and their choices are real and meaningful. God’s decree to permit the fall was not arbitrary but served His ultimate purpose of glorifying Himself through the redemption of sinners and the display of His justice and mercy.
Historically, this doctrine was shaped during the Reformation to address questions about God’s sovereignty and human sin. The Reformers sought to affirm that God is in control of all things, including the fall, without being implicated in evil. This teaching distinguished Reformed theology from views that either limited God’s sovereignty or made Him the cause of sin.
Key biblical references include:
- Genesis 50:20: Joseph affirms that what his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good, showing how God uses sinful actions for His purposes.
- Acts 2:23: Jesus’ crucifixion was part of God’s definite plan, yet carried out by sinful humans.
- Romans 11:33-36: God’s ways are beyond human understanding, and all things are for His glory.
- James 1:13: God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God’s eternal decree includes His decision to permit the fall, which He uses to accomplish His purposes. While God sovereignly ordains all things, He is not the author of sin, and humans are fully responsible for their choices. This doctrine highlights God’s holiness and sovereignty while affirming the reality of human accountability, reflecting the Reformers’ careful approach to these profound biblical truths.
Chapter 3, paragraph 4 of the Westminster Confession of Faith emphasizes that God’s decree does not make Him the author of sin or violate human will. It teaches that while God has sovereignly ordained all things, He accomplishes His purposes in a way that does not compromise His holy and just nature or eliminate the real responsibility of human beings for their actions.
This paragraph is careful to preserve the balance between God’s control over all events and the moral accountability of human beings. It asserts that God’s decree operates in harmony with human freedom and secondary causes (natural or human actions) without forcing or coercing individuals to act against their will. In other words, humans make real choices, yet those choices fit perfectly within God’s eternal plan.
Historically, this teaching arose during the Reformation to address misunderstandings about divine sovereignty. Critics of Reformed theology often accused it of making God the cause of sin or undermining human responsibility. This paragraph refutes those charges, affirming that God is perfectly holy and just, while humans remain responsible for their sins. The Reformers upheld this tension as a mystery revealed in Scripture, beyond full human comprehension.
Key biblical references include:
- James 1:13: God does not tempt anyone to sin, affirming His holiness.
- Proverbs 16:9: Humans plan their way, but God directs their steps, showing the interplay between human choices and divine sovereignty.
- Genesis 50:20: God used Joseph’s brothers’ sinful actions for good without being the author of their sin.
- Acts 2:23: Jesus’ crucifixion was part of God’s plan, yet carried out by sinful men who bore full responsibility.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God’s sovereign decree does not make Him the author of sin or override human will. Humans remain morally accountable for their actions, even as those actions fulfill God’s eternal purposes. This teaching reflects the Reformers’ effort to affirm both God’s sovereignty and holiness while preserving human responsibility, consistent with Scripture’s witness to these profound truths.
Chapter 3, paragraph 5 of the Westminster Confession of Faith focuses on the doctrine of predestination, teaching that God, according to His eternal and unchangeable will, has chosen certain individuals to eternal life through Jesus Christ. This choice, known as election, is made out of God’s free grace and love, not because of anything God foresaw in the person, such as faith, good works, or merit. Instead, it is entirely based on His sovereign will and for His glory.
The paragraph emphasizes that election is a gracious act of God’s will, designed to display His mercy and bring glory to His name. Those whom God has chosen are redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. This process is entirely the work of God, ensuring that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.
Historically, this teaching reflects the Reformation emphasis on the sovereignty of God in salvation, countering views like Pelagianism and semi-Pelagianism, which suggested that human effort or merit played a role in earning salvation. It also opposes the Roman Catholic belief that grace is dispensed in cooperation with human works. The Reformers, including John Calvin, insisted that salvation is entirely a result of God’s sovereign choice, highlighting the doctrine of sola gratia (grace alone).
Key biblical references include:
- Ephesians 1:4-6: God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, according to His will, for the praise of His glorious grace.
- Romans 8:30: Those God predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified, showing the certainty of salvation for the elect.
- 2 Timothy 1:9: God saved us according to His purpose and grace, not because of our works.
- John 6:37-39: Jesus speaks of those the Father has given Him, promising their eternal security.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God graciously and sovereignly chooses some people for salvation through Christ, not because of anything they have done, but out of His free will and love. Election is a central expression of God’s mercy and a demonstration of His glory. This doctrine reflects the Reformation’s commitment to emphasizing God’s sovereignty and grace in salvation, ensuring that all credit for salvation belongs to Him alone.
Chapter 3, Paragraph 6: Summary
This paragraph teaches that God’s eternal decree is carried out with absolute certainty, meaning everything God has planned will happen as He has ordained. However, God fulfills His purposes through secondary causes, such as human actions, natural laws, and events. These means are real and meaningful, demonstrating that God’s sovereignty does not nullify the natural order or human responsibility.
Even though God’s plan is unchangeable, He accomplishes it in ways that are consistent with His wisdom, holiness, and the natural workings of the world. Humans act freely, yet their choices and actions are part of God’s ordained plan.
Historical Context
This teaching reflects the Reformers’ efforts to uphold the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. During the Reformation, critics accused Reformed theology of promoting fatalism—the idea that human actions were meaningless in light of God’s decrees. The Reformers rejected this, emphasizing that God’s plan is fulfilled through ordinary processes and real human decisions. By affirming the use of secondary causes, the Confession highlights that God’s sovereignty operates in harmony with the natural order and human freedom.
Key Biblical References
- Isaiah 46:10: God declares the end from the beginning and accomplishes His purposes.
- Proverbs 16:9: Humans plan their way, but the Lord directs their steps.
- Acts 27:22-31: Paul explains how staying on the ship aligns with God’s promise of safety, showing the interplay of human actions and divine decree.
- Ephesians 1:11: God works all things according to the counsel of His will.
Summary
Chapter 3, paragraph 6 teaches that God’s eternal decree is unchangeable and certain, but He fulfills it through secondary causes, such as human choices and natural events. This doctrine preserves the biblical balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, showing that God’s control is consistent with His wisdom, holiness, and the natural order. This teaching reflects the Reformers’ rejection of fatalism and affirms the meaningfulness of human actions within God’s sovereign plan.
Chapter 3, Paragraph 7: Summary
This paragraph explains the doctrine of reprobation, teaching that God, in His sovereign will and for His glory, has chosen to pass over some people, leaving them to their sin and just condemnation. Unlike election, which involves God actively choosing individuals for salvation, reprobation is God’s decision not to extend His saving grace to others. Instead, He permits them to continue in their sin and face the consequences of their rebellion.
The paragraph emphasizes that this decision is not arbitrary but is consistent with God’s perfect holiness, wisdom, and justice. All humans deserve God’s judgment because of their sin, so reprobation highlights the justice of God in punishing sin, as well as His mercy in saving some.
Historical Context
The doctrine of reprobation was developed during the Reformation as part of the broader discussion on predestination. The Reformers emphasized God’s sovereignty in salvation and judgment, countering views that salvation depended on human effort or merit. This teaching also aimed to address misconceptions about predestination, affirming that God is not unjust in passing over some because all are guilty of sin and deserving of judgment.
Reprobation was carefully framed to avoid portraying God as the author of sin. The Reformers upheld that humans are fully responsible for their sinful actions, and God’s decision to leave some in their sin does not involve compelling them to do evil.
Key Biblical References
- Romans 9:22-23: God demonstrates His wrath and power by enduring vessels of wrath prepared for destruction and His mercy by preparing vessels of mercy for glory.
- Proverbs 16:4: The Lord has made everything for its purpose, including the wicked for the day of trouble.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12: God allows those who reject the truth to face judgment.
- Matthew 11:25-26: Jesus praises the Father for hiding the truth from some and revealing it to others, according to His will.
Summary
Chapter 3, paragraph 7 teaches that God, in His sovereign will, has chosen to pass over some individuals, leaving them to their sin and just condemnation. This doctrine of reprobation highlights God’s justice in punishing sin and His mercy in saving others. It affirms that humans are fully responsible for their sin, and God’s decision to leave some in their rebellion is consistent with His holiness and wisdom. This teaching reflects the Reformers’ emphasis on God’s sovereignty and justice while rejecting any view that makes God the author of sin.
Chapter 3, Paragraph 8: Summary
This paragraph emphasizes the purpose and assurance of God’s decree of predestination. It teaches that God’s plan to elect some to eternal life and pass over others is rooted in His sovereign will and brings glory to His attributes—especially His mercy, grace, and justice. The doctrine of predestination should not lead to fear or confusion for believers but rather to humility, assurance, and praise.
The Confession highlights that those who are elect can be fully assured of their salvation. The certainty of their election is not based on anything they have done but on God’s unchanging decree and faithfulness. At the same time, the teaching of predestination is not meant to encourage complacency or speculation but to inspire a deeper trust in God, greater diligence in faith, and a desire to glorify Him.
Historical Context
This paragraph addresses common concerns and misunderstandings about predestination, particularly during the Reformation. Some critics accused the doctrine of leading to fatalism or discouragement. The Reformers clarified that predestination is not a cause for despair or pride but for humility and joy in the security of God’s grace. They also cautioned against speculative thinking about election and reprobation, urging believers to focus on God’s revealed will in Scripture and the call to live faithfully.
The paragraph reflects the pastoral concern of the Westminster Divines, ensuring that this doctrine would encourage believers to trust in God’s grace rather than fear His decrees.
Key Biblical References
- Romans 9:22-23: God’s decree displays His wrath, mercy, and glory in salvation and judgment.
- Ephesians 1:5-6: Predestination is to the praise of God’s glorious grace.
- 2 Timothy 2:19: The Lord knows those who are His, offering assurance to the elect.
- 2 Peter 1:10: Believers are called to make their calling and election sure by living faithfully.
- Romans 11:33: Paul praises God’s wisdom and knowledge, marveling at the mystery of His plans.
Summary
Chapter 3, paragraph 8 teaches that God’s decree of predestination glorifies His mercy and justice. For believers, it is a source of assurance and humility, as their salvation depends entirely on God’s unchanging will. This doctrine is meant to inspire trust, worship, and faithful living, not fear or speculation. It reflects the Reformers’ emphasis on the grace and sovereignty of God and their pastoral concern to encourage believers to rest in the security of their salvation while striving to glorify God in their lives.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 