Prayers of our Confession–1689
The approached to the "Prayers of Our Confession-1689" project.
These prayers are based on the 32 chapters of the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith. These chapters have individual segments which are listed as Chapter 1—1.1, 1.2, 1.3… Chapter 2—2.1, 2.2, 2.3… Chapter 3—3.1, 3.2…etc.
Each of these segments has specific scriptural references as the basis of the chapter statement or scriptural doctrine addressed in that chapter.
The prayers consist of two sections or divisions, for which I have chosen two Greek terms that are found in theological discussions.
I titled the first section of the prayer (the longest section) Prolegomena, meaning "those things said first or those things that must come first." This portion involves the praying of those scriptures, often in poetic form.
I titled the second, shorter section of the prayer Homologeo, which means "to agree with or to state the same thing again" (lego—to say, and homos—the same thing or the thing said prior). This portion is the contemporary language of the confession, although I have somewhat poeticized its structure for beauty and for closer context with the prolegomena.
This approach reverses the confession's structure: the confessor (us) first states their confession, then provides supporting scriptures.
So, the prayers are the prolegomena, what God speaks first (the theological basis) as the foundation of the homologeo, what we repeat in agreement with God.
Each prayer may cover one to several sections, depending on how I have perceived the sections as flowing together. Lastly, at the introduction title, I designate the prayer something like this: Chap. 1 "The Holy Scriptures—1.1-1.3" Or Chap. 2 "God & the Holy Trinity—1.1a" or Chap. 2 "God & the Holy Trinity—1.1b" etc.
The approached to the "Prayers of Our Confession-1689" project.
These prayers are based on the 32 chapters of the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith. These chapters have individual segments which are listed as Chapter 1—1.1, 1.2, 1.3… Chapter 2—2.1, 2.2, 2.3… Chapter 3—3.1, 3.2…etc.
Each of these segments has specific scriptural references as the basis of the chapter statement or scriptural doctrine addressed in that chapter.
The prayers consist of two sections or divisions, for which I have chosen two Greek terms that are found in theological discussions.
I titled the first section of the prayer (the longest section) Prolegomena, meaning "those things said first or those things that must come first." This portion involves the praying of those scriptures, often in poetic form.
I titled the second, shorter section of the prayer Homologeo, which means "to agree with or to state the same thing again" (lego—to say, and homos—the same thing or the thing said prior). This portion is the contemporary language of the confession, although I have somewhat poeticized its structure for beauty and for closer context with the prolegomena.
This approach reverses the confession's structure: the confessor (us) first states their confession, then provides supporting scriptures.
So, the prayers are the prolegomena, what God speaks first (the theological basis) as the foundation of the homologeo, what we repeat in agreement with God.
Each prayer may cover one to several sections, depending on how I have perceived the sections as flowing together. Lastly, at the introduction title, I designate the prayer something like this: Chap. 1 "The Holy Scriptures—1.1-1.3" Or Chap. 2 "God & the Holy Trinity—1.1a" or Chap. 2 "God & the Holy Trinity—1.1b" etc.
Chapter 1 - The Holy Scriptures
Chapter 1 – The Holy Scriptures
1. The Holy Scriptures are the only sufficient, certain, and infallible standard of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. (1) The light of nature and the works of creation and providence so clearly demonstrate the goodness, wisdom, and power of God that people are left without excuse; however, these demonstrations are not sufficient to give the knowledge of God and his will that is necessary for salvation. (2) Therefore, the Lord was pleased at different times and in various ways to reveal himself and to declare his will to his church. (3) To preserve and propagate the truth better and to establish and comfort the church with greater certainty against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and the world, the Lord put this revelation completely in writing. Therefore, the Holy Scriptures are absolutely necessary, because God’s former ways of revealing his will to his people have now ceased. (4)
1) 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20.
2) Romans 1:19–21; Romans 2:14,15; Psalm 19:1–3.
3) Hebrews 1:1.
4) Proverbs 22:19–21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19, 20.
2. The Holy Scriptures, or the Word of God written, consist of all the books of the Old and New Testaments. These are:
THE OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.
THE NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation.
All of these are given by the inspiration of God to be the standard of faith and life. (5)
5) 2 Timothy 3:16.
3. The books commonly called the Apocrypha were not given by divine inspiration and so are not part of the canon or standard of the Scriptures. Therefore, they have no authority for the church of God and are not to be recognized or used in any way different from other human writings. (6)
6) Luke 24:27, 44; Romans 3:2.
4. The authority of the Holy Scriptures obligates belief in them. This authority does not depend on the testimony of any person or church but on God the author alone, who is truth itself. Therefore, the Scriptures are to be received because they are the Word of God. (7)
7) 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:9.
5. The testimony of the church of God may stir and persuade us to adopt a high and reverent respect for the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, the heavenliness of the contents, the power of the system of truth, the majesty of the style, the harmony of all the parts, the central focus on giving all glory to God, the full revelation of the only way of salvation, and many other incomparable qualities and complete perfections, all provide abundant evidence that the Scriptures are the Word of God. Even so, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority of the Scriptures comes from the internal work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. (8)
8) John 16:13,14; 1 Corinthians 2:10–12; 1 John 2:20, 27.
6. The whole counsel of God concerning everything essential for his own glory and man’s salvation, faith, and life is either explicitly stated or by necessary inference contained in the Holy Scriptures. Nothing is ever to be added to the Scriptures, either by new revelation of the Spirit or by human traditions. (9)
Nevertheless, we acknowledge that the inward illumination of the Spirit of God is necessary for a saving understanding of what is revealed in the Word. (10) We recognize that some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the church are common to human actions and organizations and are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian wisdom, following the general rules of the Word, which must always be observed. (11)
9) 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Galatians 1:8,9.
10) John 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:9–12.
11) 1 Corinthians 11:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40.
7. Some things in Scripture are clearer than others, and some people understand the teachings more clearly than others.(12) However, the things that must be known, believed, and obeyed for salvation are so clearly set forth and explained in one part of Scripture or another that both the educated and uneducated may achieve a sufficient understanding of them by properly using ordinary measures. (13)
12) 2 Peter 3:16.
13) Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:130.
8. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the native language of the ancient people of God. (14) The New Testament was written in Greek, which at the time it was written was most widely known to the nations. These Testaments were inspired directly by God and by his unique care and providence were kept pure down through the ages. They are therefore true and authoritative (a), so that in all religious controversies the church must make their ultimate appeal to them. (15) All God’s people have a right to and a claim on the Scriptures and are commanded in the fear of God to read (16) and search them. (17) Not all of God’s people know these original languages, so the Scriptures are to be translated into the common language of every nation to which they come. (18) In this way the Word of God may dwell richly in all, so that they may worship him in an acceptable manner and through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures may have hope. (19)
a) authentic
14) Romans 3:2.
15) Isaiah 8:20.
16) Acts 15:15.
17) John 5:39.
18) 1 Corinthians 14:6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 28.
19) Colossians 3:16.
9. The infallible rule for interpreting Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, when there is a question about the true and full meaning (b) of any part of Scripture (and each passage has only one meaning, not many), it must be understood in light of other passages that speak more clearly. (20)
b) sense
20) 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Acts 15:15, 16.
10. The supreme judge for deciding all religious controversies and for evaluating all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, human teachings, and individual interpretations (c), and in whose judgment we are to rest, is nothing but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit. In this Scripture our faith finds its final word. (21)
c) private spirits
21) Matthew 22:29, 31, 32; Ephesians 2:20; Acts 28:23.
09/08/2024 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures: 1.1-1.3”
Prolegomena:
Father God, in Christ, by your Spirit: We come before your thrown to confess the substance of our belief, our trust in you, and in all you have done. You have placed your law within us. It is written upon our hearts. You never change, falter, or waver. Your Word never weakens, fails, or fades; it is our only confession and standard.
Though we err, your Word cannot. Though we are imperfect, your perfections cover us. Though we are halfhearted; though we struggle and our pursuits may fail; you are wholehearted, strong and true. You are God, our God, and we are your people. You hold us tight in the palm of your hand and will never let us go. So, whether in the silence of our thoughts, the whispers of our prayers, or in piercing proclamations, we shall confess our trust in you by the Word, and the working out of your will. In such we stand, through it we conquer and shall not yield.
Lord, we are confident, and with assurance confess again-and-again, that your sacred word gives us the wisdom of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. You have spoken clearly, so that we may be complete, and equipped for every good work. Woe to those who distort and use the Word for their own gain; who have no light, nor the dawn of light in them. In their delusions, they hate beauty, make excuses and forgive themselves. Though from the creation of the world, in the things you have made, your invisible qualities, eternal power and divine nature, are proven clear and obvious; so much, that the excuses of men, are madness.
For day and night, the heavens declare your glory and the skies proclaim your handiwork. The earth pours out its praise with mighty thunder and crashing waves; the songs of the cicada and morning dove. The voices of creation cannot be silenced. They encircle us in sound, the earth trembles, and the lights above sing out your mighty name. Your goodness is clearly all around us. The very breath of man demonstrates your wisdom, power and providence. Yet such vast beauty of shallow and depth, do not suffice to show your mercy of salvation. And so, it pleased you, through time in various ways, in holy writ and Word, in shadow and light, and more apparent in Christ, to reveal yourself to your people.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, our confession of faith is by your mercy and the grace of your love. We hold fast to your Word. We set our course by your revealed will. It is our source and rule; setting us apart in a fallen world. It is perfection, and welcomes perfection.
It is our way and principle for holding what is right; what is true; and for endurance against disparity. Our confession confirms our faith, edifies us, and justifies our bearings: For your word is certain, sufficient and infallible. It provides us with saving knowledge, the strength of trust, and to see the beauty of our submission.
What has been written is for our instruction; that by it we should have hope, endure in life, and be encouraged. With full disclosure complete, and thus far fully confirmed, all men would do well to observe it: For we are now in a dark and sinister land, until the day dawns and the morning star rises; yet you have given us a shining lamp to make our path clear, and our hearts calm. What you have breathed out, we shall breathe in and breathe out again. For your word is our only good guide for teaching, admonishing, correcting, and training in righteousness. All other teachings and claims are subject to it. It is not ours or anyone’s for private interpretation, as the thoughts and ways of men fall short; yet, all true creeds are your creeds.
In Christ, the final Word is spoken. Sixty-and-six books as one, contain all insight, and the Spirit endows us. Like the finished creation O’LORD, you have completed your word, opened up its goodness to us, and rested. Nothing further need be said, but only confessed, sung in praise of heart and voice. Your word O’God, beginning to end, is our sword, our shield, and our stronghold.
It is as tangible as a mountain, yet the Wind moves it where it wishes. It is heard, and understood by those born of the Spirit. In seen and unseen form; our eyes, and ears, and hearts consider your thoughts, your desires, and your will O’God. It is a fully weaved tapestry and covering. So, your word is our confession by which we evaluate and consider all matters.
O’God—High King of heaven, all glory is yours forever. Give now solace to your beloved, stand with us against the depravity of man and the schemes of the Evil-One. You are the Father of lights, without change or shifting shadows. All good and perfect gifts are from your hand. So, we pray, pour out your Holy Word upon us, that the truth we trust, profess, and confess, shall always be our strong confidence and careful practice.
May your name be glorified in this, and in all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
09/15/24 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures”—1.4-1.5
Prolegomena:
LORD God Almighty, you spoke, and the universe leapt into existence. By your will, creation surged forth out of nothing, into an immense array and wonder. You are the maker of the heavens and the earth. You sustain your creation and all life within it. You formed all flesh and spirit; and but for the angels, all living things generate themselves out—and fill the earth. Man, you made in your own image, to subdue the passions of creation, and to nurture its well-being.
You are holy. Nothing can move or unsettle you. You hold, and exercise authority over all things. Though early on, and so today, many have rebelled, sought their own glory, and became reckless, your good Kingdom stands as created: perfect, pure, and true. All things are in your view. There are no hidden corners, no chasms too deep, nor proud hearts too opaque to escape the light of your gaze. This world, is your world. Although men and angels fall in their delusions, and rise in their confusions, their disruption is but a cinder that fades into naught.
As the light of the world: You alone, are all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. You rely on nothing, and have no need for anything. Yet all things need you, depend upon you, and have their being in you. Your care, love, and mercy: sustains, restores, and pardons. Your righteous judgment destroys, removes, and ends all wickedness. You reveal your will in both Word and deed. Every letter, dot, dash, and jot of your Script, holds your authority. In creation and revelation, your voice resounds over-and-over, proving your authority to rule over all.
Every event corresponds to your leave. It is not dependent upon our cooperation or agreement, but upon your providential order, and the perfection of your will. You O’Lord, are the supreme Author of reality. We acknowledge the certainty of your Word, and accept it as you have spoken it. Whether men trust and obey as they ought, your Word and the work of your Word prevails. It goes out from your mouth; and will not return empty, but shall blossom, and accomplish everything you have intended.
Homologeo:
LORD God, we confess and profess, that we hold fast to you, by your Spirit and your Word. Though prone to wander, we pray, hold true our feet to the path. Set us firmly upon the Way. Pour out your measure upon us, O’Holy Spirit; that Christ will be known by all you have spoken and done in us. Keep us diligent and honest in all that we practice. Make our every effort prove sound. For the purity of your Word holds our trust. Our obedience is our love; and our duty, is our desire. For the loud have become quiet, the vicious—peaceful, the ugly—beautiful and the filthy—clean.
As truth enfolds around us, we shutter day-and-night with all creation. The flame of your Word is upon our hearts. It has burned away the outer shell, and cleansed the core from sin. The validity of your commands, do not need our consent, nor that of our fellowship; for you are God and we are not. We receive your Word as it is: Holy, Righteous and Trustworthy. With it, you set us apart from the fall. You let us see you more clearly, and know you more surely.
Thank you O’God; that you caused our souls to trust and receive your Word; not as the word of men—though through them, but as that which works in all who believe. Though we receive the witness of men; your witness of Christ, is greater. For the Spirit himself: regenerates, stirs, persuades, and enlivens us to high reverence and assurance. By such manner, our souls: heart-and-intellect, ascend to see the Word’s divine content as true, and its majesty of design, as elegant and infallible.
In providential array, abundant evidence abounds. We attest: The Scriptures are the very Word of God Almighty. No other claims show true O’Lord; for the virtue and perfection of your Word is unsurpassed and unequaled by any other. Our full assurance and stance, are in its reliability. By your Word to the soul, the Holy Spirit bears intimate witness of divine authority. For it is not just a written script, but a supernatural script, written parallel upon the heart.
So, all thanks be to God. All glory in Christ be to him, our Prophet and King; our path to the Father by the Spirit. He is our central focus and the fullest revelation of our deliverance.
In Christ we pray, amen
9/29/24 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures—1.6-1.8”
Prolegomena:
Father in heaven—our creator and sustainer, Lord—our savior, Holy Spirit—our true source of life: Your word O’God, is sacred script upon our hearts. It gives us wisdom for salvation in Christ—through trust. You renew our souls in the breath of your word. You teach us, reprove us, correct us and train us in righteousness. Your word makes us complete, equips us for every good work, and makes our love-and-obedience, one.
Through means and ways, you gave us your word, and your Spirit to enlighten our minds. From your very lips: you bring good news to all men, yet to some, it is a verdict. Accursed is any man or angel who speaks a false or converse gospel. For you alone O’Father, are true. You teach us through your displays of glory, through your Prophets, and Christ—your final Word. Everyone born in him, has ears to hear, and eyes to see. For no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what you have prepared for those who love you.
The Spirit, who searches all things, even the depths of God, unveils your perfections. No one but the Spirit knows your thoughts O’God. Yet, he moves, and settles in your people, and grants them understanding. So, no longer can the Evil-One, that Dark-Spirit, obtain us. For within us, the Spirit of light, eternal life and glory, dwells. He has found us in the darkness and freed us. He gives us discernment and a heart that ponders all things wisely. To build upon Christ, he gives our worship virtue, clarity and order. Though there are hard things in the word, which some twist to their own use, the straightforward things abound. They parry speculation, guesswork, and tradition. Your word bathes us with perfect law and grace, to balance our ways. Your testimony to us is clear. It makes the simple—wise, and the wise—simple. It gives understanding to the hearts of the young and old alike.
From heaven to earth, your word is preserved. Men, can draw it out of its vessel as a precious ointment of flawless substance. No enemy can ruin it. Though deceivers deceive, you O’God are true. Your word prevails over the views and verdicts of men. No one can give you counsel. You alone know all your wonderous deeds.
The dawn has come; the sun has risen; your glory will be known by all. Every word you speak, bears witness to the Christ. Though the enemies of righteousness, make straight ways—crooked, they are crushed. For your Spirit builds your church, calls for an accounting, and makes us a vessel in your hands.
Homologeo:
In return LORD God, we confess: Your word is our full counsel. It holds everything necessary for understanding the glory of your salvation. It is both noticeable and hidden in us for our holiness. We cannot add to it, or take from it. Only the indwelling Spirit can give perfect assurance, and so, blesses outward from the depths of our dwelling.
Your church, Father, is crafted for your glory in orderly fashion; observing in love, kindness, and wisdom. By ordinary means, simple and clear, we espouse and retell the wonders of your salvation. What you have kept pure through the ages, we confess in the midst of the world. What you have given us, we give out again. Your word in us resolves all conflict; and is our final appeal in times of controversy.
In awe and wonder, you command us to search and proclaim the truth. Your Word as our banner dwells in us richly, gives us virtue, assurance, gentleness, and hope. May our manner reflect our worship, our meekness—our love and may you be well please with your people.
With the word of Christ dwelling in us, and thankful hearts, be with us in our hymns O’God; in our psalms and spiritual songs: that we might teach and admonish one-another; for your glory in Christ, amen.
10/13/24 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures—1.9-1.10”
Prolegomena:
Almighty Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God of Compassion: Creator, Provider, and Sustainer. You have placed us—your children, at the foot of your thrown; written your laws upon our hearts, and given us every spiritual blessing in Christ. You never asked us to follow a clever myth, but gave us trusting hearts in the power and majesty of Christ, our Lord. From the heavens O’Father, you imparted your glory and honor on him, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.”
O’God, you have fully confirmed your Word in Christ, our Advocate. As a lamp shines in the dark, and the morning star rises at dawn, our eyes are upon him, the living Word. He is no man’s interpretation: For he is the Holy One of Israel. Though words fashioned by men have their play, it is the Holy Spirit who carries them along, gives them insight and approach, and confirms the Son of the Living God at all points.
We fall silent at the signs and wonders you have done through your chosen. You take your people, like shoots of grass, from among the fallows: a people for your name. You prove the words of the prophets in Christ: The Man of sorrows, Prince of Peace, King of Glory and God among us. He rebuilds and restores the fallen house of David, and out of the ashes, come the remnant: The true Israel, called by his name.
Woe to those who speak the word, but have changed its meaning. They do not know the scriptures, and much less the power of God. With clever ideas, they appeal to the heart; yet they are harbingers of death—full of treachery. They delight in twisting the word of life to make it say what they want. They are like their father, a liar and a murderer. They are dead, and God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Turn our eyes and ears away from foolishness O’Father. Unite us to Christ our hope and Covenant. For we were also once far off; dead, and lost. Only his blood has brought us peace, and broken down the barriers. Perfectly doing, and proving the law of God; he abolished man’s foolish requirements, commands, and ordinances. In himself, he has ended our rebellion; and become our settlement with the Father.
So, peace now reigns in all those were close, and far away. In the Father’s forgiveness, strangers and sojourners, now fellowship together in the household of God. Built upon the prophets and apostles, with Christ as the cornerstone, our holy temple stands. The Spirit testifies of Christ, from beginning to end, and God appoints all things for his sovereign glory.
Homologeo:
In repeating confession O’Lord, we echo and sing your infallible word in our fellowship with you. Your Word shows itself true to the world. Though we are feeble and our intellect suffers, your word answers us in perfect cadence. The light of its perfection stands supreme over all debates, councils, and assessments of men; it is final in all matters, and defeats any charge against it. As the Holy voice of the God who speaks and makes known his will, we rest in its wisdom. May our allegiance test our trust, and prove our true means of Grace, amen.
1. The Holy Scriptures are the only sufficient, certain, and infallible standard of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. (1) The light of nature and the works of creation and providence so clearly demonstrate the goodness, wisdom, and power of God that people are left without excuse; however, these demonstrations are not sufficient to give the knowledge of God and his will that is necessary for salvation. (2) Therefore, the Lord was pleased at different times and in various ways to reveal himself and to declare his will to his church. (3) To preserve and propagate the truth better and to establish and comfort the church with greater certainty against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and the world, the Lord put this revelation completely in writing. Therefore, the Holy Scriptures are absolutely necessary, because God’s former ways of revealing his will to his people have now ceased. (4)
1) 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20.
2) Romans 1:19–21; Romans 2:14,15; Psalm 19:1–3.
3) Hebrews 1:1.
4) Proverbs 22:19–21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19, 20.
2. The Holy Scriptures, or the Word of God written, consist of all the books of the Old and New Testaments. These are:
THE OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.
THE NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation.
All of these are given by the inspiration of God to be the standard of faith and life. (5)
5) 2 Timothy 3:16.
3. The books commonly called the Apocrypha were not given by divine inspiration and so are not part of the canon or standard of the Scriptures. Therefore, they have no authority for the church of God and are not to be recognized or used in any way different from other human writings. (6)
6) Luke 24:27, 44; Romans 3:2.
4. The authority of the Holy Scriptures obligates belief in them. This authority does not depend on the testimony of any person or church but on God the author alone, who is truth itself. Therefore, the Scriptures are to be received because they are the Word of God. (7)
7) 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:9.
5. The testimony of the church of God may stir and persuade us to adopt a high and reverent respect for the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, the heavenliness of the contents, the power of the system of truth, the majesty of the style, the harmony of all the parts, the central focus on giving all glory to God, the full revelation of the only way of salvation, and many other incomparable qualities and complete perfections, all provide abundant evidence that the Scriptures are the Word of God. Even so, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority of the Scriptures comes from the internal work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. (8)
8) John 16:13,14; 1 Corinthians 2:10–12; 1 John 2:20, 27.
6. The whole counsel of God concerning everything essential for his own glory and man’s salvation, faith, and life is either explicitly stated or by necessary inference contained in the Holy Scriptures. Nothing is ever to be added to the Scriptures, either by new revelation of the Spirit or by human traditions. (9)
Nevertheless, we acknowledge that the inward illumination of the Spirit of God is necessary for a saving understanding of what is revealed in the Word. (10) We recognize that some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the church are common to human actions and organizations and are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian wisdom, following the general rules of the Word, which must always be observed. (11)
9) 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Galatians 1:8,9.
10) John 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:9–12.
11) 1 Corinthians 11:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40.
7. Some things in Scripture are clearer than others, and some people understand the teachings more clearly than others.(12) However, the things that must be known, believed, and obeyed for salvation are so clearly set forth and explained in one part of Scripture or another that both the educated and uneducated may achieve a sufficient understanding of them by properly using ordinary measures. (13)
12) 2 Peter 3:16.
13) Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:130.
8. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the native language of the ancient people of God. (14) The New Testament was written in Greek, which at the time it was written was most widely known to the nations. These Testaments were inspired directly by God and by his unique care and providence were kept pure down through the ages. They are therefore true and authoritative (a), so that in all religious controversies the church must make their ultimate appeal to them. (15) All God’s people have a right to and a claim on the Scriptures and are commanded in the fear of God to read (16) and search them. (17) Not all of God’s people know these original languages, so the Scriptures are to be translated into the common language of every nation to which they come. (18) In this way the Word of God may dwell richly in all, so that they may worship him in an acceptable manner and through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures may have hope. (19)
a) authentic
14) Romans 3:2.
15) Isaiah 8:20.
16) Acts 15:15.
17) John 5:39.
18) 1 Corinthians 14:6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 28.
19) Colossians 3:16.
9. The infallible rule for interpreting Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, when there is a question about the true and full meaning (b) of any part of Scripture (and each passage has only one meaning, not many), it must be understood in light of other passages that speak more clearly. (20)
b) sense
20) 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Acts 15:15, 16.
10. The supreme judge for deciding all religious controversies and for evaluating all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, human teachings, and individual interpretations (c), and in whose judgment we are to rest, is nothing but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit. In this Scripture our faith finds its final word. (21)
c) private spirits
21) Matthew 22:29, 31, 32; Ephesians 2:20; Acts 28:23.
09/08/2024 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures: 1.1-1.3”
Prolegomena:
Father God, in Christ, by your Spirit: We come before your thrown to confess the substance of our belief, our trust in you, and in all you have done. You have placed your law within us. It is written upon our hearts. You never change, falter, or waver. Your Word never weakens, fails, or fades; it is our only confession and standard.
Though we err, your Word cannot. Though we are imperfect, your perfections cover us. Though we are halfhearted; though we struggle and our pursuits may fail; you are wholehearted, strong and true. You are God, our God, and we are your people. You hold us tight in the palm of your hand and will never let us go. So, whether in the silence of our thoughts, the whispers of our prayers, or in piercing proclamations, we shall confess our trust in you by the Word, and the working out of your will. In such we stand, through it we conquer and shall not yield.
Lord, we are confident, and with assurance confess again-and-again, that your sacred word gives us the wisdom of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. You have spoken clearly, so that we may be complete, and equipped for every good work. Woe to those who distort and use the Word for their own gain; who have no light, nor the dawn of light in them. In their delusions, they hate beauty, make excuses and forgive themselves. Though from the creation of the world, in the things you have made, your invisible qualities, eternal power and divine nature, are proven clear and obvious; so much, that the excuses of men, are madness.
For day and night, the heavens declare your glory and the skies proclaim your handiwork. The earth pours out its praise with mighty thunder and crashing waves; the songs of the cicada and morning dove. The voices of creation cannot be silenced. They encircle us in sound, the earth trembles, and the lights above sing out your mighty name. Your goodness is clearly all around us. The very breath of man demonstrates your wisdom, power and providence. Yet such vast beauty of shallow and depth, do not suffice to show your mercy of salvation. And so, it pleased you, through time in various ways, in holy writ and Word, in shadow and light, and more apparent in Christ, to reveal yourself to your people.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, our confession of faith is by your mercy and the grace of your love. We hold fast to your Word. We set our course by your revealed will. It is our source and rule; setting us apart in a fallen world. It is perfection, and welcomes perfection.
It is our way and principle for holding what is right; what is true; and for endurance against disparity. Our confession confirms our faith, edifies us, and justifies our bearings: For your word is certain, sufficient and infallible. It provides us with saving knowledge, the strength of trust, and to see the beauty of our submission.
What has been written is for our instruction; that by it we should have hope, endure in life, and be encouraged. With full disclosure complete, and thus far fully confirmed, all men would do well to observe it: For we are now in a dark and sinister land, until the day dawns and the morning star rises; yet you have given us a shining lamp to make our path clear, and our hearts calm. What you have breathed out, we shall breathe in and breathe out again. For your word is our only good guide for teaching, admonishing, correcting, and training in righteousness. All other teachings and claims are subject to it. It is not ours or anyone’s for private interpretation, as the thoughts and ways of men fall short; yet, all true creeds are your creeds.
In Christ, the final Word is spoken. Sixty-and-six books as one, contain all insight, and the Spirit endows us. Like the finished creation O’LORD, you have completed your word, opened up its goodness to us, and rested. Nothing further need be said, but only confessed, sung in praise of heart and voice. Your word O’God, beginning to end, is our sword, our shield, and our stronghold.
It is as tangible as a mountain, yet the Wind moves it where it wishes. It is heard, and understood by those born of the Spirit. In seen and unseen form; our eyes, and ears, and hearts consider your thoughts, your desires, and your will O’God. It is a fully weaved tapestry and covering. So, your word is our confession by which we evaluate and consider all matters.
O’God—High King of heaven, all glory is yours forever. Give now solace to your beloved, stand with us against the depravity of man and the schemes of the Evil-One. You are the Father of lights, without change or shifting shadows. All good and perfect gifts are from your hand. So, we pray, pour out your Holy Word upon us, that the truth we trust, profess, and confess, shall always be our strong confidence and careful practice.
May your name be glorified in this, and in all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
09/15/24 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures”—1.4-1.5
Prolegomena:
LORD God Almighty, you spoke, and the universe leapt into existence. By your will, creation surged forth out of nothing, into an immense array and wonder. You are the maker of the heavens and the earth. You sustain your creation and all life within it. You formed all flesh and spirit; and but for the angels, all living things generate themselves out—and fill the earth. Man, you made in your own image, to subdue the passions of creation, and to nurture its well-being.
You are holy. Nothing can move or unsettle you. You hold, and exercise authority over all things. Though early on, and so today, many have rebelled, sought their own glory, and became reckless, your good Kingdom stands as created: perfect, pure, and true. All things are in your view. There are no hidden corners, no chasms too deep, nor proud hearts too opaque to escape the light of your gaze. This world, is your world. Although men and angels fall in their delusions, and rise in their confusions, their disruption is but a cinder that fades into naught.
As the light of the world: You alone, are all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. You rely on nothing, and have no need for anything. Yet all things need you, depend upon you, and have their being in you. Your care, love, and mercy: sustains, restores, and pardons. Your righteous judgment destroys, removes, and ends all wickedness. You reveal your will in both Word and deed. Every letter, dot, dash, and jot of your Script, holds your authority. In creation and revelation, your voice resounds over-and-over, proving your authority to rule over all.
Every event corresponds to your leave. It is not dependent upon our cooperation or agreement, but upon your providential order, and the perfection of your will. You O’Lord, are the supreme Author of reality. We acknowledge the certainty of your Word, and accept it as you have spoken it. Whether men trust and obey as they ought, your Word and the work of your Word prevails. It goes out from your mouth; and will not return empty, but shall blossom, and accomplish everything you have intended.
Homologeo:
LORD God, we confess and profess, that we hold fast to you, by your Spirit and your Word. Though prone to wander, we pray, hold true our feet to the path. Set us firmly upon the Way. Pour out your measure upon us, O’Holy Spirit; that Christ will be known by all you have spoken and done in us. Keep us diligent and honest in all that we practice. Make our every effort prove sound. For the purity of your Word holds our trust. Our obedience is our love; and our duty, is our desire. For the loud have become quiet, the vicious—peaceful, the ugly—beautiful and the filthy—clean.
As truth enfolds around us, we shutter day-and-night with all creation. The flame of your Word is upon our hearts. It has burned away the outer shell, and cleansed the core from sin. The validity of your commands, do not need our consent, nor that of our fellowship; for you are God and we are not. We receive your Word as it is: Holy, Righteous and Trustworthy. With it, you set us apart from the fall. You let us see you more clearly, and know you more surely.
Thank you O’God; that you caused our souls to trust and receive your Word; not as the word of men—though through them, but as that which works in all who believe. Though we receive the witness of men; your witness of Christ, is greater. For the Spirit himself: regenerates, stirs, persuades, and enlivens us to high reverence and assurance. By such manner, our souls: heart-and-intellect, ascend to see the Word’s divine content as true, and its majesty of design, as elegant and infallible.
In providential array, abundant evidence abounds. We attest: The Scriptures are the very Word of God Almighty. No other claims show true O’Lord; for the virtue and perfection of your Word is unsurpassed and unequaled by any other. Our full assurance and stance, are in its reliability. By your Word to the soul, the Holy Spirit bears intimate witness of divine authority. For it is not just a written script, but a supernatural script, written parallel upon the heart.
So, all thanks be to God. All glory in Christ be to him, our Prophet and King; our path to the Father by the Spirit. He is our central focus and the fullest revelation of our deliverance.
In Christ we pray, amen
9/29/24 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures—1.6-1.8”
Prolegomena:
Father in heaven—our creator and sustainer, Lord—our savior, Holy Spirit—our true source of life: Your word O’God, is sacred script upon our hearts. It gives us wisdom for salvation in Christ—through trust. You renew our souls in the breath of your word. You teach us, reprove us, correct us and train us in righteousness. Your word makes us complete, equips us for every good work, and makes our love-and-obedience, one.
Through means and ways, you gave us your word, and your Spirit to enlighten our minds. From your very lips: you bring good news to all men, yet to some, it is a verdict. Accursed is any man or angel who speaks a false or converse gospel. For you alone O’Father, are true. You teach us through your displays of glory, through your Prophets, and Christ—your final Word. Everyone born in him, has ears to hear, and eyes to see. For no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what you have prepared for those who love you.
The Spirit, who searches all things, even the depths of God, unveils your perfections. No one but the Spirit knows your thoughts O’God. Yet, he moves, and settles in your people, and grants them understanding. So, no longer can the Evil-One, that Dark-Spirit, obtain us. For within us, the Spirit of light, eternal life and glory, dwells. He has found us in the darkness and freed us. He gives us discernment and a heart that ponders all things wisely. To build upon Christ, he gives our worship virtue, clarity and order. Though there are hard things in the word, which some twist to their own use, the straightforward things abound. They parry speculation, guesswork, and tradition. Your word bathes us with perfect law and grace, to balance our ways. Your testimony to us is clear. It makes the simple—wise, and the wise—simple. It gives understanding to the hearts of the young and old alike.
From heaven to earth, your word is preserved. Men, can draw it out of its vessel as a precious ointment of flawless substance. No enemy can ruin it. Though deceivers deceive, you O’God are true. Your word prevails over the views and verdicts of men. No one can give you counsel. You alone know all your wonderous deeds.
The dawn has come; the sun has risen; your glory will be known by all. Every word you speak, bears witness to the Christ. Though the enemies of righteousness, make straight ways—crooked, they are crushed. For your Spirit builds your church, calls for an accounting, and makes us a vessel in your hands.
Homologeo:
In return LORD God, we confess: Your word is our full counsel. It holds everything necessary for understanding the glory of your salvation. It is both noticeable and hidden in us for our holiness. We cannot add to it, or take from it. Only the indwelling Spirit can give perfect assurance, and so, blesses outward from the depths of our dwelling.
Your church, Father, is crafted for your glory in orderly fashion; observing in love, kindness, and wisdom. By ordinary means, simple and clear, we espouse and retell the wonders of your salvation. What you have kept pure through the ages, we confess in the midst of the world. What you have given us, we give out again. Your word in us resolves all conflict; and is our final appeal in times of controversy.
In awe and wonder, you command us to search and proclaim the truth. Your Word as our banner dwells in us richly, gives us virtue, assurance, gentleness, and hope. May our manner reflect our worship, our meekness—our love and may you be well please with your people.
With the word of Christ dwelling in us, and thankful hearts, be with us in our hymns O’God; in our psalms and spiritual songs: that we might teach and admonish one-another; for your glory in Christ, amen.
10/13/24 Chap. 1 “The Holy Scriptures—1.9-1.10”
Prolegomena:
Almighty Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God of Compassion: Creator, Provider, and Sustainer. You have placed us—your children, at the foot of your thrown; written your laws upon our hearts, and given us every spiritual blessing in Christ. You never asked us to follow a clever myth, but gave us trusting hearts in the power and majesty of Christ, our Lord. From the heavens O’Father, you imparted your glory and honor on him, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.”
O’God, you have fully confirmed your Word in Christ, our Advocate. As a lamp shines in the dark, and the morning star rises at dawn, our eyes are upon him, the living Word. He is no man’s interpretation: For he is the Holy One of Israel. Though words fashioned by men have their play, it is the Holy Spirit who carries them along, gives them insight and approach, and confirms the Son of the Living God at all points.
We fall silent at the signs and wonders you have done through your chosen. You take your people, like shoots of grass, from among the fallows: a people for your name. You prove the words of the prophets in Christ: The Man of sorrows, Prince of Peace, King of Glory and God among us. He rebuilds and restores the fallen house of David, and out of the ashes, come the remnant: The true Israel, called by his name.
Woe to those who speak the word, but have changed its meaning. They do not know the scriptures, and much less the power of God. With clever ideas, they appeal to the heart; yet they are harbingers of death—full of treachery. They delight in twisting the word of life to make it say what they want. They are like their father, a liar and a murderer. They are dead, and God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Turn our eyes and ears away from foolishness O’Father. Unite us to Christ our hope and Covenant. For we were also once far off; dead, and lost. Only his blood has brought us peace, and broken down the barriers. Perfectly doing, and proving the law of God; he abolished man’s foolish requirements, commands, and ordinances. In himself, he has ended our rebellion; and become our settlement with the Father.
So, peace now reigns in all those were close, and far away. In the Father’s forgiveness, strangers and sojourners, now fellowship together in the household of God. Built upon the prophets and apostles, with Christ as the cornerstone, our holy temple stands. The Spirit testifies of Christ, from beginning to end, and God appoints all things for his sovereign glory.
Homologeo:
In repeating confession O’Lord, we echo and sing your infallible word in our fellowship with you. Your Word shows itself true to the world. Though we are feeble and our intellect suffers, your word answers us in perfect cadence. The light of its perfection stands supreme over all debates, councils, and assessments of men; it is final in all matters, and defeats any charge against it. As the Holy voice of the God who speaks and makes known his will, we rest in its wisdom. May our allegiance test our trust, and prove our true means of Grace, amen.
Chapter 2 - God and the Holy Trinity
Chapter 2 – God and the Holy Trinity
1. The Lord our God is one, the only living and true God. (1) He is self-existent (2) and infinite in being and perfection. His essence cannot be understood by anyone but him. (3) He is a perfectly pure spirit. (4) He is invisible and has no body, parts, or changeable emotions.(a) He alone has immortality, dwelling in light that no one can approach. (5) He is unchangeable, (6) immense, (b), (7) eternal, (8) incomprehensible, almighty, (9) in every way infinite, absolutely holy, (10) perfectly wise, wholly free, completely absolute. He works all things according to the counsel of his own unchangeable and completely righteous will (11) for his own glory. (12) He is most loving, gracious, merciful, and patient. He overflows with goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. He rewards those who seek him diligently. (13) At the same time, he is perfectly just and terrifying in his judgments. (14) He hates all sin (15) and will certainly not clear the guilty. (16)
a) passions
b) transcends all space
1) 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6; Deuteronomy 6:4.
2) Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 48:12.
3) Exodus 3:14.
4) John 4:24.
5) 1 Timothy 1:17; Deuteronomy 4:15, 16.
6) Malachi 3:6.
7) 1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:23.
8) Psalm 90:2.
9) Genesis 17:1.
10) Isaiah 6:3.
11) Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:10.
12) Proverbs 16:4; Romans 11:36.
13) Exodus 34:6, 7; Hebrews 11:6.
14) Nehemiah 9:32, 33.
15) Psalm 5:5, 6.
16) Exodus 34:7; Nahum 1:2, 3.
2. God has all life, (17) glory, (18) goodness, (19) and blessedness in and of himself; he alone is all-sufficient in himself. He does not need any creature he has made nor does he derive any glory from them. (20) Instead, he demonstrates his own glory in them, by them, to them, and upon them. He alone is the source of all being, and everything is from him, through him, and to him. (21) He has absolute sovereign rule over all creatures, to act through them, for them, or upon them as he pleases. (22) In his sight everything is open and visible. (23) His knowledge is infinite and infallible. It does not depend upon any creature, so for him nothing is contingent or uncertain. (24) He is absolutely holy in all his plans, in all his works, (25) and in all his commands. Angels and human beings owe to him all the worship, (26) service, or obedience that creatures owe to the Creator and whatever else he is pleased to require of them.
17) John 5:26.
18) Psalm 148:13.
19) Psalm 119:68.
20) Job 22:2, 3.
21) Romans 11:34–36.
22) Daniel 4:25, 34, 35.
23) Hebrews 4:13.
24) Ezekiel 11:5; Acts 15:18.
25) Psalm 145:17.
26) Revelation 5:12–14.
3. This divine and infinite Being consists of three real persons, (c) the Father, the Word or Son, and the Holy Spirit. (27) These three have the same substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence without this essence being divided. (28) The Father is not derived from anyone, neither begotten nor proceeding. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father. (29) The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. (30) All three are infinite and without beginning and are therefore only one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being. Yet these three are distinguished by several distinctive characteristics and personal relations. This truth of the Trinity is the foundation of all of our fellowship with God and of our comforting dependence on him.
c) subsistences, or individual instances of a given essence
27) 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
28) Exodus 3:14; John 14:11; 1 Corinthians 8:6.
29) John 1:14,18.
30) John 15:26; Galatians 4:6.
10/20/24 Chap. 2 “God Our Holy Trinity—2.1a”
Prolegomena:
LORD God—Holy Trinity: Father—Son—Spirit, how majestic is your name in all the world. The whole of creation resonates in your hands. Even little knowledge of your magnificence, overwhelms our intellect, so, our understanding may swell into pride. Therefore, keep us meek, and with humble hearts, that your beauty may outshine and engulf all arrogance.
How foolish the heart of man, who worships frivolous and fleeting things, which will all turn to dust. Apart from you, only wanton blindness, and abject darkness exist. Men make gods out of wood and stone; they call on demons for power and to serve immoral desires; how dreadful is their final outcome.
O’LORD our true God, you are the ever-living King—the first and the last; immortal and invisible. You are worthy of honor and glory forever, and ever. Your love for us is precious and mysterious. At your wrath, the earth quakes, no one apart from Christ can endure it. The Evil-One reigns over death in the deep waters of sin. But you O’God reign over life. You are the Living Spirit, and the truth in whom we dwell: The waters of your righteousness, cover us.
O’man of the world, be warned, think carefully, shutter at your unbelief, idolatry, and God’s wrath to soon fall. For God does not show himself, nor does he need form. Neither temples of men, nor the highest heavens can contain him. He is in the midst of the fire and the wind. He knows all, sees all, and peers into every heart. Nothing is hidden from his gaze.
Listen and know: Our God sits upon his throne, high and lifted up. The hem of his robe fills the temple, and the Seraphim above call out to one another, day-and-night: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; who was, and is, and is to come! The whole earth is filled with his glory, for he is all-powerful God, from everlasting-to-everlasting, and we are his beloved.
Homologeo:
We are in awe, and confess to the world: You are the One and only true and living God. You do not now, nor have you ever, depended upon anything. You are infinite in being and perfection, thus eternal, independent, and the sole cause of the universe.
As perfectly pure Spirit, you alone understand your own essence; we cannot. Invisible and without parts like mankind, you are unchangeable, your emotions and passions are not like ours, though you give them to us for our good.
Immortal, you dwell in light, which no one can approach. Immense, inexplicable, and omnipotent, you are absolute in all ways; utterly holy and flawlessly wise. You are free to do anything you please in accordance with your perfect nature.
We, as your Israel, hear and obey your Word in Christ; and by his grace and mercy, we joyfully submit in love. For we are yours, and you are ours. Nothing can separate us from your love; neither life nor death, angels nor demons, the fears of today nor the worries of tomorrow… nothing in all creation can separate us from your love for us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. amen.
11/10/24 Chap. 2 “God, Our Holy Trinity—2.1b”
Prolegomena:
Holy Triune God, you are close to your own and far from the proud. You fill heaven and earth, and do all that pleases you. Neither a malicious angel, nor the madness of men, can frustrate your plan. You alone declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times: things that are not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
You hear the weary lies of the accuser and his followers, who abuse your graces with insults, and mockery. They fool only themselves, and fools of their kind. The visions from out their minds, are an unholy reverie; the immoral rambling words of subterfuge—to draw away people to themselves.
So, let those who have God’s word speak it faithfully. For it is coherent; a sword that pierces, a fire that consumes, a hammer that shatters and a lamp that shines. As straw and wheat have nothing in common, it cannot unite with the absurd for want of peace. He is against the proud and those who steal his words, and declare their ways as his.
In whatever God brings upon the wicked, he has dealt with them righteously. For his Word breaks a stone to pieces and cleans an unrighteous and wicked heart. So, whoever would draw near to God, must have trust in him and his reward; for without faith, it is impossible to please him.
So too, he is against those who claim secret revelations to lead the undiscerning astray. He did not send them, nor did he charge them with a special burden. Their lack of wisdom profits no one, least of all, themselves. Yet, he has made everything for his own purposes, —even the wicked for punishment. Declaring: “I am the Lord God, merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. My love of my people is unwavering. I forgive their iniquity, transgressions and sins.
And though I am slow to anger and great in power, I will by no means acquit the guilty. My way, is as a vortex of a storm; and the clouds are the dust of my feet. I abhor and destroy all evildoers: those who lie, are boastful and vicious; who deceive and betray the innocent. My wrath and revenge fall upon my opponents, and they will eat the dust of their own ruin forever.
Homologeo:
Lord God, your word is our only confession. We declare our trust is in you, and we boast aloud, that all things work according to your righteous will. Your glory and your counsel move our souls to praise; for you are most loving, gracious, merciful, and patient.
You O’Righteous God, overflow with goodness and truth, forgiving our iniquities, our transgressions, and our sins forever. You reward those who steadily seek you. Your judgments are perfectly righteous, foreboding and beautiful.
You hate all sin and will surely sentence the guilty; and, you grant mercy to whom you will. For all good things are from you, through you, and for the sake of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To him be all glory and honor, forever and ever, amen.
11/17/2024 Chap. 2 “God, Our Holy Trinity—2.2”
Prolegomena:
Almighty God, LORD of grace, mercy and truth: All life is in-and-from you; from Father-to-Son-to-Spirit. It is a wonderous marvel to know that you alone are God. You grant life to all creatures; nothing comes from itself, nor could it. Whether in splendor of righteousness, or in the glory of judgment, life is forever; for you gave and commanded, and it came to be. The sun, moon, and stars of heaven that praise your name shall pass; but your eternal decrees, the life from out your mouth, shall never pass to naught.
The righteous, celebrate the gift; and pay loving tribute. The host of good angels, men of earth, and every simple creature gives you homage and thanks. Even hail, snow, fire and mist, every stormy wind and gale, obey you. Every hill, tree and mountain, every beast of the field and pasture, every bird and every fish, give praise to you O’God. Your majesty is above all creation; worthy of applause, honor, and praise.
The fallen hosts: scoffers, betrayers, and haters of God, shutter in their arrogance and unbelief. Their ways are dark and useless, and less valuable than the little creatures of the earth and sea. Their sin and delusions will serve them up—an abyss. For the Lord is good, and always does good. He condemns all unrighteousness. He teaches his children his statutes, and writes them on their hearts. Their debt is not a burden, but a glory to behold.
The LORD God is close to those who love him, and far from the unrighteous. He stands as preeminent guard, over all of Christ’s children. So, every person of earth, ruler-and-subject, give praise to him, and exalt his holy name. For he gives, or withholds, as he wills. He has no need of our works, yet, uses and delights in them. We cannot inspire or draw out his passions, as he does not change. His way is always steady, and he sorts out all things for his grandeur. Our desires for less than his splendor, are counted as nothing; yet he is gracious, and gives all things for his fame. Choosing his own to love, his love is unmeasurable.
His ways are not like ours. As it is written: “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” None can accuse him, saying: “What have you done?” His creation is accounted as nothing by contrast. All living souls, lift up your hearts and bless God most-high, who holds dominion over all things. And, woe to him who boasts in himself, rather than God almighty. For he alone who rules over all kingdoms; gives mercy, or judgment, to whom he will.
Homologeo:
Lord, with assurance and joy, we confess you to the world; that you have all life, goodness, and blessings in your hands. You alone, in-and-of yourself, are eternal; our glorious unending source. You prove by all that exists, that everything is from you, through you, and for you. In your sovereignty, you act in-and-upon all things as you please. Your knowledge is perfect, certain and infallible. It depends on nothing outside of you. All of your works, plans, ways and commands are utterly holy.
Every righteous being, delights to give you all worship, obedience, and service possible; and all you are pleased to ask of them. Before your thrown O’LORD, we bow, and rise, thank, and praise you forever and ever-more in Christ, amen.
11/24/2024 Chap. 2 “God, Our the Holy Trinity—2.3”
Prolegomena:
LORD God of Heaven—Father, Son and Spirit: by your gift of trust, we are born of you in Christ. By our obedience, our love for you, your commands, and all who are born of you, we are shown to be your people. Everyone born of you O’God, inherits the light, life and victory; and by trusting in Christ, overcomes the darkness. We trust in him, by his love for us. In what he has promised, done and shall yet do—we trust.
Your ways O’Lord are not a burden, but a comfort, joy and refuge. You came by the Water and the Blood. By the Spirit of truth, you testify and prove all true things. The Spirit, the Water and the Blood concur: God affirms all righteousness. The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit bear witness as One. On earth and in heaven, they stand and attest as One God, whom together approves, justifies and sanctifies.
Men also might testify of Christ, but the testimony of the Father concerning the Son, is boundless. So, anyone who believes in the Son of God has the testimony of God himself. Whoever does not believe what God has affirmed, has called him a liar. For the testimony of the Father avows this: that eternal life is from God, and this life is in his Son. Whomever does not have the Son, does not have eternal life.
Lord Messiah, you are the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen your glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. While no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, you have made him known to us; and have sent us your Helper, the Spirit of truth; who bears witness to the world on your behalf. Because we are sons, you have sent your Spirit into our hearts, that we too may be heard, crying out: “Abba, Father—forgive, Abba, Father—save!”
With perfect clarity and without reserve, all authority in heaven and on earth are in the hands of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is he who commands, “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; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” So, the Father, Son and Spirit is God; our God, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; we are his Children. Love, thanks, and glory to God on high!
Homologeo:
O’LORD, gracious and true, hear our confession: You are One in essence and distinctively: Father, Son and Spirit; our infinite—triune God. Identical in substance, power, and eternity; individual, undivided, and personal, as the one God.
Though we are of diminished intellect to comprehend, may we give you undiminished praise. You have spoken, and given us trust. We will honor no other cause, no other account, no other so-called gods. For you are eternal, perpetual, and ceaselessly the three in one. Infinite in nature and being, without division, without beginning and without end.
You are the core foundation of our comfort, dependance, and fellowship. Through Christ we hear, see, know and live. All praise, honor, and glory be to God in Christ forever, amen.
1. The Lord our God is one, the only living and true God. (1) He is self-existent (2) and infinite in being and perfection. His essence cannot be understood by anyone but him. (3) He is a perfectly pure spirit. (4) He is invisible and has no body, parts, or changeable emotions.(a) He alone has immortality, dwelling in light that no one can approach. (5) He is unchangeable, (6) immense, (b), (7) eternal, (8) incomprehensible, almighty, (9) in every way infinite, absolutely holy, (10) perfectly wise, wholly free, completely absolute. He works all things according to the counsel of his own unchangeable and completely righteous will (11) for his own glory. (12) He is most loving, gracious, merciful, and patient. He overflows with goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. He rewards those who seek him diligently. (13) At the same time, he is perfectly just and terrifying in his judgments. (14) He hates all sin (15) and will certainly not clear the guilty. (16)
a) passions
b) transcends all space
1) 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6; Deuteronomy 6:4.
2) Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 48:12.
3) Exodus 3:14.
4) John 4:24.
5) 1 Timothy 1:17; Deuteronomy 4:15, 16.
6) Malachi 3:6.
7) 1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:23.
8) Psalm 90:2.
9) Genesis 17:1.
10) Isaiah 6:3.
11) Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:10.
12) Proverbs 16:4; Romans 11:36.
13) Exodus 34:6, 7; Hebrews 11:6.
14) Nehemiah 9:32, 33.
15) Psalm 5:5, 6.
16) Exodus 34:7; Nahum 1:2, 3.
2. God has all life, (17) glory, (18) goodness, (19) and blessedness in and of himself; he alone is all-sufficient in himself. He does not need any creature he has made nor does he derive any glory from them. (20) Instead, he demonstrates his own glory in them, by them, to them, and upon them. He alone is the source of all being, and everything is from him, through him, and to him. (21) He has absolute sovereign rule over all creatures, to act through them, for them, or upon them as he pleases. (22) In his sight everything is open and visible. (23) His knowledge is infinite and infallible. It does not depend upon any creature, so for him nothing is contingent or uncertain. (24) He is absolutely holy in all his plans, in all his works, (25) and in all his commands. Angels and human beings owe to him all the worship, (26) service, or obedience that creatures owe to the Creator and whatever else he is pleased to require of them.
17) John 5:26.
18) Psalm 148:13.
19) Psalm 119:68.
20) Job 22:2, 3.
21) Romans 11:34–36.
22) Daniel 4:25, 34, 35.
23) Hebrews 4:13.
24) Ezekiel 11:5; Acts 15:18.
25) Psalm 145:17.
26) Revelation 5:12–14.
3. This divine and infinite Being consists of three real persons, (c) the Father, the Word or Son, and the Holy Spirit. (27) These three have the same substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence without this essence being divided. (28) The Father is not derived from anyone, neither begotten nor proceeding. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father. (29) The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. (30) All three are infinite and without beginning and are therefore only one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being. Yet these three are distinguished by several distinctive characteristics and personal relations. This truth of the Trinity is the foundation of all of our fellowship with God and of our comforting dependence on him.
c) subsistences, or individual instances of a given essence
27) 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
28) Exodus 3:14; John 14:11; 1 Corinthians 8:6.
29) John 1:14,18.
30) John 15:26; Galatians 4:6.
10/20/24 Chap. 2 “God Our Holy Trinity—2.1a”
Prolegomena:
LORD God—Holy Trinity: Father—Son—Spirit, how majestic is your name in all the world. The whole of creation resonates in your hands. Even little knowledge of your magnificence, overwhelms our intellect, so, our understanding may swell into pride. Therefore, keep us meek, and with humble hearts, that your beauty may outshine and engulf all arrogance.
How foolish the heart of man, who worships frivolous and fleeting things, which will all turn to dust. Apart from you, only wanton blindness, and abject darkness exist. Men make gods out of wood and stone; they call on demons for power and to serve immoral desires; how dreadful is their final outcome.
O’LORD our true God, you are the ever-living King—the first and the last; immortal and invisible. You are worthy of honor and glory forever, and ever. Your love for us is precious and mysterious. At your wrath, the earth quakes, no one apart from Christ can endure it. The Evil-One reigns over death in the deep waters of sin. But you O’God reign over life. You are the Living Spirit, and the truth in whom we dwell: The waters of your righteousness, cover us.
O’man of the world, be warned, think carefully, shutter at your unbelief, idolatry, and God’s wrath to soon fall. For God does not show himself, nor does he need form. Neither temples of men, nor the highest heavens can contain him. He is in the midst of the fire and the wind. He knows all, sees all, and peers into every heart. Nothing is hidden from his gaze.
Listen and know: Our God sits upon his throne, high and lifted up. The hem of his robe fills the temple, and the Seraphim above call out to one another, day-and-night: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; who was, and is, and is to come! The whole earth is filled with his glory, for he is all-powerful God, from everlasting-to-everlasting, and we are his beloved.
Homologeo:
We are in awe, and confess to the world: You are the One and only true and living God. You do not now, nor have you ever, depended upon anything. You are infinite in being and perfection, thus eternal, independent, and the sole cause of the universe.
As perfectly pure Spirit, you alone understand your own essence; we cannot. Invisible and without parts like mankind, you are unchangeable, your emotions and passions are not like ours, though you give them to us for our good.
Immortal, you dwell in light, which no one can approach. Immense, inexplicable, and omnipotent, you are absolute in all ways; utterly holy and flawlessly wise. You are free to do anything you please in accordance with your perfect nature.
We, as your Israel, hear and obey your Word in Christ; and by his grace and mercy, we joyfully submit in love. For we are yours, and you are ours. Nothing can separate us from your love; neither life nor death, angels nor demons, the fears of today nor the worries of tomorrow… nothing in all creation can separate us from your love for us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. amen.
11/10/24 Chap. 2 “God, Our Holy Trinity—2.1b”
Prolegomena:
Holy Triune God, you are close to your own and far from the proud. You fill heaven and earth, and do all that pleases you. Neither a malicious angel, nor the madness of men, can frustrate your plan. You alone declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times: things that are not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
You hear the weary lies of the accuser and his followers, who abuse your graces with insults, and mockery. They fool only themselves, and fools of their kind. The visions from out their minds, are an unholy reverie; the immoral rambling words of subterfuge—to draw away people to themselves.
So, let those who have God’s word speak it faithfully. For it is coherent; a sword that pierces, a fire that consumes, a hammer that shatters and a lamp that shines. As straw and wheat have nothing in common, it cannot unite with the absurd for want of peace. He is against the proud and those who steal his words, and declare their ways as his.
In whatever God brings upon the wicked, he has dealt with them righteously. For his Word breaks a stone to pieces and cleans an unrighteous and wicked heart. So, whoever would draw near to God, must have trust in him and his reward; for without faith, it is impossible to please him.
So too, he is against those who claim secret revelations to lead the undiscerning astray. He did not send them, nor did he charge them with a special burden. Their lack of wisdom profits no one, least of all, themselves. Yet, he has made everything for his own purposes, —even the wicked for punishment. Declaring: “I am the Lord God, merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. My love of my people is unwavering. I forgive their iniquity, transgressions and sins.
And though I am slow to anger and great in power, I will by no means acquit the guilty. My way, is as a vortex of a storm; and the clouds are the dust of my feet. I abhor and destroy all evildoers: those who lie, are boastful and vicious; who deceive and betray the innocent. My wrath and revenge fall upon my opponents, and they will eat the dust of their own ruin forever.
Homologeo:
Lord God, your word is our only confession. We declare our trust is in you, and we boast aloud, that all things work according to your righteous will. Your glory and your counsel move our souls to praise; for you are most loving, gracious, merciful, and patient.
You O’Righteous God, overflow with goodness and truth, forgiving our iniquities, our transgressions, and our sins forever. You reward those who steadily seek you. Your judgments are perfectly righteous, foreboding and beautiful.
You hate all sin and will surely sentence the guilty; and, you grant mercy to whom you will. For all good things are from you, through you, and for the sake of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To him be all glory and honor, forever and ever, amen.
11/17/2024 Chap. 2 “God, Our Holy Trinity—2.2”
Prolegomena:
Almighty God, LORD of grace, mercy and truth: All life is in-and-from you; from Father-to-Son-to-Spirit. It is a wonderous marvel to know that you alone are God. You grant life to all creatures; nothing comes from itself, nor could it. Whether in splendor of righteousness, or in the glory of judgment, life is forever; for you gave and commanded, and it came to be. The sun, moon, and stars of heaven that praise your name shall pass; but your eternal decrees, the life from out your mouth, shall never pass to naught.
The righteous, celebrate the gift; and pay loving tribute. The host of good angels, men of earth, and every simple creature gives you homage and thanks. Even hail, snow, fire and mist, every stormy wind and gale, obey you. Every hill, tree and mountain, every beast of the field and pasture, every bird and every fish, give praise to you O’God. Your majesty is above all creation; worthy of applause, honor, and praise.
The fallen hosts: scoffers, betrayers, and haters of God, shutter in their arrogance and unbelief. Their ways are dark and useless, and less valuable than the little creatures of the earth and sea. Their sin and delusions will serve them up—an abyss. For the Lord is good, and always does good. He condemns all unrighteousness. He teaches his children his statutes, and writes them on their hearts. Their debt is not a burden, but a glory to behold.
The LORD God is close to those who love him, and far from the unrighteous. He stands as preeminent guard, over all of Christ’s children. So, every person of earth, ruler-and-subject, give praise to him, and exalt his holy name. For he gives, or withholds, as he wills. He has no need of our works, yet, uses and delights in them. We cannot inspire or draw out his passions, as he does not change. His way is always steady, and he sorts out all things for his grandeur. Our desires for less than his splendor, are counted as nothing; yet he is gracious, and gives all things for his fame. Choosing his own to love, his love is unmeasurable.
His ways are not like ours. As it is written: “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” None can accuse him, saying: “What have you done?” His creation is accounted as nothing by contrast. All living souls, lift up your hearts and bless God most-high, who holds dominion over all things. And, woe to him who boasts in himself, rather than God almighty. For he alone who rules over all kingdoms; gives mercy, or judgment, to whom he will.
Homologeo:
Lord, with assurance and joy, we confess you to the world; that you have all life, goodness, and blessings in your hands. You alone, in-and-of yourself, are eternal; our glorious unending source. You prove by all that exists, that everything is from you, through you, and for you. In your sovereignty, you act in-and-upon all things as you please. Your knowledge is perfect, certain and infallible. It depends on nothing outside of you. All of your works, plans, ways and commands are utterly holy.
Every righteous being, delights to give you all worship, obedience, and service possible; and all you are pleased to ask of them. Before your thrown O’LORD, we bow, and rise, thank, and praise you forever and ever-more in Christ, amen.
11/24/2024 Chap. 2 “God, Our the Holy Trinity—2.3”
Prolegomena:
LORD God of Heaven—Father, Son and Spirit: by your gift of trust, we are born of you in Christ. By our obedience, our love for you, your commands, and all who are born of you, we are shown to be your people. Everyone born of you O’God, inherits the light, life and victory; and by trusting in Christ, overcomes the darkness. We trust in him, by his love for us. In what he has promised, done and shall yet do—we trust.
Your ways O’Lord are not a burden, but a comfort, joy and refuge. You came by the Water and the Blood. By the Spirit of truth, you testify and prove all true things. The Spirit, the Water and the Blood concur: God affirms all righteousness. The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit bear witness as One. On earth and in heaven, they stand and attest as One God, whom together approves, justifies and sanctifies.
Men also might testify of Christ, but the testimony of the Father concerning the Son, is boundless. So, anyone who believes in the Son of God has the testimony of God himself. Whoever does not believe what God has affirmed, has called him a liar. For the testimony of the Father avows this: that eternal life is from God, and this life is in his Son. Whomever does not have the Son, does not have eternal life.
Lord Messiah, you are the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen your glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. While no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, you have made him known to us; and have sent us your Helper, the Spirit of truth; who bears witness to the world on your behalf. Because we are sons, you have sent your Spirit into our hearts, that we too may be heard, crying out: “Abba, Father—forgive, Abba, Father—save!”
With perfect clarity and without reserve, all authority in heaven and on earth are in the hands of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is he who commands, “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; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” So, the Father, Son and Spirit is God; our God, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; we are his Children. Love, thanks, and glory to God on high!
Homologeo:
O’LORD, gracious and true, hear our confession: You are One in essence and distinctively: Father, Son and Spirit; our infinite—triune God. Identical in substance, power, and eternity; individual, undivided, and personal, as the one God.
Though we are of diminished intellect to comprehend, may we give you undiminished praise. You have spoken, and given us trust. We will honor no other cause, no other account, no other so-called gods. For you are eternal, perpetual, and ceaselessly the three in one. Infinite in nature and being, without division, without beginning and without end.
You are the core foundation of our comfort, dependance, and fellowship. Through Christ we hear, see, know and live. All praise, honor, and glory be to God in Christ forever, amen.
Chapter 3 - God’s Decree
Chapter 3 – God’s Decree
1. From all eternity God decreed everything that occurs, without reference to anything outside himself. (1) He did this by the perfectly wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably. Yet God did this in such a way that he is neither the author of sin nor has fellowship with any in their sin. (2) This decree does not violate the will of the creature or take away the free working or contingency of second causes. On the contrary, these are established by God’s decree. (3) In this decree God’s wisdom is displayed in directing all things, and his power and faithfulness are demonstrated in accomplishing his decree. (4)
1) Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; Romans 9:15, 18.
2) James 1:13; 1 John 1:5.
3) Acts 4:27, 28; John 19:11.
4) Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:3–5.
2. God knows everything that could happen under any given conditions. (5) However, his decree of anything is not based on foreseeing it in the future or foreseeing that it would occur under such conditions. (6)
5) Acts 15:18.
6) Romans 9:11, 13, 16, 18.
3. By God’s decree, and for the demonstration of his glory, some human beings and angels are predestined (or foreordained) to eternal life through Jesus Christ, (7) to the praise of his glorious grace. (8) Others are left to live in their sin, leading to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice. (9)
7) 1 Timothy 5:21; Matthew 25:34.
8) Ephesians 1:5, 6.
9) Romans 9:22, 23; Jude 4.
4. These predestined and foreordained angels and people are individually and unchangeably designated, and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or decreased. (10)
10) 2 Timothy 2:19; John 13:18.
5. Those people who are predestined to life were chosen by God before the foundation of the world, according to his eternal and unchangeable purpose and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will. He chose them in Christ for eternal glory, purely as a result of his free grace and love, (11) without anything else about them serving as a condition or cause moving him to do so. (12)
11) Ephesians 1:4, 9, 11; Romans 8:30; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
12) Romans 9:13, 16; Ephesians 2:5, 12.
6. Just as God has appointed the elect to glory, so he has by the eternal and completely free purpose of his will foreordained all the means. (13) Therefore, those who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ (14) and effectually called to faith in Christ by his Spirit working at the appropriate time. They are justified, adopted, sanctified, (15) and kept by his power through faith to salvation. (16) No one but the elect are redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved. (17)
13) 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
14) 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10.
15) Romans 8:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
16) 1 Peter 1:5.
17) John 10:26; 17:9; 6:64.
7. The doctrine of the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care so that those heeding the will of God revealed in his Word and obeying him may be assured of their eternal election by the certainty of their effectual calling. (18) In this way this doctrine will give reasons for praise, (19) reverence, and admiration of God, as well as humility, (20) diligence and rich comfort to all who sincerely obey the gospel. (21)
18) 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5; 2 Peter 1:10.
19) Ephesians 1:6; Romans 11:33.
20) Romans 11:5, 6, 20.
21) Luke 10:20.
12/08/2024 Chap. 3 “God’s Decrees—3.1”
Prolegomena:
O’Perfect Triune God: Most Holy Father, Word, and Spirit: You are God, and there is no other; you are God and there is none like you. You declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, things that are not yet done; saying, my counsel—and a warning, shall stand; I will accomplish everything I intend to do.
Father, by your purpose in Christ, who has done all things according to your will, you, O’LORD, are our birthright, and our predestination. All that you do strengthens our hope in Christ, to the praise of your glory. Your oath, and unwavering character, O’God, is our steadfast assurance. In trust of your word, we are sealed in the promised Holy Spirit; our comfort, and our guarantee of inheritance. Praise, honor, and glory to God almighty.
Christ, our Priest and King forever, is God’s Promise. He is the Anchor of our souls, and the hope of our hearts. For God is not like men who tell lies, change their minds, and go back on their word. What the LORD intends to do, will be done; what he says, will be fulfilled. He has mercy and compassion upon whom he will, and hardens wayward hearts in their own desires. There is no darkness in him, but only the pure light of perfection. Nothing tempts him, and he tempts no one to do the evil within their hearts.
O’Father, as One, the Dark Ruler, his prophets and his people gather against your holy servant Christ, whom you anointed. They conspire in themselves to do whatever they want, and what you have predestined. Still, they can have no authority over him unless you give it. Nevertheless, their dreadful sins are their own; and those nearest Christ are more egregious.
Be blessed O’God, our Father, Father of our Lord. You have chosen us and hallowed us in him with every spiritual blessing. From before the foundation of the world, you decreed that in Christ, we would be holy and blameless before you. In our stead, he suffered our sorrow, and our due, to bring us into your house, O’God. In love, you predestined us to be your children; sons and daughters, according to your will and purpose.
Homologeo:
So, our confession, O’Loving God, is this: From all eternity you have decreed everything that occurs. You are the source without reference, or need of anything outside yourself.
You do all things in holy and perfect wisdom by your free and unchanging will; yet you are neither the author of sin, nor can you fellowship with sinners. Your decrees do not violate our will, nor do they take away our awe, and quandary over sudden occurrences. We are free to inquire, and must, in our wonder and dismay. Even so, our hearts shall not sin against you, but in our weakness and trust, praise you even more.
We will, then, assigned only faithful inquiry to the mysteries of a fallen world; for we know everything is established by your decrees; and though doubtful we might perceive it at a moment, we always trust that your wisdom is behind, within and ahead of all things. Therefore, may your love, power, and faithfulness be demonstrated in the living testimony of our thoughts, words and deeds, as we trust in you and all you bring about. For we are yours in Christ; subjects and stewards of your kingdom. We live in esteem and wonder of your love, power, majesty and glory, forever, world without end, amen.
12/15/2024 Chap. 3 “God’s Decrees: 3.2—3.3
Prolegomena:
Father God—Word of life—Giver of truth: Blessed be your name throughout all creation. Your decrees and commands are good and holy. Your fulfilled law in Christ, is our reconciliation and assurance. When we consider matters in light of your Word, your wisdom is clear. We cover our mouths, and wait. Though with modest intellect we ponder all things, you O’LORD, know everything. Your ways and knowledge are flawless. You hold us firmly, from beginning to end; in our failing and success, in awe, to see the glory of your providence.
Your word and wisdom settle every debate and controversy. The gospel, always shames our verdicts; for you give your Holy Spirit to whom you will. In those you humble, you cleanse the soul, increase understanding, and lift up the heart in faith. By your gift of trust, the proof stands before us: Your signs, deeds, and wonders, silence our uncertainty. We shall not put you to the test; nor burden another beyond your validation within them. If they fellowship with you, we will fellowship with them.
For you have taken us from the blood of the world for your name’s sake, to suspend us as lights above dark waters. You have rebuilt and restored a remanent from the ruins. You are the God who speaks, and makes known his will. You are the Amen, the true and faithful witness. You are Holy, and your distain for sin, is flawless. You hate the idols men love. You abhor his unbelief; his lying tongue and prideful spirit. His depravity and murder are an affront to you. Conform us then, to be as Christ within view; that with full resolve and abhorrence to what sin affords; we show true O’God, what your love allows.
We pray for justice O’Lord. Nevertheless, you elect, not for good works, as there are none, but for him who calls, and fulfils your purpose. You have said: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” So, in choosing, you depend on nothing outside of yourself; not on human will, nor deeds, nor efforts; but you have mercy upon whomever you choose, and harden whomever you will. You give us the way we are to go, and say to those on your right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Your love and wrath O’Holy God, make known your power. You endure the wicked until their destruction. The riches of your mercy cover the righteous, and at the glory of Christ, every knee shall bow.
Homologeo:
Father God, we confess with confidence: You know everything that does and will happen. You ordain all things in service to your purposes. Your decrees are not subject to the foresight of possibility, for you always know what must and must not happen. To you, all things, every situation and circumstance, every thought of men and angels, are transparent and ordained.
While our comprehension is little, it is enough to understand, love, and do your commands. By your decrees, to the glory of your eminence, you give peace and life to many, and to others a just condemnation. You O’LORD are the first and the last. In you we live and have our being forever; to the praise of your glorious virtue, justice, and truth in Christ, amen.
12/22/2024 Chap. 3 God’s Decrees: 3.4-3.5
Prolegomena:
LORD God most High, Creator, Savior and Sustainer; Spirit of Truth, Holiness and Life eternal: Though man fell by choice; immersed in sin and rising madness, earning the wrath that justice summoned: You spared him in his folly; and gave him hope in a Savior.
You established an Israel, to deal with you, to wrestle with you, and be approved by you, in your beloved. That they could turn away from rebellion, in a world at war; and live at peace with you, their God. For you have declared: “The Lord knows those who are his. Whomever names the name of the Lord, shall depart from wickedness.” To them, mercy, peace, and love, is multiplied.
So, into your hands O’Savior, the Father gives all things. From heaven you came down, to heaven you returned, and shall again return. You washed the dust of the world from our feet. From the filth of the Evil one, you cleansed our hands, heads, and hearts. For the Father did not destine us for wrath, but for deliverance in you, our Lord and Good shepherd. You are the light of the world and have placed your light within us, to share in you, fully.
O’Lord, Teacher and Friend, you have done for us what we could not do for ourselves. You give peace and assurance to whom you will, and love to those who love you. You have opened our eyes and ears to follow and serve.
Yet those who highly esteem the world and the world, them, turn their hearts away from you, to sit in sin’s wasteland. They see nothing, hear nothing, and serve nothing of worth. Enemies of virtue, their souls are as shadows in twilight, with no desire for you, or the Father who sent you.
Still, before the foundation of the world, before the ages began O’Lord, the Father chose a people to be blameless and holy before him. To gather at his throne in praise; not because of some righteous deed they had done, but for the glory of his purpose in mercy.
You O’Savior, made known to us the mystery of his design and will. In you, O’Christ, all who are destined as holy, are adopted, justified and glorified. According to the counsel of the Father’s will, to the praise of his glory, they are forgiven, and receive their inheritance in you.
Even when we were dead in our sins and trespasses, by grace, you made us alive together in you O’Lord. Until then, we were godless and without hope, separated, alienated and strangers to your covenants of promise. Yet, you loved us and saved us in the midst of our turning away. By the blood of your covenant, we are saved.
Homologeo:
So, rightly our confession stands: You O’LORD are the judge of the earth and lover of souls. We say Abba, and you say child, and we are safe in your hands. We affirm you in Christ and in him every promise fulfilled. Your purpose in all you have destined for angels and people of a certain number, is perfect, it will never diminish; nor change.
Before creation, in your secret counsel, eternal wisdom, and good pleasure, you chose your own in Christ. He is your gracious love to the redeemed. Though unqualified, and unable to satisfy any condition, save faith—a gift, you declared: “You shall be Holy, for I am Holy.”
You are our consolation in a hard and kind providence. You are God, the only God. Your love for your people is undeniable. In and with Christ, we sing to you, love, honor, and praise evermore, amen.
12/29/2024 Chap.3 “God’s Decrees—3.6-3.7
Prolegomena:
Blessed be you O’God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Great Comforter of your people Israel. According to your great mercy, you have caused us to be born again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. All things, are according to your foreknowledge, decrees, and the hallowing of your Spirit, to obedience through the blood of Jesus Christ. Thus, you spared us from the strong delusion, and false narrative that condemns unrighteousness, and blinds the minds of the wicked.
Out of the dust you made sons and daughters; to stand firm, to lift up in your beloved, by the Spirit of truth. Thanks be to you O’God, who predestined and called us away from wrath through your gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we might live with him. Destined, called, justified, and glorified, we always give thanks to you O’God; for your mercy to us in your beloved Christ. In the truth and assurance of your word, you guard us with your power through faith, to eternal salvation.
The gospel came to us through the Holy Spirit in Word and Power, to take root, blossom and thrive. So, with full conviction in Jesus Christ, we became the people we prove to be, in praise of his glorious grace, blessed as his beloved, diligent to confirm our calling and election, to practice the qualities and virtues that God approves, and to stand on the last day. We are proof that the depths of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge, are unsearchable. His ways and judgments are complete, enigmatic and beautiful.
Those who do not believe, are not of the flock. The Shepherd has no regard for them. Only those given to him by you, O’Father, are his concern. And though many believe, many do not, you, O’Lord, know their names—both the loyal and disloyal. Those who work are broken off because of unbelief, but those who trust, stand firm. And, there is always a remnant, chosen by grace, not by works but by the mercy of Christ. They are not proud, but fall down in reverence and awe. They do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to them, but that, from the foundation of the world, their names were written in the book of life.
Homologeo:
We Confess: Truly Lord, truly: Just as you have appointed the elect to glory, you have freely and eternally ordained the means. And so, those who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, and magnificently called to trust in him, through his Spirit working at the appointed time. Only the elect, are redeemed by Christ. At an instant, they are called, justified, adopted, and sanctified. They are saved from destruction by his love and power, through faith,
This O’Lord, is a wellspring; a high mystery of destiny to be handled with humility, care, and wisdom. You have assured us of your eternal choice, we see it in the proof and certainty of your good call. In obedience, humble heart, and meager intellect, concerning your will O’God, we have every true reason to give you our praise, reverence, and adoration. To all who are sincere to obey the gospel, comes humility, diligence and the rich comfort of assurance. Our trust in Christ, is our welfare in him. For his sake, we live and pray, amen.
1. From all eternity God decreed everything that occurs, without reference to anything outside himself. (1) He did this by the perfectly wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably. Yet God did this in such a way that he is neither the author of sin nor has fellowship with any in their sin. (2) This decree does not violate the will of the creature or take away the free working or contingency of second causes. On the contrary, these are established by God’s decree. (3) In this decree God’s wisdom is displayed in directing all things, and his power and faithfulness are demonstrated in accomplishing his decree. (4)
1) Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; Romans 9:15, 18.
2) James 1:13; 1 John 1:5.
3) Acts 4:27, 28; John 19:11.
4) Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:3–5.
2. God knows everything that could happen under any given conditions. (5) However, his decree of anything is not based on foreseeing it in the future or foreseeing that it would occur under such conditions. (6)
5) Acts 15:18.
6) Romans 9:11, 13, 16, 18.
3. By God’s decree, and for the demonstration of his glory, some human beings and angels are predestined (or foreordained) to eternal life through Jesus Christ, (7) to the praise of his glorious grace. (8) Others are left to live in their sin, leading to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice. (9)
7) 1 Timothy 5:21; Matthew 25:34.
8) Ephesians 1:5, 6.
9) Romans 9:22, 23; Jude 4.
4. These predestined and foreordained angels and people are individually and unchangeably designated, and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or decreased. (10)
10) 2 Timothy 2:19; John 13:18.
5. Those people who are predestined to life were chosen by God before the foundation of the world, according to his eternal and unchangeable purpose and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will. He chose them in Christ for eternal glory, purely as a result of his free grace and love, (11) without anything else about them serving as a condition or cause moving him to do so. (12)
11) Ephesians 1:4, 9, 11; Romans 8:30; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
12) Romans 9:13, 16; Ephesians 2:5, 12.
6. Just as God has appointed the elect to glory, so he has by the eternal and completely free purpose of his will foreordained all the means. (13) Therefore, those who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ (14) and effectually called to faith in Christ by his Spirit working at the appropriate time. They are justified, adopted, sanctified, (15) and kept by his power through faith to salvation. (16) No one but the elect are redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved. (17)
13) 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
14) 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10.
15) Romans 8:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
16) 1 Peter 1:5.
17) John 10:26; 17:9; 6:64.
7. The doctrine of the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care so that those heeding the will of God revealed in his Word and obeying him may be assured of their eternal election by the certainty of their effectual calling. (18) In this way this doctrine will give reasons for praise, (19) reverence, and admiration of God, as well as humility, (20) diligence and rich comfort to all who sincerely obey the gospel. (21)
18) 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 5; 2 Peter 1:10.
19) Ephesians 1:6; Romans 11:33.
20) Romans 11:5, 6, 20.
21) Luke 10:20.
12/08/2024 Chap. 3 “God’s Decrees—3.1”
Prolegomena:
O’Perfect Triune God: Most Holy Father, Word, and Spirit: You are God, and there is no other; you are God and there is none like you. You declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, things that are not yet done; saying, my counsel—and a warning, shall stand; I will accomplish everything I intend to do.
Father, by your purpose in Christ, who has done all things according to your will, you, O’LORD, are our birthright, and our predestination. All that you do strengthens our hope in Christ, to the praise of your glory. Your oath, and unwavering character, O’God, is our steadfast assurance. In trust of your word, we are sealed in the promised Holy Spirit; our comfort, and our guarantee of inheritance. Praise, honor, and glory to God almighty.
Christ, our Priest and King forever, is God’s Promise. He is the Anchor of our souls, and the hope of our hearts. For God is not like men who tell lies, change their minds, and go back on their word. What the LORD intends to do, will be done; what he says, will be fulfilled. He has mercy and compassion upon whom he will, and hardens wayward hearts in their own desires. There is no darkness in him, but only the pure light of perfection. Nothing tempts him, and he tempts no one to do the evil within their hearts.
O’Father, as One, the Dark Ruler, his prophets and his people gather against your holy servant Christ, whom you anointed. They conspire in themselves to do whatever they want, and what you have predestined. Still, they can have no authority over him unless you give it. Nevertheless, their dreadful sins are their own; and those nearest Christ are more egregious.
Be blessed O’God, our Father, Father of our Lord. You have chosen us and hallowed us in him with every spiritual blessing. From before the foundation of the world, you decreed that in Christ, we would be holy and blameless before you. In our stead, he suffered our sorrow, and our due, to bring us into your house, O’God. In love, you predestined us to be your children; sons and daughters, according to your will and purpose.
Homologeo:
So, our confession, O’Loving God, is this: From all eternity you have decreed everything that occurs. You are the source without reference, or need of anything outside yourself.
You do all things in holy and perfect wisdom by your free and unchanging will; yet you are neither the author of sin, nor can you fellowship with sinners. Your decrees do not violate our will, nor do they take away our awe, and quandary over sudden occurrences. We are free to inquire, and must, in our wonder and dismay. Even so, our hearts shall not sin against you, but in our weakness and trust, praise you even more.
We will, then, assigned only faithful inquiry to the mysteries of a fallen world; for we know everything is established by your decrees; and though doubtful we might perceive it at a moment, we always trust that your wisdom is behind, within and ahead of all things. Therefore, may your love, power, and faithfulness be demonstrated in the living testimony of our thoughts, words and deeds, as we trust in you and all you bring about. For we are yours in Christ; subjects and stewards of your kingdom. We live in esteem and wonder of your love, power, majesty and glory, forever, world without end, amen.
12/15/2024 Chap. 3 “God’s Decrees: 3.2—3.3
Prolegomena:
Father God—Word of life—Giver of truth: Blessed be your name throughout all creation. Your decrees and commands are good and holy. Your fulfilled law in Christ, is our reconciliation and assurance. When we consider matters in light of your Word, your wisdom is clear. We cover our mouths, and wait. Though with modest intellect we ponder all things, you O’LORD, know everything. Your ways and knowledge are flawless. You hold us firmly, from beginning to end; in our failing and success, in awe, to see the glory of your providence.
Your word and wisdom settle every debate and controversy. The gospel, always shames our verdicts; for you give your Holy Spirit to whom you will. In those you humble, you cleanse the soul, increase understanding, and lift up the heart in faith. By your gift of trust, the proof stands before us: Your signs, deeds, and wonders, silence our uncertainty. We shall not put you to the test; nor burden another beyond your validation within them. If they fellowship with you, we will fellowship with them.
For you have taken us from the blood of the world for your name’s sake, to suspend us as lights above dark waters. You have rebuilt and restored a remanent from the ruins. You are the God who speaks, and makes known his will. You are the Amen, the true and faithful witness. You are Holy, and your distain for sin, is flawless. You hate the idols men love. You abhor his unbelief; his lying tongue and prideful spirit. His depravity and murder are an affront to you. Conform us then, to be as Christ within view; that with full resolve and abhorrence to what sin affords; we show true O’God, what your love allows.
We pray for justice O’Lord. Nevertheless, you elect, not for good works, as there are none, but for him who calls, and fulfils your purpose. You have said: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” So, in choosing, you depend on nothing outside of yourself; not on human will, nor deeds, nor efforts; but you have mercy upon whomever you choose, and harden whomever you will. You give us the way we are to go, and say to those on your right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Your love and wrath O’Holy God, make known your power. You endure the wicked until their destruction. The riches of your mercy cover the righteous, and at the glory of Christ, every knee shall bow.
Homologeo:
Father God, we confess with confidence: You know everything that does and will happen. You ordain all things in service to your purposes. Your decrees are not subject to the foresight of possibility, for you always know what must and must not happen. To you, all things, every situation and circumstance, every thought of men and angels, are transparent and ordained.
While our comprehension is little, it is enough to understand, love, and do your commands. By your decrees, to the glory of your eminence, you give peace and life to many, and to others a just condemnation. You O’LORD are the first and the last. In you we live and have our being forever; to the praise of your glorious virtue, justice, and truth in Christ, amen.
12/22/2024 Chap. 3 God’s Decrees: 3.4-3.5
Prolegomena:
LORD God most High, Creator, Savior and Sustainer; Spirit of Truth, Holiness and Life eternal: Though man fell by choice; immersed in sin and rising madness, earning the wrath that justice summoned: You spared him in his folly; and gave him hope in a Savior.
You established an Israel, to deal with you, to wrestle with you, and be approved by you, in your beloved. That they could turn away from rebellion, in a world at war; and live at peace with you, their God. For you have declared: “The Lord knows those who are his. Whomever names the name of the Lord, shall depart from wickedness.” To them, mercy, peace, and love, is multiplied.
So, into your hands O’Savior, the Father gives all things. From heaven you came down, to heaven you returned, and shall again return. You washed the dust of the world from our feet. From the filth of the Evil one, you cleansed our hands, heads, and hearts. For the Father did not destine us for wrath, but for deliverance in you, our Lord and Good shepherd. You are the light of the world and have placed your light within us, to share in you, fully.
O’Lord, Teacher and Friend, you have done for us what we could not do for ourselves. You give peace and assurance to whom you will, and love to those who love you. You have opened our eyes and ears to follow and serve.
Yet those who highly esteem the world and the world, them, turn their hearts away from you, to sit in sin’s wasteland. They see nothing, hear nothing, and serve nothing of worth. Enemies of virtue, their souls are as shadows in twilight, with no desire for you, or the Father who sent you.
Still, before the foundation of the world, before the ages began O’Lord, the Father chose a people to be blameless and holy before him. To gather at his throne in praise; not because of some righteous deed they had done, but for the glory of his purpose in mercy.
You O’Savior, made known to us the mystery of his design and will. In you, O’Christ, all who are destined as holy, are adopted, justified and glorified. According to the counsel of the Father’s will, to the praise of his glory, they are forgiven, and receive their inheritance in you.
Even when we were dead in our sins and trespasses, by grace, you made us alive together in you O’Lord. Until then, we were godless and without hope, separated, alienated and strangers to your covenants of promise. Yet, you loved us and saved us in the midst of our turning away. By the blood of your covenant, we are saved.
Homologeo:
So, rightly our confession stands: You O’LORD are the judge of the earth and lover of souls. We say Abba, and you say child, and we are safe in your hands. We affirm you in Christ and in him every promise fulfilled. Your purpose in all you have destined for angels and people of a certain number, is perfect, it will never diminish; nor change.
Before creation, in your secret counsel, eternal wisdom, and good pleasure, you chose your own in Christ. He is your gracious love to the redeemed. Though unqualified, and unable to satisfy any condition, save faith—a gift, you declared: “You shall be Holy, for I am Holy.”
You are our consolation in a hard and kind providence. You are God, the only God. Your love for your people is undeniable. In and with Christ, we sing to you, love, honor, and praise evermore, amen.
12/29/2024 Chap.3 “God’s Decrees—3.6-3.7
Prolegomena:
Blessed be you O’God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Great Comforter of your people Israel. According to your great mercy, you have caused us to be born again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. All things, are according to your foreknowledge, decrees, and the hallowing of your Spirit, to obedience through the blood of Jesus Christ. Thus, you spared us from the strong delusion, and false narrative that condemns unrighteousness, and blinds the minds of the wicked.
Out of the dust you made sons and daughters; to stand firm, to lift up in your beloved, by the Spirit of truth. Thanks be to you O’God, who predestined and called us away from wrath through your gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we might live with him. Destined, called, justified, and glorified, we always give thanks to you O’God; for your mercy to us in your beloved Christ. In the truth and assurance of your word, you guard us with your power through faith, to eternal salvation.
The gospel came to us through the Holy Spirit in Word and Power, to take root, blossom and thrive. So, with full conviction in Jesus Christ, we became the people we prove to be, in praise of his glorious grace, blessed as his beloved, diligent to confirm our calling and election, to practice the qualities and virtues that God approves, and to stand on the last day. We are proof that the depths of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge, are unsearchable. His ways and judgments are complete, enigmatic and beautiful.
Those who do not believe, are not of the flock. The Shepherd has no regard for them. Only those given to him by you, O’Father, are his concern. And though many believe, many do not, you, O’Lord, know their names—both the loyal and disloyal. Those who work are broken off because of unbelief, but those who trust, stand firm. And, there is always a remnant, chosen by grace, not by works but by the mercy of Christ. They are not proud, but fall down in reverence and awe. They do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to them, but that, from the foundation of the world, their names were written in the book of life.
Homologeo:
We Confess: Truly Lord, truly: Just as you have appointed the elect to glory, you have freely and eternally ordained the means. And so, those who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, and magnificently called to trust in him, through his Spirit working at the appointed time. Only the elect, are redeemed by Christ. At an instant, they are called, justified, adopted, and sanctified. They are saved from destruction by his love and power, through faith,
This O’Lord, is a wellspring; a high mystery of destiny to be handled with humility, care, and wisdom. You have assured us of your eternal choice, we see it in the proof and certainty of your good call. In obedience, humble heart, and meager intellect, concerning your will O’God, we have every true reason to give you our praise, reverence, and adoration. To all who are sincere to obey the gospel, comes humility, diligence and the rich comfort of assurance. Our trust in Christ, is our welfare in him. For his sake, we live and pray, amen.
Chapter 4 – Creation
Chapter 4 – Creation
1. In the beginning God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1) was pleased to create or make the world and all things in it, both visible and invisible, in a six-day period, and all very good. (2) He did this to manifest the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness. (3)
1) John 1:2, 3; Hebrews 1:2; Job 26:13.
2) Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:31.
3) Romans 1:20.
2. After God had made all the other creatures, he created humanity. He made them male and female, (4) with rational and immortal souls, (5) thereby making them suited to that life lived unto God for which they were created. They were made in the image of God, being endowed with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. (6) They had the law of God written in their hearts (7) and the power to fulfill it. Even so, they could still transgress the law, because they were left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change. (8)
4) Genesis 1:27.
5) Genesis 2:7.
6) Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 1:26.
7) Romans 2:14, 15.
8) Genesis 3:6.
3. In addition to the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (9) As long as they obeyed this command, they were happy in their communion with God and had dominion over the creatures. (10)
9) Genesis 2:17;
10) Genesis 1:26, 28.
01/19/2025 Chap. 4 “Creation” 4.1
Prolegomena:
Holy Triune God; Creator Father, Son, and Spirit: You O’God, as one essence in three Persons, are Infinite, all-Knowing, all-Powerful, and Wise. You are Sovereign over all that is, and nothing can put a stop to your plans.
As the eternal Word of God, you O’Lord our savior, were in the beginning with God. As God, for your own good pleasure, you made all things, both visible and invisible; every living creature and mankind in your image.
Throughout six days, you created all that is created. Everything you formed was good; for you are good. Nothing exists, nor can exist, that was not made by your hand.
You are life itself, holy and true, the only light of man. You give leeway and boundary, and disavow all immorality. All things subsist under your authority and allowance. You hate sin; it shall have no place in your Kingdom.
The pillars of heaven tremble at your rebuke; both angels and men become speechless at the fringes of your ways. The sea is removed from its place, or stilled to a calm shimmer. The winds of heaven uproot a mighty oak, yet the seeds of the field float gently in the breeze. All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but your Word O’Lord, remains forever.
You may whisper, O’God in Christ, yet no one comprehends the thunder of your power. By our Fathers and through the Prophets, you commanded: “Be holy, for I am holy.” This and all that it is, is the law of creation. So, in these last days, you alone O’Lord, are the final Word. To love you, is to obey you for loves sake, for your commands are never a burden.
You O’Lord, have inherited all things. Creation appeared through you, and by you, shall be rolled up as a scroll. Your eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived in all creation from the beginning. There is no excuse for denying who you are, and what you have done, and praising you forever.
As the radiance of the glory of God, and the exact resonance of his nature, you are the last Word spoken; and you uphold the universe by the word of your power.
Homologeo:
Therefore, O’LORD, we confess now and forever, that you are God, the only God, and it pleased you to create the heavens and earth, both the visible and invisible realms, good and beautiful, in only six days, morning-and-evening.
This you did to make evident the glory of your eternal power, wisdom, and goodness. In Christ, all truth and every truth stands before all creatures and creation. For he is the magnificence and grandeur of God, for whom all things were made.
In him and with him, we have an inheritance as the sons and daughters of God. It is for the sake of Christ we pray and give thanks. All honor, glory and power be to God, forever and ever, amen.
01/26/2025 Chap. 4 “Creation” 4.2-4.3
Prolegomena:
LORD God, Creator of living souls, Sovereign Judge over all creatures, in heaven and earth. In love, you created man, male and female, out of the dust. You breathed into him a living soul, good and innocent—in your very own image; but away he turned. You made him, body and soul; and gave him authority over the earth and every living creature.
You blessed him, saying: “Be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. In my garden, you may eat the fruit of every tree, except for the one in the center, whose fruit gives knowledge of good and evil. Do not eat that fruit; for when you do, you and all creation, will know death.” But our thoughts, captured by guile, and self-love, afforded us a right we would not deny. Casting our trust to the ground, in new-found desire, we ate.
So, our hearts, once good, became deceitful above all things and could not be cured. Even now we cannot understand it. Though you, O’God, wrote your way upon our hearts, and our conscience bore witness to it, we wanted, what we wanted.
Although our crimes and divergent thoughts accused us, we forgave ourselves, and followed the father of lies. We abandoned the light, and life, for a dull and unsteady-path; for sorrow, and for death. In our betrayal, we gave our hearts into the hands of the evil one, the king of the mire, who hates us.
Yet while we were still criminals, Christ came and received our due punishment. He cured for us, what we could not cure. Now, by him, and in him, we are saved, restored and renewed. He has prepared a table before us, yet in the presence of our enemies.
He comforts our souls, and we cry Abba—Father. We are your children in a fallen land. You are our hope, our strength, and our shield. You care for us in our suffering, and avenge us when evil falls harsh to injure. What we were, we are no more.
Homologeo:
Our confession, and prayer O’God of mercy, is your Word of glory. You made all creatures, and created humanity, male and female. You made him to have a rational and immortal soul, suited to live life facing toward you; to fulfill every purpose you have set.
You made him in your image; to endow him with knowledge of you, your righteousness, and your holiness. You wrote your good laws upon his heart, and gave him the power to fulfill them. Yet you did not restrict his ability to transgress, but gave him the liberty of his own will, as being possible to change.
With the law written upon his heart, you commanded he not eat from but one tree. As long as he obeyed your command, he would be in comfort and happy in his communion with you, and the authority of your blessing over all creatures of the earth.
So, great was his fall when first he fell and greater still his decline. Yet, you O’Lord would not leave him to himself in the pathetic mire of evil. From out of it all, you save your chosen. You shall destroy every evil thing; cleans the heavens and the earth with fire; and recreate all good things.
Glory to Christ who was dead and raised from death. He is the beginning and end of all things; our Benefactor, Savior and Messiah forever and ever, amen.
1. In the beginning God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1) was pleased to create or make the world and all things in it, both visible and invisible, in a six-day period, and all very good. (2) He did this to manifest the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness. (3)
1) John 1:2, 3; Hebrews 1:2; Job 26:13.
2) Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1:31.
3) Romans 1:20.
2. After God had made all the other creatures, he created humanity. He made them male and female, (4) with rational and immortal souls, (5) thereby making them suited to that life lived unto God for which they were created. They were made in the image of God, being endowed with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. (6) They had the law of God written in their hearts (7) and the power to fulfill it. Even so, they could still transgress the law, because they were left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change. (8)
4) Genesis 1:27.
5) Genesis 2:7.
6) Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 1:26.
7) Romans 2:14, 15.
8) Genesis 3:6.
3. In addition to the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (9) As long as they obeyed this command, they were happy in their communion with God and had dominion over the creatures. (10)
9) Genesis 2:17;
10) Genesis 1:26, 28.
01/19/2025 Chap. 4 “Creation” 4.1
Prolegomena:
Holy Triune God; Creator Father, Son, and Spirit: You O’God, as one essence in three Persons, are Infinite, all-Knowing, all-Powerful, and Wise. You are Sovereign over all that is, and nothing can put a stop to your plans.
As the eternal Word of God, you O’Lord our savior, were in the beginning with God. As God, for your own good pleasure, you made all things, both visible and invisible; every living creature and mankind in your image.
Throughout six days, you created all that is created. Everything you formed was good; for you are good. Nothing exists, nor can exist, that was not made by your hand.
You are life itself, holy and true, the only light of man. You give leeway and boundary, and disavow all immorality. All things subsist under your authority and allowance. You hate sin; it shall have no place in your Kingdom.
The pillars of heaven tremble at your rebuke; both angels and men become speechless at the fringes of your ways. The sea is removed from its place, or stilled to a calm shimmer. The winds of heaven uproot a mighty oak, yet the seeds of the field float gently in the breeze. All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but your Word O’Lord, remains forever.
You may whisper, O’God in Christ, yet no one comprehends the thunder of your power. By our Fathers and through the Prophets, you commanded: “Be holy, for I am holy.” This and all that it is, is the law of creation. So, in these last days, you alone O’Lord, are the final Word. To love you, is to obey you for loves sake, for your commands are never a burden.
You O’Lord, have inherited all things. Creation appeared through you, and by you, shall be rolled up as a scroll. Your eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived in all creation from the beginning. There is no excuse for denying who you are, and what you have done, and praising you forever.
As the radiance of the glory of God, and the exact resonance of his nature, you are the last Word spoken; and you uphold the universe by the word of your power.
Homologeo:
Therefore, O’LORD, we confess now and forever, that you are God, the only God, and it pleased you to create the heavens and earth, both the visible and invisible realms, good and beautiful, in only six days, morning-and-evening.
This you did to make evident the glory of your eternal power, wisdom, and goodness. In Christ, all truth and every truth stands before all creatures and creation. For he is the magnificence and grandeur of God, for whom all things were made.
In him and with him, we have an inheritance as the sons and daughters of God. It is for the sake of Christ we pray and give thanks. All honor, glory and power be to God, forever and ever, amen.
01/26/2025 Chap. 4 “Creation” 4.2-4.3
Prolegomena:
LORD God, Creator of living souls, Sovereign Judge over all creatures, in heaven and earth. In love, you created man, male and female, out of the dust. You breathed into him a living soul, good and innocent—in your very own image; but away he turned. You made him, body and soul; and gave him authority over the earth and every living creature.
You blessed him, saying: “Be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. In my garden, you may eat the fruit of every tree, except for the one in the center, whose fruit gives knowledge of good and evil. Do not eat that fruit; for when you do, you and all creation, will know death.” But our thoughts, captured by guile, and self-love, afforded us a right we would not deny. Casting our trust to the ground, in new-found desire, we ate.
So, our hearts, once good, became deceitful above all things and could not be cured. Even now we cannot understand it. Though you, O’God, wrote your way upon our hearts, and our conscience bore witness to it, we wanted, what we wanted.
Although our crimes and divergent thoughts accused us, we forgave ourselves, and followed the father of lies. We abandoned the light, and life, for a dull and unsteady-path; for sorrow, and for death. In our betrayal, we gave our hearts into the hands of the evil one, the king of the mire, who hates us.
Yet while we were still criminals, Christ came and received our due punishment. He cured for us, what we could not cure. Now, by him, and in him, we are saved, restored and renewed. He has prepared a table before us, yet in the presence of our enemies.
He comforts our souls, and we cry Abba—Father. We are your children in a fallen land. You are our hope, our strength, and our shield. You care for us in our suffering, and avenge us when evil falls harsh to injure. What we were, we are no more.
Homologeo:
Our confession, and prayer O’God of mercy, is your Word of glory. You made all creatures, and created humanity, male and female. You made him to have a rational and immortal soul, suited to live life facing toward you; to fulfill every purpose you have set.
You made him in your image; to endow him with knowledge of you, your righteousness, and your holiness. You wrote your good laws upon his heart, and gave him the power to fulfill them. Yet you did not restrict his ability to transgress, but gave him the liberty of his own will, as being possible to change.
With the law written upon his heart, you commanded he not eat from but one tree. As long as he obeyed your command, he would be in comfort and happy in his communion with you, and the authority of your blessing over all creatures of the earth.
So, great was his fall when first he fell and greater still his decline. Yet, you O’Lord would not leave him to himself in the pathetic mire of evil. From out of it all, you save your chosen. You shall destroy every evil thing; cleans the heavens and the earth with fire; and recreate all good things.
Glory to Christ who was dead and raised from death. He is the beginning and end of all things; our Benefactor, Savior and Messiah forever and ever, amen.
Chapter 5 – Divine Providence
Chapter 5 – Divine Providence
1. God the good Creator of all things, in his infinite power and wisdom, upholds, directs, arranges, and governs all creatures and things, (1) from the greatest to the least, (2) by his perfectly wise and holy providence, to the purpose for which they were created. He governs according to his infallible foreknowledge and the free and unchangeable counsel of his own will. His providence leads to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy. (3)
1) Hebrews 1:3; Job 38:11; Isaiah 46:10, 11; Psalms 135:6.
2) Matthew 10:29–31.
3) Ephesians 1:11.
2. All things come to pass unchangeably and certainly in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, (4) who is the first cause. Thus, nothing happens to anyone by chance or outside of God’s providence. (5) Yet by the same providence God arranges all things to occur according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or in response to other causes. (6)
4) Acts 2:23.
5) Proverbs 16:33.
6) Genesis 8:22.
3. In his ordinary providence, God makes use of means, (7) though he is free to work apart from them, (8) beyond them, (9) and contrary to them10 at his pleasure.
7) Acts 27:31, 44; Isaiah 55:10, 11.
8) Hosea 1:7.
9) Romans 4:19–21.
10) Daniel 3:27.
4. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God are so thoroughly demonstrated in his providence, that his sovereign plan includes even the first fall and every other sinful action both of angels and humans. (11) God’s providence over sinful actions does not occur by simple permission. Instead, God most wisely and powerfully limits and in other ways arranges and governs sinful actions. (12) Through a complex arrangement of methods he governs sinful actions to accomplish his perfectly holy purposes. (13) Yet he does this in such a way that the sinfulness of their acts arises only from the creatures and not from God. Because God is altogether holy and righteous, he can neither originate nor approve of sin. (14)
11) Romans 11:32–34; 2 Samuel 24:1, 1 Chronicles 21:1.
12) 2 Kings 19:28; Psalms 76:10.
13) Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 10:6, 7, 12.
14) Psalms 50:21; 1 John 2:16.
5. The perfectly wise, righteous, and gracious God often allows his own children for a time to experience a variety of temptations and the sinfulness of their own hearts. He does this to chastise them for their former sins or to make them aware of the hidden strength of the corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts so that they may be humbled. He also does this to lead them to a closer and more constant dependence on him to sustain them, to make them more cautious about all future circumstances that may lead to sin, and for other just and holy purposes. (15) So whatever happens to any of his elect happens by his appointment, for his glory, and for their good. (16)
15) 2 Chronicles 32:25, 26, 31; 2 Corinthians 12:7–9.
16) Romans 8:28.
6. God, as the righteous judge, sometimes blinds and hardens wicked and ungodly people because of their sins. (17) He withholds his grace from them, by which they could have been enlightened in their understanding and had their hearts renewed. (18) Not only that, but sometimes he also takes away the gifts they already had (19) and exposes them to situations that their corrupt natures turn into opportunities for sin. (20) Moreover, he gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan,21 so that they harden themselves in response to the same influences that God uses to soften others. (22)
17) Romans 1:24–26, 28; Romans 11:7, 8.
18) Deuteronomy 29:4. 19Matthew 13:12.
20) Deuteronomy 2:30; 2 Kings 8:12, 13.
21) Psalms 81:11, 12; 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12.
22) Exodus 8:15, 32; Isaiah 6:9, 10; 1 Peter 2:7, 8.
7. The providence of God in a general way includes all creatures, but in a special way it takes care of his church and arranges all things to its good. (23)
23) 1 Timothy 4:10; Amos 9:8, 9; Isaiah 43:3–5.
02/09/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.1
Prolegomena:
LORD of all creation, Eternal Triune God: From the beginning of time, in certain ways, and by the Prophets, you spoke to us. Yet in these last days, your final WORD, is Christ, our Messiah; no other Word shall follow. For through him, all things have been said, and all things created. He is truth, and he is life; the heritor of all things.
Piercing through dark dismay, he brings truth and joy, to a mournful land. Words without knowledge cannot darken his counsel. He who laid the foundations of the earth, determined its dimensions, stretched a line out upon it, and set its deep foundations, has become its cornerstone.
So, sing alleluia you morning stars, and shout for joy all you sons of God. For you, O’Lord, are God—the radiance, and glory thereof. Your perfect nature, and wonderful name, prove you worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. It is you who speaks, and upholds the universe by the word of your power.
You declare the beginning from the end, and from ancient times, everything not yet done. Your resolve is within every molecule and every breath of life. In heaven and earth, always for good, you do what pleases you. For out of the world, O’God, you chose your people, Israel, as your own. We hear your voice, know it, and follow. The clatter and noise of the war about us, cannot silence you. You have told us what to expect, and have kept nothing from us.
Though now we weep for a day, our minds and hearts are keenly attuned to yours. We hear, see, and await your approach. So, here are we, who give thanks, glory and praise to your name; who stand in the house and courtyards, of almighty God.
For we are borne of you. From first to last; from the womb or from a crown of gray, you carry us home. You have made us, endured us, supported us and saved us. You care for us in every way. You know even when the sparrow falls, and the tree blossoms. Your providence is a covering and a hedge about us.
You have given us worth beyond measure. You chose us in love, to be holy, perfect and blameless within you. We are yours, and you are ours, appointed according to love, and the counsel of your will, and to the praise of your glory. You remind us, saying: “I am with you always, do not fear.”
Homologeo:
Bless now our confession O’God of heaven, Creator and sustainer of all things. Uphold us Father, Son and Spirit by your most artful and holy providence.
In your infinite power and wisdom, sustain, direct, arrange, and govern us, and all things, from the greatest to the least. For you alone establish the purpose: what you give and what you take, what you bless and what you curse.
You accomplish your purpose in everything. The tapestry of your providence summons our souls to praise you. For you are good, just, and merciful. By love, you complete all things forever, and ever, amen.
02/16/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.2
Prolegomena:
Father God, High King of Heaven, Blessed Spirit of Truth: You hold the future: all things, events, and occurrences are in your mighty hands. The ways of heaven and earth are fixed; determined by your design. You O’LORD, are the Sovereign judge over all. You hold every living being accountable. The intensions, motives, and acts, of the Evil One and his kindred, are perfectly clear to you.
The prideful acts of men come from their own desires; but the outcome, is always in your hand O’God. Even in the seeming chaos, disarray, and routine of evil, your hand forms what will be. What Satan and his allies hold down; you will raise up. What they destroy; you will rebuild. Whom they murder; you will restore to life everlasting. Out of evil; every good end, will follow.
Though a man walks in accordance to his own plan, you O’Lord bring his steps into place. Though he does what he desires, you weigh his spirit, and determine the outcome. Everything holds the purpose you have fixed; the final word is yours. You judge the abhorrent and wicked, for no evil shall go unpunished.
Amid man’s evil, you cursed the world to ruin. Yet, for now, he remains; your hand is stayed; seasons come and go. There is planting and harvesting, winter and summer, day and night. Your scales O’God, are balanced, for you are Just. You delight in righteousness and you love those who speak and do what is right. You will avenge the suffering of your beloved, at the reckoning.
In the light of your face, there is life. Your unmerited favor is like the rain of spring. In the hearts of whom your word finds purchase: peace, goodness and joy arise. Blessed are they, who trusts in you. Their plans are established within yours.
For your Word O’Father, is trustworthy, and your love is steadfast. We turn from our rebellion to your kindness; from our dismay, to your comfort, and from the gloom of death, to the splendor of life. You have removed our iniquity and forgiven our sins. We esteem you above all things. Every good deed we might do, belongs to you in response.
Homologeo:
So, in reprise, our confession O’King of Glory, is your very own word; simple and direct. All things come to pass by the glory of your providential care. You are the first and the last, the cause of every good thing. You never change, your decrees are resolute, and your Love in Christ is certain.
Everything, in a myriad of ways, that freely comes to pass, you O’God, have arranged perfectly. Your hand is steadily there in whatever to us is tragic, avoidable, or inevitable. Nothing stands outside of your provision. You wisely arrange all things according to your will, with your beauty and glory in final view.
In praise and adoration, we applaud your glorious rule. In the splendor of your love, providential care, and our righteousness in Christ, we shall love, honor and obey you now and through all generations, forever, amen.
02/23/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.3
Prolegomena:
LORD God of heaven, giver of life, and the means of life, with comforts both small and great. You have given kindness to all, and uncommon love to many. As sinners, though peculiar to our worth, you have clothed us with goodness, virtue, and glory. Our fallible ways, and fragile intellect, are as clay in your hands. When we trust in you, our ways rejoin to you. You make our crooked path straight; and bring us into yourself—into your home forever.
Though both hard and gentle days fall, your grip is firmly upon us. Our help, care, and benefit, are in you daily. You shape, manage and marshal all events for the good of those who love you. Everything moves according to your purpose and love for us. Our roots hold fast to you; grounded in nurturing soil, safe from the gusting winds that uproot, and destroy. For your Word is as the rain and snow, come down from heaven to water the earth. It brings new growth, and seed for the Sower to make bread and wine. Your Word accomplishes, all that you desire.
So, blessed are you O’Lord, our rock. You train our hands for war, and our fingers for battle. Your steadfast love is our fortress; our shield, stronghold, and encampment. You are our deliverer, the Mountain of our refuge. We are saved only by your great mercy upon us. Your Word goes out to save and to judge, to give life, and to destroy the enemy of life.
Let then our faith never weaken, nor waiver in unbelief; but rather, help us to trust in your provisions; to grow stronger with full assurance. For to your glory, you will do all things promised. So, we implore you O’Father, protect us from the fires of distrust burning in the hearts of men. Let it have no command over us. Let it not singe our heads, nor our clothes, nor even leave its odor upon us. Lord, we believe; help our unbelief.
Homologeo:
Now O’God, as best we perceive, our confession is an account of your glory. Your means of grace and providential care may seem ordinary; yet, you are free to work apart from it, far beyond it, and seemingly contrary to normal governance. For it is by your will and good pleasure that all things move and have their being.
The stars, moon and sun have their place, less you command them, “Move.” The elements of the world are knit together by you, yet you may unravel them in a moment. The Father of Lies, his legions, and his children, are as ash in your hand. You sanction all creatures, both the fallen and redeemed, for this is your world, and all things are in your sway.
O’Father God, our lives, and our salvation in Christ, are by your eternal decree. And therein is love, not that we first loved you, but that you loved us, and sent your Son to appease your wrath against us. With the good angels we cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy, are you, Lord God almighty, the whole earth is full of your glory.” In Christ we stand, Amen.
03/09/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.4
Prolegomena:
LORD God Triune, your ways are wonderful and mysterious; we cannot search them out, as though we even understood what to look for. The depths, and riches of your wisdom, are enigmatic, your knowledge is far too great. Who has known your mind or been your counsel? At the fall, you gave mankind over to sin, disorder, and disobedience; that your mercy would resonate with purchase for all.
Yet who would love your compassion? Who would turn to your kindness, and be humbled? Not even one. Rather: they grumbled, made demands, and bent the straight, crooked. With the Evil-One in counsel against you, even Isreal set aflame your anger. They raged against you, gratified their desires, and confirmed their obstinance. They stumbled near a precipice, so, you put a hook in their nose, and a bit in their mouth, to turn them back to the way they should go.
You, O’Shepherd—O’Lord, chide and break the weapons of your enemies. Nothing compares with your glory! When you rebuke them, they lie before you in sleep of death; they cannot lift a hand against you: For who can stand before an angry God? You pronounce their sentence from heaven; the earth trembles and stands silent before you. The fury of man, becomes as an ornament of your glory. His loud and lewd tongue, falls as a leaf to the ground. You arise, and punish all evil, and the meek of the earth rejoice.
Whatever evil men and demons do, you shall capture, and cause good to flourish. You will decimate godless nations; take their spoils, and seize their plunder. You will tread them down, like mire in the street. You will punish every boastful look, every lurid word, and every arrogant heart at their finish. For because of your silence, men think that you are like them, but when you take them to task, they will know differently. For all that is in the world: —the cravings of the flesh, the base desires of the heart, and the pride of life—is not from you O’Father, but of, and from, the world.
Homologeo:
We confess, O’Lord, that we trust in your almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness. You so thoroughly demonstrate your noble, and sovereign will in providence; that from the fall, every consecutive sin of man and the angels, is accounted for.
You do not grant an artless permission for sin, but in your providence over it, you wisely and efficiently limit, arrange, and govern it for your glory, and utterly holy resolve. And, you do this in such a manner, that every sinful act which arises, arises only from out of the creature, and is never from you.
For you are altogether good, holy and righteous, you can neither originate nor approve of sin in any way. In Christ, you conform all things; nothing has power within itself; all things are in your hands; all glory in Christ, is yours alone, amen.
03/16/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.5
Prolegomena:
Glorious God, our Covenant Savior, and Eternal Spirit: —Maker and Sustainer of all things, Lover of the loveless and Redeemer of the lost: You hear the cries of our hearts. Our prayers are as melodies that flow from the blood of Christ. His voice shapes our own; his joy speaks for us. We can never repay your kindness O’God; yet, from out our impoverished souls, may our prayers as grateful songs, fill your courts with praise, morning to evening, forever.
Forgive us often our shallow and proud hearts; our bent thoughts, and misshapen resolve. What we were, and are no more: struggle in combat. Sin’s tow yet pulls us downward, weakens our grip, and blurs our efforts. Our dance is not without slips, stumbles, spills and falls. Left alone, we are drawn into the shadow of a mired path; where light fades, and wrath swiftly follows. Yet, we are not alone. Our sins are measured by you as trials bringing proof of condition, and visions of terror outside of you.
We may, by means, return to humble path; for the turning away fades, and your mercy restores. Fitting your allowance to us, we shall flee the past, in all its ill, as spent. Every good thing comes from you—O’God; our portion in it, is slight and brittle. You give us great riches and honor; treasures in heaven, and on earth. When you leave us to ourselves, we see what is in our hearts. May we then prove through the test, and show true to our place.
Through any thorn, or trouble you give to endure, keep us by grace, from conceit and self-importance. Clasp your hands round ours, that through numerous weaknesses, we will hold fast to your power; and in calm waters, be anchored. Then, every boast we make, will be of you, for your great works, give bragging rights to the meek, whose only pride is in you. Every failing we suffer, will show true your strength.
For we are not, due to great intellect, wise, but through your kindness, gain wisdom. According to your purpose resting in us, O’Lord: We are called up into life by your love; and by your love, comes our love of you. In you, all good things come together; your goodness surrounds us; it sustains us forever.
Homologeo:
Our confession, witness, and strength, are in our dependence upon you, O’Lord. You are perfectly wise and gracious in all things. When you allow us to encounter various temptations and the sinfulness of our hearts, it is to discipline us; to reveal, and remind us of our past and present sin. It is to give us insight into the hidden strength of our corruption, deceitful ways, and more material, your perfect Kindness.
By tests, warnings, loss and encouragements, you humble our hearts. You lead us in closer to you, for reliance on you, and in constant flow-of-thought with you. May we perceive all that draws us toward sin, be cautious in all circumstances, then hold true to your holy purpose.
LORD, we are assured, that whatever happens, is by your choice, design and overview; all things are for your glory and our good in Christ, amen.
04/12/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.6
Prolegomena:
Righteous God, High and Holy, whose mercy and justice conquer all: In a dark and weary land, you are the light and foundation of every good thing. You examine every soul and establish your righteous laws. You give mercy and justice to whom you will, and free whom you will from bondage.
Though you turn, and justify many, you give others over to their sin. Some you soften; but the stubborn, with debase minds, shameless acts, and wicked spirits, you blind and harden. For though you are the Creator who lives forever, they worship the creature; the Evil-One who sways their lusts and shameful passions. Those who are perishing by the power of Satan, are lawless. They hate every good and love every evil. They are deceitful in the presence of truth, and refuse to turn, and be saved.
So, you O’God, withhold your mercy, grace and favor. Rather than beauty, you give them a spirit of stupor, and strong delusion. More so, you grant them a dull heart and mind; so that their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear. They ruin themselves in their unbelief; and their odd path of sin, is well worn. The further away they press, the greater their corruption.
So, every gift they received, will be taken away. Every mercy they are given, will become a judge that condemns. Those who will not believe, hold on to their offense and outrage against the God they reject and despise.
But with your love, mercy, and kindness, you hold the chosen secure in their trust. Your covenants have formed a roof of safety; your final covenant, proves them all. Abundant and endless life surrounds us, and our joy in you, is infinite.
Homologeo:
So, Father, we confess your righteous judgments and your kind mercies to the world: That you rescue many; but others, the wicked and ungodly, —for their sins: you blind, harden, and increase their ways with darkened recourse. Though enlightened hearts and minds would save, you withhold your grace from them. The same mercies that soften the hearts of the chosen, harden the hearts of the wicked in reply.
They are given to trust themselves, and to follow the god of this world, who hates them. They eat from his vineyards; and their desire to sin is satisfied. So, the gifts you granted them O’God, you remove. You have set a course to increase their rebellion. A wide and smooth path to destruction, lies before them.
But Gracious Lord, how kind you are to us. How caring you are to your little ones, and how glorious are your judgments. While the lost have their ways, their longings and their loathing’s; you have given us yourself, your ways, and your love.
Out of tragedy, glory abounds; out of heartache, joy enfolds; and out of death, life everlasting springs. With Christ, we are united, with Christ we are One, in Christ, we are eternal, glory be to you, our God and Savior, amen.
04/20/2025 Chap. 5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.7
Prolegomena:
Lord God, Merciful and Just King: Our hope and our trust are with you, our living God. Your salvation, through faith in Christ, is life to us. It is the end for which we strive and the dawn that follows night. All that you have created is good. We receive every holy thing with thankful heart.
Those who believe, and love the truth, receive all of your gifts of grace with praise. You train our minds and our feet, so that we may follow your Word through its good weave of doctrine. By such, we are freed from the food of irrelevance, and mindless tradition; to eat of righteousness, and be filled with goodness. These are your promises in this life, and the fruition of the life to come.
All that you have taught us is trustworthy. We hold it, command it, and teach it. For surely your eyes are upon us; and also, the rebellious, whom you will shake, strain, and utterly destroy from off the face of the earth.
You formed us, and have reformed us to glory. You called us by name, given us new names, and declared us your own. You stand for us and with us, through water and fire. So, we shall not fear, nor turn back, nor be consumed; but rather, purified, and cleansed from all wickedness.
For you are the Lord our God, our savior, and our King. You make your chosen righteous, and judge the unrighteous. You gather us with good news from east-to-west; and with power, glory, and majesty, you build your church on solid ground.
From out of the world, you assign our paths. Your love brings us salvation, joy, and honor. Through suffering and death, you have freely given us the riches of your glory. So, we are yours and you are ours: children of the living God, —true Israel, forever.
Homologeo:
Lord God our Savior, your word is written on our hearts; we breathe it in, and confess it out. Your every word holds us firm on the way; we desire no other. For, our hearts have no more purchase in the world, from which out we came.
Your providence O’God, sustains, carries and moves all things on their path. Every creature and every object are from your hand; nothing is established by foreign decree. The depths of your known, and secret Will, are flawless and vast, O’Sovereign Lord. Perfect mercy and justice are always in your preview.
You give, and you take away, blessed be your name. In this, the ocean of your kindness, so shine your people; whom you have cared for, and brought to good purpose.
We are your bride—the Church you have built. In you, and to your praise, we subsist.
Glory forever, and ever more, to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen.
1. God the good Creator of all things, in his infinite power and wisdom, upholds, directs, arranges, and governs all creatures and things, (1) from the greatest to the least, (2) by his perfectly wise and holy providence, to the purpose for which they were created. He governs according to his infallible foreknowledge and the free and unchangeable counsel of his own will. His providence leads to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy. (3)
1) Hebrews 1:3; Job 38:11; Isaiah 46:10, 11; Psalms 135:6.
2) Matthew 10:29–31.
3) Ephesians 1:11.
2. All things come to pass unchangeably and certainly in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, (4) who is the first cause. Thus, nothing happens to anyone by chance or outside of God’s providence. (5) Yet by the same providence God arranges all things to occur according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or in response to other causes. (6)
4) Acts 2:23.
5) Proverbs 16:33.
6) Genesis 8:22.
3. In his ordinary providence, God makes use of means, (7) though he is free to work apart from them, (8) beyond them, (9) and contrary to them10 at his pleasure.
7) Acts 27:31, 44; Isaiah 55:10, 11.
8) Hosea 1:7.
9) Romans 4:19–21.
10) Daniel 3:27.
4. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God are so thoroughly demonstrated in his providence, that his sovereign plan includes even the first fall and every other sinful action both of angels and humans. (11) God’s providence over sinful actions does not occur by simple permission. Instead, God most wisely and powerfully limits and in other ways arranges and governs sinful actions. (12) Through a complex arrangement of methods he governs sinful actions to accomplish his perfectly holy purposes. (13) Yet he does this in such a way that the sinfulness of their acts arises only from the creatures and not from God. Because God is altogether holy and righteous, he can neither originate nor approve of sin. (14)
11) Romans 11:32–34; 2 Samuel 24:1, 1 Chronicles 21:1.
12) 2 Kings 19:28; Psalms 76:10.
13) Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 10:6, 7, 12.
14) Psalms 50:21; 1 John 2:16.
5. The perfectly wise, righteous, and gracious God often allows his own children for a time to experience a variety of temptations and the sinfulness of their own hearts. He does this to chastise them for their former sins or to make them aware of the hidden strength of the corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts so that they may be humbled. He also does this to lead them to a closer and more constant dependence on him to sustain them, to make them more cautious about all future circumstances that may lead to sin, and for other just and holy purposes. (15) So whatever happens to any of his elect happens by his appointment, for his glory, and for their good. (16)
15) 2 Chronicles 32:25, 26, 31; 2 Corinthians 12:7–9.
16) Romans 8:28.
6. God, as the righteous judge, sometimes blinds and hardens wicked and ungodly people because of their sins. (17) He withholds his grace from them, by which they could have been enlightened in their understanding and had their hearts renewed. (18) Not only that, but sometimes he also takes away the gifts they already had (19) and exposes them to situations that their corrupt natures turn into opportunities for sin. (20) Moreover, he gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan,21 so that they harden themselves in response to the same influences that God uses to soften others. (22)
17) Romans 1:24–26, 28; Romans 11:7, 8.
18) Deuteronomy 29:4. 19Matthew 13:12.
20) Deuteronomy 2:30; 2 Kings 8:12, 13.
21) Psalms 81:11, 12; 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12.
22) Exodus 8:15, 32; Isaiah 6:9, 10; 1 Peter 2:7, 8.
7. The providence of God in a general way includes all creatures, but in a special way it takes care of his church and arranges all things to its good. (23)
23) 1 Timothy 4:10; Amos 9:8, 9; Isaiah 43:3–5.
02/09/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.1
Prolegomena:
LORD of all creation, Eternal Triune God: From the beginning of time, in certain ways, and by the Prophets, you spoke to us. Yet in these last days, your final WORD, is Christ, our Messiah; no other Word shall follow. For through him, all things have been said, and all things created. He is truth, and he is life; the heritor of all things.
Piercing through dark dismay, he brings truth and joy, to a mournful land. Words without knowledge cannot darken his counsel. He who laid the foundations of the earth, determined its dimensions, stretched a line out upon it, and set its deep foundations, has become its cornerstone.
So, sing alleluia you morning stars, and shout for joy all you sons of God. For you, O’Lord, are God—the radiance, and glory thereof. Your perfect nature, and wonderful name, prove you worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. It is you who speaks, and upholds the universe by the word of your power.
You declare the beginning from the end, and from ancient times, everything not yet done. Your resolve is within every molecule and every breath of life. In heaven and earth, always for good, you do what pleases you. For out of the world, O’God, you chose your people, Israel, as your own. We hear your voice, know it, and follow. The clatter and noise of the war about us, cannot silence you. You have told us what to expect, and have kept nothing from us.
Though now we weep for a day, our minds and hearts are keenly attuned to yours. We hear, see, and await your approach. So, here are we, who give thanks, glory and praise to your name; who stand in the house and courtyards, of almighty God.
For we are borne of you. From first to last; from the womb or from a crown of gray, you carry us home. You have made us, endured us, supported us and saved us. You care for us in every way. You know even when the sparrow falls, and the tree blossoms. Your providence is a covering and a hedge about us.
You have given us worth beyond measure. You chose us in love, to be holy, perfect and blameless within you. We are yours, and you are ours, appointed according to love, and the counsel of your will, and to the praise of your glory. You remind us, saying: “I am with you always, do not fear.”
Homologeo:
Bless now our confession O’God of heaven, Creator and sustainer of all things. Uphold us Father, Son and Spirit by your most artful and holy providence.
In your infinite power and wisdom, sustain, direct, arrange, and govern us, and all things, from the greatest to the least. For you alone establish the purpose: what you give and what you take, what you bless and what you curse.
You accomplish your purpose in everything. The tapestry of your providence summons our souls to praise you. For you are good, just, and merciful. By love, you complete all things forever, and ever, amen.
02/16/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.2
Prolegomena:
Father God, High King of Heaven, Blessed Spirit of Truth: You hold the future: all things, events, and occurrences are in your mighty hands. The ways of heaven and earth are fixed; determined by your design. You O’LORD, are the Sovereign judge over all. You hold every living being accountable. The intensions, motives, and acts, of the Evil One and his kindred, are perfectly clear to you.
The prideful acts of men come from their own desires; but the outcome, is always in your hand O’God. Even in the seeming chaos, disarray, and routine of evil, your hand forms what will be. What Satan and his allies hold down; you will raise up. What they destroy; you will rebuild. Whom they murder; you will restore to life everlasting. Out of evil; every good end, will follow.
Though a man walks in accordance to his own plan, you O’Lord bring his steps into place. Though he does what he desires, you weigh his spirit, and determine the outcome. Everything holds the purpose you have fixed; the final word is yours. You judge the abhorrent and wicked, for no evil shall go unpunished.
Amid man’s evil, you cursed the world to ruin. Yet, for now, he remains; your hand is stayed; seasons come and go. There is planting and harvesting, winter and summer, day and night. Your scales O’God, are balanced, for you are Just. You delight in righteousness and you love those who speak and do what is right. You will avenge the suffering of your beloved, at the reckoning.
In the light of your face, there is life. Your unmerited favor is like the rain of spring. In the hearts of whom your word finds purchase: peace, goodness and joy arise. Blessed are they, who trusts in you. Their plans are established within yours.
For your Word O’Father, is trustworthy, and your love is steadfast. We turn from our rebellion to your kindness; from our dismay, to your comfort, and from the gloom of death, to the splendor of life. You have removed our iniquity and forgiven our sins. We esteem you above all things. Every good deed we might do, belongs to you in response.
Homologeo:
So, in reprise, our confession O’King of Glory, is your very own word; simple and direct. All things come to pass by the glory of your providential care. You are the first and the last, the cause of every good thing. You never change, your decrees are resolute, and your Love in Christ is certain.
Everything, in a myriad of ways, that freely comes to pass, you O’God, have arranged perfectly. Your hand is steadily there in whatever to us is tragic, avoidable, or inevitable. Nothing stands outside of your provision. You wisely arrange all things according to your will, with your beauty and glory in final view.
In praise and adoration, we applaud your glorious rule. In the splendor of your love, providential care, and our righteousness in Christ, we shall love, honor and obey you now and through all generations, forever, amen.
02/23/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.3
Prolegomena:
LORD God of heaven, giver of life, and the means of life, with comforts both small and great. You have given kindness to all, and uncommon love to many. As sinners, though peculiar to our worth, you have clothed us with goodness, virtue, and glory. Our fallible ways, and fragile intellect, are as clay in your hands. When we trust in you, our ways rejoin to you. You make our crooked path straight; and bring us into yourself—into your home forever.
Though both hard and gentle days fall, your grip is firmly upon us. Our help, care, and benefit, are in you daily. You shape, manage and marshal all events for the good of those who love you. Everything moves according to your purpose and love for us. Our roots hold fast to you; grounded in nurturing soil, safe from the gusting winds that uproot, and destroy. For your Word is as the rain and snow, come down from heaven to water the earth. It brings new growth, and seed for the Sower to make bread and wine. Your Word accomplishes, all that you desire.
So, blessed are you O’Lord, our rock. You train our hands for war, and our fingers for battle. Your steadfast love is our fortress; our shield, stronghold, and encampment. You are our deliverer, the Mountain of our refuge. We are saved only by your great mercy upon us. Your Word goes out to save and to judge, to give life, and to destroy the enemy of life.
Let then our faith never weaken, nor waiver in unbelief; but rather, help us to trust in your provisions; to grow stronger with full assurance. For to your glory, you will do all things promised. So, we implore you O’Father, protect us from the fires of distrust burning in the hearts of men. Let it have no command over us. Let it not singe our heads, nor our clothes, nor even leave its odor upon us. Lord, we believe; help our unbelief.
Homologeo:
Now O’God, as best we perceive, our confession is an account of your glory. Your means of grace and providential care may seem ordinary; yet, you are free to work apart from it, far beyond it, and seemingly contrary to normal governance. For it is by your will and good pleasure that all things move and have their being.
The stars, moon and sun have their place, less you command them, “Move.” The elements of the world are knit together by you, yet you may unravel them in a moment. The Father of Lies, his legions, and his children, are as ash in your hand. You sanction all creatures, both the fallen and redeemed, for this is your world, and all things are in your sway.
O’Father God, our lives, and our salvation in Christ, are by your eternal decree. And therein is love, not that we first loved you, but that you loved us, and sent your Son to appease your wrath against us. With the good angels we cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy, are you, Lord God almighty, the whole earth is full of your glory.” In Christ we stand, Amen.
03/09/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.4
Prolegomena:
LORD God Triune, your ways are wonderful and mysterious; we cannot search them out, as though we even understood what to look for. The depths, and riches of your wisdom, are enigmatic, your knowledge is far too great. Who has known your mind or been your counsel? At the fall, you gave mankind over to sin, disorder, and disobedience; that your mercy would resonate with purchase for all.
Yet who would love your compassion? Who would turn to your kindness, and be humbled? Not even one. Rather: they grumbled, made demands, and bent the straight, crooked. With the Evil-One in counsel against you, even Isreal set aflame your anger. They raged against you, gratified their desires, and confirmed their obstinance. They stumbled near a precipice, so, you put a hook in their nose, and a bit in their mouth, to turn them back to the way they should go.
You, O’Shepherd—O’Lord, chide and break the weapons of your enemies. Nothing compares with your glory! When you rebuke them, they lie before you in sleep of death; they cannot lift a hand against you: For who can stand before an angry God? You pronounce their sentence from heaven; the earth trembles and stands silent before you. The fury of man, becomes as an ornament of your glory. His loud and lewd tongue, falls as a leaf to the ground. You arise, and punish all evil, and the meek of the earth rejoice.
Whatever evil men and demons do, you shall capture, and cause good to flourish. You will decimate godless nations; take their spoils, and seize their plunder. You will tread them down, like mire in the street. You will punish every boastful look, every lurid word, and every arrogant heart at their finish. For because of your silence, men think that you are like them, but when you take them to task, they will know differently. For all that is in the world: —the cravings of the flesh, the base desires of the heart, and the pride of life—is not from you O’Father, but of, and from, the world.
Homologeo:
We confess, O’Lord, that we trust in your almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness. You so thoroughly demonstrate your noble, and sovereign will in providence; that from the fall, every consecutive sin of man and the angels, is accounted for.
You do not grant an artless permission for sin, but in your providence over it, you wisely and efficiently limit, arrange, and govern it for your glory, and utterly holy resolve. And, you do this in such a manner, that every sinful act which arises, arises only from out of the creature, and is never from you.
For you are altogether good, holy and righteous, you can neither originate nor approve of sin in any way. In Christ, you conform all things; nothing has power within itself; all things are in your hands; all glory in Christ, is yours alone, amen.
03/16/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.5
Prolegomena:
Glorious God, our Covenant Savior, and Eternal Spirit: —Maker and Sustainer of all things, Lover of the loveless and Redeemer of the lost: You hear the cries of our hearts. Our prayers are as melodies that flow from the blood of Christ. His voice shapes our own; his joy speaks for us. We can never repay your kindness O’God; yet, from out our impoverished souls, may our prayers as grateful songs, fill your courts with praise, morning to evening, forever.
Forgive us often our shallow and proud hearts; our bent thoughts, and misshapen resolve. What we were, and are no more: struggle in combat. Sin’s tow yet pulls us downward, weakens our grip, and blurs our efforts. Our dance is not without slips, stumbles, spills and falls. Left alone, we are drawn into the shadow of a mired path; where light fades, and wrath swiftly follows. Yet, we are not alone. Our sins are measured by you as trials bringing proof of condition, and visions of terror outside of you.
We may, by means, return to humble path; for the turning away fades, and your mercy restores. Fitting your allowance to us, we shall flee the past, in all its ill, as spent. Every good thing comes from you—O’God; our portion in it, is slight and brittle. You give us great riches and honor; treasures in heaven, and on earth. When you leave us to ourselves, we see what is in our hearts. May we then prove through the test, and show true to our place.
Through any thorn, or trouble you give to endure, keep us by grace, from conceit and self-importance. Clasp your hands round ours, that through numerous weaknesses, we will hold fast to your power; and in calm waters, be anchored. Then, every boast we make, will be of you, for your great works, give bragging rights to the meek, whose only pride is in you. Every failing we suffer, will show true your strength.
For we are not, due to great intellect, wise, but through your kindness, gain wisdom. According to your purpose resting in us, O’Lord: We are called up into life by your love; and by your love, comes our love of you. In you, all good things come together; your goodness surrounds us; it sustains us forever.
Homologeo:
Our confession, witness, and strength, are in our dependence upon you, O’Lord. You are perfectly wise and gracious in all things. When you allow us to encounter various temptations and the sinfulness of our hearts, it is to discipline us; to reveal, and remind us of our past and present sin. It is to give us insight into the hidden strength of our corruption, deceitful ways, and more material, your perfect Kindness.
By tests, warnings, loss and encouragements, you humble our hearts. You lead us in closer to you, for reliance on you, and in constant flow-of-thought with you. May we perceive all that draws us toward sin, be cautious in all circumstances, then hold true to your holy purpose.
LORD, we are assured, that whatever happens, is by your choice, design and overview; all things are for your glory and our good in Christ, amen.
04/12/2025 Chap.5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.6
Prolegomena:
Righteous God, High and Holy, whose mercy and justice conquer all: In a dark and weary land, you are the light and foundation of every good thing. You examine every soul and establish your righteous laws. You give mercy and justice to whom you will, and free whom you will from bondage.
Though you turn, and justify many, you give others over to their sin. Some you soften; but the stubborn, with debase minds, shameless acts, and wicked spirits, you blind and harden. For though you are the Creator who lives forever, they worship the creature; the Evil-One who sways their lusts and shameful passions. Those who are perishing by the power of Satan, are lawless. They hate every good and love every evil. They are deceitful in the presence of truth, and refuse to turn, and be saved.
So, you O’God, withhold your mercy, grace and favor. Rather than beauty, you give them a spirit of stupor, and strong delusion. More so, you grant them a dull heart and mind; so that their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear. They ruin themselves in their unbelief; and their odd path of sin, is well worn. The further away they press, the greater their corruption.
So, every gift they received, will be taken away. Every mercy they are given, will become a judge that condemns. Those who will not believe, hold on to their offense and outrage against the God they reject and despise.
But with your love, mercy, and kindness, you hold the chosen secure in their trust. Your covenants have formed a roof of safety; your final covenant, proves them all. Abundant and endless life surrounds us, and our joy in you, is infinite.
Homologeo:
So, Father, we confess your righteous judgments and your kind mercies to the world: That you rescue many; but others, the wicked and ungodly, —for their sins: you blind, harden, and increase their ways with darkened recourse. Though enlightened hearts and minds would save, you withhold your grace from them. The same mercies that soften the hearts of the chosen, harden the hearts of the wicked in reply.
They are given to trust themselves, and to follow the god of this world, who hates them. They eat from his vineyards; and their desire to sin is satisfied. So, the gifts you granted them O’God, you remove. You have set a course to increase their rebellion. A wide and smooth path to destruction, lies before them.
But Gracious Lord, how kind you are to us. How caring you are to your little ones, and how glorious are your judgments. While the lost have their ways, their longings and their loathing’s; you have given us yourself, your ways, and your love.
Out of tragedy, glory abounds; out of heartache, joy enfolds; and out of death, life everlasting springs. With Christ, we are united, with Christ we are One, in Christ, we are eternal, glory be to you, our God and Savior, amen.
04/20/2025 Chap. 5 “God’s Divine Providence” 5.7
Prolegomena:
Lord God, Merciful and Just King: Our hope and our trust are with you, our living God. Your salvation, through faith in Christ, is life to us. It is the end for which we strive and the dawn that follows night. All that you have created is good. We receive every holy thing with thankful heart.
Those who believe, and love the truth, receive all of your gifts of grace with praise. You train our minds and our feet, so that we may follow your Word through its good weave of doctrine. By such, we are freed from the food of irrelevance, and mindless tradition; to eat of righteousness, and be filled with goodness. These are your promises in this life, and the fruition of the life to come.
All that you have taught us is trustworthy. We hold it, command it, and teach it. For surely your eyes are upon us; and also, the rebellious, whom you will shake, strain, and utterly destroy from off the face of the earth.
You formed us, and have reformed us to glory. You called us by name, given us new names, and declared us your own. You stand for us and with us, through water and fire. So, we shall not fear, nor turn back, nor be consumed; but rather, purified, and cleansed from all wickedness.
For you are the Lord our God, our savior, and our King. You make your chosen righteous, and judge the unrighteous. You gather us with good news from east-to-west; and with power, glory, and majesty, you build your church on solid ground.
From out of the world, you assign our paths. Your love brings us salvation, joy, and honor. Through suffering and death, you have freely given us the riches of your glory. So, we are yours and you are ours: children of the living God, —true Israel, forever.
Homologeo:
Lord God our Savior, your word is written on our hearts; we breathe it in, and confess it out. Your every word holds us firm on the way; we desire no other. For, our hearts have no more purchase in the world, from which out we came.
Your providence O’God, sustains, carries and moves all things on their path. Every creature and every object are from your hand; nothing is established by foreign decree. The depths of your known, and secret Will, are flawless and vast, O’Sovereign Lord. Perfect mercy and justice are always in your preview.
You give, and you take away, blessed be your name. In this, the ocean of your kindness, so shine your people; whom you have cared for, and brought to good purpose.
We are your bride—the Church you have built. In you, and to your praise, we subsist.
Glory forever, and ever more, to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen.
Chapter 6 – The Fall of Mankind, and Sin and Its Punishment
Chapter 6 – The Fall of Mankind, and Sin and Its Punishment
1. God created humanity upright and perfect. He gave them a righteous law that would have led to life if they had kept it but threatened death if they broke it. (1) Yet they did not remain for long in this position of honor. Satan used the craftiness of the serpent to seduce Eve, who then seduced Adam. Adam acted without any outside compulsion and deliberately transgressed the law of their creation and the command given to them by eating the forbidden fruit. (2) God was pleased, in keeping with his wise and holy counsel, to permit this act, because he had purposed to direct it for his own glory.
1) Genesis 2:16, 17.
2) Genesis 3:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 11:3.
2. By this sin our first parents fell from their original righteousness and communion with God. We fell in them, and through this, death came upon all. (3) All became dead in sin (4) and completely defiled in all the capabilities and parts of soul and body. (5)
3) Romans 3:23.
4) Romans 5:12ff.
5) Titus 1:15; Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10–19.
3. By God’s appointment, they were the root and the representatives of the whole human race. Because of this, the guilt of their sin was accounted, and their corrupt nature passed on, to all their offspring who descended from them by ordinary procreation. (6) Their descendants are now conceived in sin (7) and are by nature children of wrath, (8) the servants of sin, and partakers of death (9) and all other miseries—spiritual, temporal, and eternal—unless the Lord Jesus sets them free. (10)
6) Romans 5:12–19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22, 45, 49.
7) Psalms 51:5; Job 14:4.
8) Ephesians 2:3. 9Romans 6:20; 5:12.
10) Hebrews 2:14, 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
4. All actual transgressions arise from this first corruption. (11) By it we are thoroughly biased against, and disabled and antagonistic toward all that is good, and we are completely inclined toward all that is evil. (12)
11) James 1:14, 15; Matthew 15:19.
12) Romans 8:7; Colossians 1:21.
5. During this life, this corruption of nature remains in those who are regenerated. (13) Even though it is pardoned and put to death through Christ, yet both this corruption of nature and all actions arising from it are truly and actually sin. (14)
13) Romans 7:18,23; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8.
14) Romans 7:23–25; Galatians 5:17.
04/27/25 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.1
Prolegomena:
Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that walks, swims, and flies upon it. You finished your perfect work on the seventh day, rested, and blessed it as holy: For you are holy, and do only what is good.
You formed man from the dust of the ground, breathed life into his nostrils, and made him a living creature. From out of the man’s bones, you formed woman, his companion and fit helper. You gave them a garden with every good food and needful thing. All that was in their sight was good, satisfying, and pleasant.
In the midst of the garden was the tree of life, and another of good and evil knowledge. In love and kindness, you commanded that they may eat of every tree in the garden, except for that one. For when they ate of that tree, they would surely die.
Yet, the clever Serpent spoke to Eve with shrewd lies, and she, knowing right from wrong, yet wanting more knowledge and understanding, embraced deception, and ate its fruit. Then, with her in disobedience, Adam also ate; and because of their defiance together, all creation was cursed with them.
Even now, the same Evil One deceives the world. He and his children, the purveyors of death, are the enemies of Christ and his children. Those who belong to Christ, with pure and sincere devotion, live at war with them.
From the beginning to the present, in the silent realms of the heart, through the loud clatter of voices and acts of violence, the war rages on. From morning to evening, the battlefield grows. No one can rest, nor forget, nor unstring the bow. Yet in Christ, all is right, all is well, all is finished.
Homologue:
LORD, we confess our naiveté, our artlessness, and our gullibility. You created us upright and perfect, gave us a just law leading to life, and a judgment of death in our turning away.
Our place of honor was fleeting; shortened by the guile of a viper who seduced our parents, first Eve, then Adam. Knowing right from wrong, free from outward compulsions, they knowingly disobeyed your command: the law of their creation, and did what you had forbidden.
Even so, it was your good pleasure, in your perfect, wise, and holy counsel, to permit their rebellion. And this, you resolved to become a display of your mercy, honor, and power. What was done for evil, you reshaped for our goodness and your glory.
We pray, LORD, stand always between us and the Evil One until the day of judgment, when you consign him and his people forever to the fires of hell. Father, blessed be your name, to the glory of Christ, and the eternal majesty of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever more, amen.
05/10/25 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.2
Prolegomena:
Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit: Most Holy God: By the sin of one man, all have sinned and fallen short of your glory.
To the pure of heart, all things are pure; but for the unbelieving, nothing is pure. Both their minds and morals are ruined, and the intentions of their hearts are always evil, unkind, and deceitful above all things. Following it will always lead to failure.
In our rebellion, O’God, you were not our focus. Of that state, you have declared: “No one is righteous; no one understands; no one searches for me. The venom of a viper is under their lips, and their mouths are full of bitterness and cursing. Full of deception, their throats are like open graves, and their feet are swift to shed blood. Not knowing the way of peace, their path is full of ruin and misery, for they have no fear of God; none do good. All have turned away to worthlessness.” But let every mouth be shut; for all are subject to the law, and you, O’LORD, hold everyone accountable.
In truth, before the law was given, sin flooded the world. Through sin, death has reigned over all. All of our imperfections and trespasses are like the first; even in those who were a pattern of the Perfect One to follow. He alone is full of grace. He alone gives righteousness to whom he will.
So, as one man’s disobedience has led us to judgment, another man's obedience brings an acquittal. Though the law had increased our ruin, restoration through the grace of God has abounded all the more. What was dust has become form.
Although in Adam, Judgment and condemnation followed; forgiveness follows Christ, the giver of gifts, grace, and righteousness. In Jesus Christ our Lord, mercy and eternal life reign through his virtue. Though death from sin weakened our souls and gripped our bodies, both are in his hands. To trust in his righteousness is to receive it and shine with him brighter than the sun.
Homologeo:
So, Lord God, our confession is your Word, which holds our hearts secure, and proceeds from our mouths. In sin and rebellion, our first parents fell from original righteousness and relationship with you. We are from them, and fallen as well.
By sin, death is earned; it is within and upon us. Every potential in our means is corrupted, every part of our mind and body is ruined. Without your light in us, our souls are gathered in darkness, never to know kindness, beauty, and love.
Only by your mercy in Christ are we restored. Only through the grace of your compassion are we alive, and now with minds and mouths speaking the eternal truths of your love.
In Christ alone our merit lies. In him alone, our final image follows. Conform us forever, O’God of Glory, amen
05/17/25 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.3
Prolegomena:
LORD God most high and gracious, you have granted us peace and gathered us to yourself. We rejoice in you, in the hope of your glory, and life in you everlasting.
Death, from beginning to end, came by the sin of one man, but by the righteousness of another man, Jesus Christ, comes grace and mercy to all who believe.
By one man’s act, our defiance, in vulgar pageant, spread to all souls. We sang war-songs without meaning or words. But by another man’s act of kindness, obedience, and peace, came a new song with words true and clear.
As High Priest, warrior, and King, he rescued us from the dust and waste of our capture. We were wary, blind, and deaf; so, to trust, see, and hear, he gave us new hearts, fresh eyes, and new ears.
He gives nothing to the wicked, but makes righteous whomever he will. In great dignity, virtue, and meekness, he silences the loud and defiant and brings the wicked to their end.
Following the prince of this world, we became slaves of fury, full of madness and havoc, and could not smell the stench of death around us. Sin and malice brought us into a life of shameless passions, which ought never be.
But, appearing as one of us, God in Christ stepped into our mire to share in death and prove his power over it. Through his love, he freed us from the bondage of fear and gave us abandon in courage.
From the first man came the spirit of death and misery, but from the last man comes the Spirit of life and joy. Though one man brought death and suffering into the world; a new man heals and raises the dead. Though within us, his likeness went dark and ruined, he restores it and makes it shine.
So, whoever loves this life and the ways of the world loves death. But God himself gives a path to those who love him. Those who love Christ and not the world pass through it into true-life.
Now, trials cannot shame us, nor can heartaches destroy us, and no pain can hold us back. Our suffering is a celebration of the endurance it brings; it proves our hope and shapes our souls.
In our darkest hour, O’God, your Spirit draws nearer and your comfort enfolds. For you, have poured yourself into our souls, removed our guilt, and cleared our thinking. We are no more what we were.
Homologeo:
So, Lord, our confession always declares your greater glory by everything you appoint.
We are all from the root of a sinful race, corrupt, servants of death, guilty from the start, with spirits of misery, both temporal and eternal. The sins of men and angels are in your hands.
You are the potter, and we are the clay. We are as you have made us: some for honor, and some for shame. And who dares ask you for an accounting? Rather, let us cry out: “Forgive us, O Lord; your will and all that you do is holy. In righteousness, you do as you please.”
In Christ our Lord, may all things in creation bring you greater-and-greater glory forever and ever; amen.
05/25/2025 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.4 & 6.5
Prolegomena:
LORD God Most High, our shield and our strength. You, O'LORD are the Judge of the Earth, the Bread of Life, the True Vine, and the only true God—Sovereign over all creation, a terror to evil, yet, to your own, you are—Abba, Father; gracious, merciful, and kind.
Born from an unrighteous core where nothing good dwells, we deceived ourselves, calling evil-good and good-evil. We satisfied nothing you required. We could not love you, and much less our neighbor as ourselves. Our hearts followed nothing that was true; nothing to console our spirits, and nothing righteous.
We were, and yet are, enticed by distorted appeals and untrue promises in which sin and strife are born at conception; and when mature, death claims its vender. A mind under the power of the flesh is hostile toward God. It cannot and will not submit to his law. For from out of an evil heart, every evil thought and deed comes: slander, murder, theft, and sexual immorality.
The flesh—our physical life and sinful leanings, have stood willfully opposed to God. The Evil One persuades our souls and our desires to wage a war already lost. As the affix of sin and body of death rages against us to draw us back, as though possible, we shall oppose its dark decline with every word from God. Though with a weakened capacity to complete the course, our desire for righteousness will hold to a final resolve.
Until then, in Christ, the law of the soul and the law of the flesh will clash. Ruin will pursue us until the end; yet our solace is with him who fights for us. Only God’s love, and the deeds of his love in Christ, can save us. Within him, we are not what we were. He has formed us anew, and shall complete everything.
Thanks be to God in Christ for his steadfast resolve. For with God, all things are possible; we are no longer enemies with hostile minds and alienated hearts. Together with him, we shall stand, we shall fight, and he shall triumph.
Homologeo:
Dear Father, at your knee we confess, as a matter of fact, all that we were. We thank you for all that you have done for us, and shall yet do in us.
In truth, all disobedience arose from our first corruption. By it, we became thoroughly hindered and lovers of self. Fully inclined toward evil, with no good intent, we wandered about, chasing worthless goals that lead to nothing,
And now, though Christ has forgiven us and destroyed our disobedience, and though regenerate and cleansed by the Spirit, our corrupt nature and its ways yet draw us toward sin. We desire that our full reclamation shall come.
LORD God, Father of lights, Savior, and Spirit of Truth, you hold our souls in your hands; the old has gone, and the new has come. We sing a new song before you; giving thanks, honor, and glory forever in Christ; amen.
1. God created humanity upright and perfect. He gave them a righteous law that would have led to life if they had kept it but threatened death if they broke it. (1) Yet they did not remain for long in this position of honor. Satan used the craftiness of the serpent to seduce Eve, who then seduced Adam. Adam acted without any outside compulsion and deliberately transgressed the law of their creation and the command given to them by eating the forbidden fruit. (2) God was pleased, in keeping with his wise and holy counsel, to permit this act, because he had purposed to direct it for his own glory.
1) Genesis 2:16, 17.
2) Genesis 3:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 11:3.
2. By this sin our first parents fell from their original righteousness and communion with God. We fell in them, and through this, death came upon all. (3) All became dead in sin (4) and completely defiled in all the capabilities and parts of soul and body. (5)
3) Romans 3:23.
4) Romans 5:12ff.
5) Titus 1:15; Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10–19.
3. By God’s appointment, they were the root and the representatives of the whole human race. Because of this, the guilt of their sin was accounted, and their corrupt nature passed on, to all their offspring who descended from them by ordinary procreation. (6) Their descendants are now conceived in sin (7) and are by nature children of wrath, (8) the servants of sin, and partakers of death (9) and all other miseries—spiritual, temporal, and eternal—unless the Lord Jesus sets them free. (10)
6) Romans 5:12–19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22, 45, 49.
7) Psalms 51:5; Job 14:4.
8) Ephesians 2:3. 9Romans 6:20; 5:12.
10) Hebrews 2:14, 15; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
4. All actual transgressions arise from this first corruption. (11) By it we are thoroughly biased against, and disabled and antagonistic toward all that is good, and we are completely inclined toward all that is evil. (12)
11) James 1:14, 15; Matthew 15:19.
12) Romans 8:7; Colossians 1:21.
5. During this life, this corruption of nature remains in those who are regenerated. (13) Even though it is pardoned and put to death through Christ, yet both this corruption of nature and all actions arising from it are truly and actually sin. (14)
13) Romans 7:18,23; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8.
14) Romans 7:23–25; Galatians 5:17.
04/27/25 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.1
Prolegomena:
Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that walks, swims, and flies upon it. You finished your perfect work on the seventh day, rested, and blessed it as holy: For you are holy, and do only what is good.
You formed man from the dust of the ground, breathed life into his nostrils, and made him a living creature. From out of the man’s bones, you formed woman, his companion and fit helper. You gave them a garden with every good food and needful thing. All that was in their sight was good, satisfying, and pleasant.
In the midst of the garden was the tree of life, and another of good and evil knowledge. In love and kindness, you commanded that they may eat of every tree in the garden, except for that one. For when they ate of that tree, they would surely die.
Yet, the clever Serpent spoke to Eve with shrewd lies, and she, knowing right from wrong, yet wanting more knowledge and understanding, embraced deception, and ate its fruit. Then, with her in disobedience, Adam also ate; and because of their defiance together, all creation was cursed with them.
Even now, the same Evil One deceives the world. He and his children, the purveyors of death, are the enemies of Christ and his children. Those who belong to Christ, with pure and sincere devotion, live at war with them.
From the beginning to the present, in the silent realms of the heart, through the loud clatter of voices and acts of violence, the war rages on. From morning to evening, the battlefield grows. No one can rest, nor forget, nor unstring the bow. Yet in Christ, all is right, all is well, all is finished.
Homologue:
LORD, we confess our naiveté, our artlessness, and our gullibility. You created us upright and perfect, gave us a just law leading to life, and a judgment of death in our turning away.
Our place of honor was fleeting; shortened by the guile of a viper who seduced our parents, first Eve, then Adam. Knowing right from wrong, free from outward compulsions, they knowingly disobeyed your command: the law of their creation, and did what you had forbidden.
Even so, it was your good pleasure, in your perfect, wise, and holy counsel, to permit their rebellion. And this, you resolved to become a display of your mercy, honor, and power. What was done for evil, you reshaped for our goodness and your glory.
We pray, LORD, stand always between us and the Evil One until the day of judgment, when you consign him and his people forever to the fires of hell. Father, blessed be your name, to the glory of Christ, and the eternal majesty of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever more, amen.
05/10/25 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.2
Prolegomena:
Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit: Most Holy God: By the sin of one man, all have sinned and fallen short of your glory.
To the pure of heart, all things are pure; but for the unbelieving, nothing is pure. Both their minds and morals are ruined, and the intentions of their hearts are always evil, unkind, and deceitful above all things. Following it will always lead to failure.
In our rebellion, O’God, you were not our focus. Of that state, you have declared: “No one is righteous; no one understands; no one searches for me. The venom of a viper is under their lips, and their mouths are full of bitterness and cursing. Full of deception, their throats are like open graves, and their feet are swift to shed blood. Not knowing the way of peace, their path is full of ruin and misery, for they have no fear of God; none do good. All have turned away to worthlessness.” But let every mouth be shut; for all are subject to the law, and you, O’LORD, hold everyone accountable.
In truth, before the law was given, sin flooded the world. Through sin, death has reigned over all. All of our imperfections and trespasses are like the first; even in those who were a pattern of the Perfect One to follow. He alone is full of grace. He alone gives righteousness to whom he will.
So, as one man’s disobedience has led us to judgment, another man's obedience brings an acquittal. Though the law had increased our ruin, restoration through the grace of God has abounded all the more. What was dust has become form.
Although in Adam, Judgment and condemnation followed; forgiveness follows Christ, the giver of gifts, grace, and righteousness. In Jesus Christ our Lord, mercy and eternal life reign through his virtue. Though death from sin weakened our souls and gripped our bodies, both are in his hands. To trust in his righteousness is to receive it and shine with him brighter than the sun.
Homologeo:
So, Lord God, our confession is your Word, which holds our hearts secure, and proceeds from our mouths. In sin and rebellion, our first parents fell from original righteousness and relationship with you. We are from them, and fallen as well.
By sin, death is earned; it is within and upon us. Every potential in our means is corrupted, every part of our mind and body is ruined. Without your light in us, our souls are gathered in darkness, never to know kindness, beauty, and love.
Only by your mercy in Christ are we restored. Only through the grace of your compassion are we alive, and now with minds and mouths speaking the eternal truths of your love.
In Christ alone our merit lies. In him alone, our final image follows. Conform us forever, O’God of Glory, amen
05/17/25 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.3
Prolegomena:
LORD God most high and gracious, you have granted us peace and gathered us to yourself. We rejoice in you, in the hope of your glory, and life in you everlasting.
Death, from beginning to end, came by the sin of one man, but by the righteousness of another man, Jesus Christ, comes grace and mercy to all who believe.
By one man’s act, our defiance, in vulgar pageant, spread to all souls. We sang war-songs without meaning or words. But by another man’s act of kindness, obedience, and peace, came a new song with words true and clear.
As High Priest, warrior, and King, he rescued us from the dust and waste of our capture. We were wary, blind, and deaf; so, to trust, see, and hear, he gave us new hearts, fresh eyes, and new ears.
He gives nothing to the wicked, but makes righteous whomever he will. In great dignity, virtue, and meekness, he silences the loud and defiant and brings the wicked to their end.
Following the prince of this world, we became slaves of fury, full of madness and havoc, and could not smell the stench of death around us. Sin and malice brought us into a life of shameless passions, which ought never be.
But, appearing as one of us, God in Christ stepped into our mire to share in death and prove his power over it. Through his love, he freed us from the bondage of fear and gave us abandon in courage.
From the first man came the spirit of death and misery, but from the last man comes the Spirit of life and joy. Though one man brought death and suffering into the world; a new man heals and raises the dead. Though within us, his likeness went dark and ruined, he restores it and makes it shine.
So, whoever loves this life and the ways of the world loves death. But God himself gives a path to those who love him. Those who love Christ and not the world pass through it into true-life.
Now, trials cannot shame us, nor can heartaches destroy us, and no pain can hold us back. Our suffering is a celebration of the endurance it brings; it proves our hope and shapes our souls.
In our darkest hour, O’God, your Spirit draws nearer and your comfort enfolds. For you, have poured yourself into our souls, removed our guilt, and cleared our thinking. We are no more what we were.
Homologeo:
So, Lord, our confession always declares your greater glory by everything you appoint.
We are all from the root of a sinful race, corrupt, servants of death, guilty from the start, with spirits of misery, both temporal and eternal. The sins of men and angels are in your hands.
You are the potter, and we are the clay. We are as you have made us: some for honor, and some for shame. And who dares ask you for an accounting? Rather, let us cry out: “Forgive us, O Lord; your will and all that you do is holy. In righteousness, you do as you please.”
In Christ our Lord, may all things in creation bring you greater-and-greater glory forever and ever; amen.
05/25/2025 Chap.6 “The Fall, Sin, Punishment” 6.4 & 6.5
Prolegomena:
LORD God Most High, our shield and our strength. You, O'LORD are the Judge of the Earth, the Bread of Life, the True Vine, and the only true God—Sovereign over all creation, a terror to evil, yet, to your own, you are—Abba, Father; gracious, merciful, and kind.
Born from an unrighteous core where nothing good dwells, we deceived ourselves, calling evil-good and good-evil. We satisfied nothing you required. We could not love you, and much less our neighbor as ourselves. Our hearts followed nothing that was true; nothing to console our spirits, and nothing righteous.
We were, and yet are, enticed by distorted appeals and untrue promises in which sin and strife are born at conception; and when mature, death claims its vender. A mind under the power of the flesh is hostile toward God. It cannot and will not submit to his law. For from out of an evil heart, every evil thought and deed comes: slander, murder, theft, and sexual immorality.
The flesh—our physical life and sinful leanings, have stood willfully opposed to God. The Evil One persuades our souls and our desires to wage a war already lost. As the affix of sin and body of death rages against us to draw us back, as though possible, we shall oppose its dark decline with every word from God. Though with a weakened capacity to complete the course, our desire for righteousness will hold to a final resolve.
Until then, in Christ, the law of the soul and the law of the flesh will clash. Ruin will pursue us until the end; yet our solace is with him who fights for us. Only God’s love, and the deeds of his love in Christ, can save us. Within him, we are not what we were. He has formed us anew, and shall complete everything.
Thanks be to God in Christ for his steadfast resolve. For with God, all things are possible; we are no longer enemies with hostile minds and alienated hearts. Together with him, we shall stand, we shall fight, and he shall triumph.
Homologeo:
Dear Father, at your knee we confess, as a matter of fact, all that we were. We thank you for all that you have done for us, and shall yet do in us.
In truth, all disobedience arose from our first corruption. By it, we became thoroughly hindered and lovers of self. Fully inclined toward evil, with no good intent, we wandered about, chasing worthless goals that lead to nothing,
And now, though Christ has forgiven us and destroyed our disobedience, and though regenerate and cleansed by the Spirit, our corrupt nature and its ways yet draw us toward sin. We desire that our full reclamation shall come.
LORD God, Father of lights, Savior, and Spirit of Truth, you hold our souls in your hands; the old has gone, and the new has come. We sing a new song before you; giving thanks, honor, and glory forever in Christ; amen.
Chapter 7 – God’s Covenant
Chapter 7 – God’s Covenant
1. Though rational creatures are responsible to obey God as their Creator, the distance between God and these creatures is so great that they could never have attained the reward of life except by God’s voluntary condescension. He has been pleased to express this through a covenant framework. (1)
1) Luke 17:10; Job 35:7, 8.
2. Since humanity brought itself under the curse of the law by its fall, it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace. (2) In this covenant he freely offers to sinners life and salvation through Jesus Christ. On their part he requires faith in him, that they may be saved, (3) and promises to give his Holy Spirit to all who are ordained to eternal life, to make them willing and able to believe. (4)
2) Genesis 2:17; Galatians 3:10; Romans 3:20, 21.
3) Romans 8:3; Mark 16:15, 16; John 3:16.
4) Ezekiel 36:26, 27; John 6:44, 45; Psalms 110:3.
3. This covenant is revealed in the gospel. It was revealed first of all to Adam in the promise of salvation through the seed of the woman. (5) After that, it was revealed step by step until the full revelation of it was completed in the New Testament. (6) This covenant is based on the eternal covenant transaction between the Father and the Son concerning the redemption of the elect. (7) Only through the grace of this covenant have those saved from among the descendants of fallen Adam obtained life and blessed immortality. Humanity is now utterly incapable of being accepted by God on the same terms on which Adam was accepted in his state of innocence. (8)
5) Genesis 3:15.
6) Hebrews 1:1.
7) 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2;
8) Hebrews 11:6, 13; Romans 4:1, 2ff.; Acts 4:12; John 8:56.
06/08/2025 Chap.7 “God’s Covenant with His Chosen” 7.1
Prolegomena:
Lord of heaven and earth, Father of lights, whom fashions our souls, rebuilds us from ruin, and shapes our eternal frame: You O’Lord, are the covenant maker, and the keeper of your people. Out of a fallen state, you made us yours, and you are ours.
Before this, our unbelief and turning away were always our own; we are without excuse. Our failure became rooted in defiance, rebellion, and dishonor. In wickedness, we ignored your solemn commands. In our lust for power, our gaze fell downward; our hearts and minds wandered far from you; our passions and ambitions consumed us.
With dirt as our covering, we stood proudly in the filth of barren fields; our attire was unfit to serve you. We stripped love from obedience and made it a task, a duty, and a mindless ceremony. Such tasks are without love; they are deceitful and have no merit. Doing a thing for value, without joy through love, is a pointless and empty vessel.
Though we beheld the heavens, the earth, and the sea, we missed the extent of our crimes, and lived as we pleased. Though we had thought our deeds praiseworthy, vindicating, and good, our sin had destroyed us, and our compensations offered you nothing. What we considered righteous had no form and served no purpose. Only the blameless can serve you.
Yet, people still cry out to the heavens with empty talk and barters. Their ignorant words and one-sided parleys expose their unbelief. Their hearts are empty; and you, O’Righteous Lord, will not answer them, nor give them shelter. They know the truth, but will not honor the only God who made them; who gives them a song in the night, teaches them more than the beasts of the earth, and makes them wiser than the birds of the heavens.
Still, O’Gracious God, in mercy, you withhold your anger and calm your hand; and in kindness, you make for us a Covenant Way, a gracious and perfect solution. You offer yourself sincerely for our redemption. Some laugh; while others thank. And you, O’Covenant LORD, decree all that comes to pass.
Homologeo:
We confess, O’Lord Creator, you have fashioned us as rational creatures, to love you in obedience; and to be responsible before you. Yet the distance between us is vast. Unless, in your great mercy, you make your covenant with us and turn our helpless shape, the reward of life is impossible to find.
Unless you yourself hold us, we have no lasting form, only living misery; alive, but not living, sleepless, but not awake. If you do not hold us, we can hold nothing, have nothing, and enjoy nothing.
Thank you, O’God, for loving us, giving us what we could not have earned or even agreed to, and for choosing the way we would go. Your perfect, eternal, and glorious Covenant in Christ is our great wonder and fortune. In Him we give thanks forever, amen.
06/15/2025 Chap.7 “God’s Covenant with His Chosen” 7.2
Prolegomena:
Almighty Triune God: — Father, Son and Spirit: What great things you have done! All creation reveals your wisdom, goodness and mercy; it is only a dim reflection of your majesty.
Our minds, O’God, are too feeble to know you fully. Our imaginations, too dull to envision your beauty. You are free in ways that we cannot comprehend. You stand near and above creation; appointing all things to their time, purpose, and destiny.
Our hearts cannot grasp your perfections, nor calculate your moves. As we cannot gaze long at the sun, you shield your splendor in increment, and our souls ascend as you show.
As a worldly people, subject to the law, we could not have done what Christ has done for us. He adopted our likeness to condemn our sins in himself. In perfect obedience, he suffered the price of our doom. He redeemed us from our sins against you — the curse that bound us. He brought peace where none was possible and conquered death with life.
For death was our sorrowful companion, with us every day. In vain and hollow pride, we searched for ways out. But you grant us leave by only one path and one gate. Any who turn away, hold their sins forever. Now, to prove all that is true, you send your own — to call your own to you. Your Word, and our dependence upon you, reveal your glory, our ruin, and our salvation. For only the just are justified before you; only the righteous possess faith: the virtue of trust, to unite us with the Prophets.
You have given us your very image; it pervades us. Though we are weak, your goodness and power encompass us at every turn. And, despite our frailties, you ordain us, and commission us: “Go, and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in my very name — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
O’Father, in purest love and compassion, you have sent your Son to all who will trust in him for eternal life. Those who refuse your kindness in him—will lament while they perish forever. For you have promised to remove our hearts of stone and give us new and faithful hearts. Your Spirit, who renews us and teaches us to walk in tender obedience, proves your promise.
Still, we cannot come to you unless you bring us to you in Christ. Everyone who hears you, who learns from you, understands, and gladly leaves everything to follow you. And in the end, you will raise up your army in holy wears, bright as the sun and stars, and pure as the dew from the womb of morning.
Homologeo:
So, we confess with joy out of sorrow, and in every prayer: that by our sin we fell, the law brought the curse of death as judgment, and it was a righteous verdict. But by your mercy, it pleased you, O’Lord, to make a gracious covenant of everlasting life for us; a covenant of joyful salvation through Jesus Christ; offered freely to the lost and dying. A covenant to adjudge us as worthy in Christ, both body and soul.
As for our part, your Spirit gives us faith to employ. It is a gift of virtuous trust. For your Spirit alone opens our ears to hear, our hearts to learn, and our minds to see. You grant to us trust in Christ alone, now and forevermore; amen.
06/22/2025 Chap.7 “God’s Covenant with His Chosen” 7.3
Prolegomena:
Lord God, Creator, Savior, and Comforter: You are who you are: Infinite, Unchanging, all Knowing, all Powerful. You formed everything in heaven and earth. Everything seen and unseen is from your hand. The universe displays your glory.
By your authority, you created every element. And with its purpose and course, you knit together every molecule, set every star in the heavens, and shaped every living soul. You formed man innocent and arising; under your care and nurture, to love, work, obey, and observe good ways.
Yet, the creature’s word found purchase in us, enticed our hearts and captured our minds. Our loyalty swung downward and our fellowship ceased. Though condemned in our falling away, you promised to unravel it: There would be hostility between two kinds of people; enmity and hate between the children of two tribes, a battle, and a victorious Savior through the seed of the woman.
So, long-ago, you spoke to our fathers through your prophets; revealing yourself step-by-step. Then, at the perfect convergence of time, by your final Prophet, and final Word, the full story showed. In him stands our covenant, beautiful and trustworthy.
Even before the ages began, you spoke our names, set our course, and declared it done. Not because of our deeds, but because of your glory, grace and purpose in Christ. So, through your bond with him, your Spirit sets us apart. Through his covenant with us, he restores what we lost and perfects what we abandoned. Yet without faith, no one can please you. You reward only those who trust in you, and by their given ability, draw near to you.
Seeing and holding your promise, whether from near or far, your chosen know you. Though we have been strangers and exiles, we have seen our home, and long to be with you.
At your throne, O’Lord, we boast of nothing but you, for whom our souls long. Our hearts and flesh sing your praises, for Christ Jesus holds the one name in heaven and earth that saves. In covenant promise, all who have sought him believed in him, and their trust confirms their joy.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, we confess: In Adam before the fall; we were innocent and suitable, but afterward, malicious and impure.
With innocence gone, so goes sweetness, purity and excellence. To return there in Christ is a glorious gain. The Gospel reveals your promise in him; first to Adam through the seed of the woman; then little-by-little until he himself appeared.
And this covenant with your children comes by a more ancient matter: your eternal love of your Son, together with our redemption.
It is a transaction of beauty and merit beyond our grasp that assures your glory and our place in Christ.
In him, the fallen sons and daughters of Adam have perfection, assurance, and eternal life.
All glory to God in Christ, amen.
1. Though rational creatures are responsible to obey God as their Creator, the distance between God and these creatures is so great that they could never have attained the reward of life except by God’s voluntary condescension. He has been pleased to express this through a covenant framework. (1)
1) Luke 17:10; Job 35:7, 8.
2. Since humanity brought itself under the curse of the law by its fall, it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace. (2) In this covenant he freely offers to sinners life and salvation through Jesus Christ. On their part he requires faith in him, that they may be saved, (3) and promises to give his Holy Spirit to all who are ordained to eternal life, to make them willing and able to believe. (4)
2) Genesis 2:17; Galatians 3:10; Romans 3:20, 21.
3) Romans 8:3; Mark 16:15, 16; John 3:16.
4) Ezekiel 36:26, 27; John 6:44, 45; Psalms 110:3.
3. This covenant is revealed in the gospel. It was revealed first of all to Adam in the promise of salvation through the seed of the woman. (5) After that, it was revealed step by step until the full revelation of it was completed in the New Testament. (6) This covenant is based on the eternal covenant transaction between the Father and the Son concerning the redemption of the elect. (7) Only through the grace of this covenant have those saved from among the descendants of fallen Adam obtained life and blessed immortality. Humanity is now utterly incapable of being accepted by God on the same terms on which Adam was accepted in his state of innocence. (8)
5) Genesis 3:15.
6) Hebrews 1:1.
7) 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2;
8) Hebrews 11:6, 13; Romans 4:1, 2ff.; Acts 4:12; John 8:56.
06/08/2025 Chap.7 “God’s Covenant with His Chosen” 7.1
Prolegomena:
Lord of heaven and earth, Father of lights, whom fashions our souls, rebuilds us from ruin, and shapes our eternal frame: You O’Lord, are the covenant maker, and the keeper of your people. Out of a fallen state, you made us yours, and you are ours.
Before this, our unbelief and turning away were always our own; we are without excuse. Our failure became rooted in defiance, rebellion, and dishonor. In wickedness, we ignored your solemn commands. In our lust for power, our gaze fell downward; our hearts and minds wandered far from you; our passions and ambitions consumed us.
With dirt as our covering, we stood proudly in the filth of barren fields; our attire was unfit to serve you. We stripped love from obedience and made it a task, a duty, and a mindless ceremony. Such tasks are without love; they are deceitful and have no merit. Doing a thing for value, without joy through love, is a pointless and empty vessel.
Though we beheld the heavens, the earth, and the sea, we missed the extent of our crimes, and lived as we pleased. Though we had thought our deeds praiseworthy, vindicating, and good, our sin had destroyed us, and our compensations offered you nothing. What we considered righteous had no form and served no purpose. Only the blameless can serve you.
Yet, people still cry out to the heavens with empty talk and barters. Their ignorant words and one-sided parleys expose their unbelief. Their hearts are empty; and you, O’Righteous Lord, will not answer them, nor give them shelter. They know the truth, but will not honor the only God who made them; who gives them a song in the night, teaches them more than the beasts of the earth, and makes them wiser than the birds of the heavens.
Still, O’Gracious God, in mercy, you withhold your anger and calm your hand; and in kindness, you make for us a Covenant Way, a gracious and perfect solution. You offer yourself sincerely for our redemption. Some laugh; while others thank. And you, O’Covenant LORD, decree all that comes to pass.
Homologeo:
We confess, O’Lord Creator, you have fashioned us as rational creatures, to love you in obedience; and to be responsible before you. Yet the distance between us is vast. Unless, in your great mercy, you make your covenant with us and turn our helpless shape, the reward of life is impossible to find.
Unless you yourself hold us, we have no lasting form, only living misery; alive, but not living, sleepless, but not awake. If you do not hold us, we can hold nothing, have nothing, and enjoy nothing.
Thank you, O’God, for loving us, giving us what we could not have earned or even agreed to, and for choosing the way we would go. Your perfect, eternal, and glorious Covenant in Christ is our great wonder and fortune. In Him we give thanks forever, amen.
06/15/2025 Chap.7 “God’s Covenant with His Chosen” 7.2
Prolegomena:
Almighty Triune God: — Father, Son and Spirit: What great things you have done! All creation reveals your wisdom, goodness and mercy; it is only a dim reflection of your majesty.
Our minds, O’God, are too feeble to know you fully. Our imaginations, too dull to envision your beauty. You are free in ways that we cannot comprehend. You stand near and above creation; appointing all things to their time, purpose, and destiny.
Our hearts cannot grasp your perfections, nor calculate your moves. As we cannot gaze long at the sun, you shield your splendor in increment, and our souls ascend as you show.
As a worldly people, subject to the law, we could not have done what Christ has done for us. He adopted our likeness to condemn our sins in himself. In perfect obedience, he suffered the price of our doom. He redeemed us from our sins against you — the curse that bound us. He brought peace where none was possible and conquered death with life.
For death was our sorrowful companion, with us every day. In vain and hollow pride, we searched for ways out. But you grant us leave by only one path and one gate. Any who turn away, hold their sins forever. Now, to prove all that is true, you send your own — to call your own to you. Your Word, and our dependence upon you, reveal your glory, our ruin, and our salvation. For only the just are justified before you; only the righteous possess faith: the virtue of trust, to unite us with the Prophets.
You have given us your very image; it pervades us. Though we are weak, your goodness and power encompass us at every turn. And, despite our frailties, you ordain us, and commission us: “Go, and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in my very name — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
O’Father, in purest love and compassion, you have sent your Son to all who will trust in him for eternal life. Those who refuse your kindness in him—will lament while they perish forever. For you have promised to remove our hearts of stone and give us new and faithful hearts. Your Spirit, who renews us and teaches us to walk in tender obedience, proves your promise.
Still, we cannot come to you unless you bring us to you in Christ. Everyone who hears you, who learns from you, understands, and gladly leaves everything to follow you. And in the end, you will raise up your army in holy wears, bright as the sun and stars, and pure as the dew from the womb of morning.
Homologeo:
So, we confess with joy out of sorrow, and in every prayer: that by our sin we fell, the law brought the curse of death as judgment, and it was a righteous verdict. But by your mercy, it pleased you, O’Lord, to make a gracious covenant of everlasting life for us; a covenant of joyful salvation through Jesus Christ; offered freely to the lost and dying. A covenant to adjudge us as worthy in Christ, both body and soul.
As for our part, your Spirit gives us faith to employ. It is a gift of virtuous trust. For your Spirit alone opens our ears to hear, our hearts to learn, and our minds to see. You grant to us trust in Christ alone, now and forevermore; amen.
06/22/2025 Chap.7 “God’s Covenant with His Chosen” 7.3
Prolegomena:
Lord God, Creator, Savior, and Comforter: You are who you are: Infinite, Unchanging, all Knowing, all Powerful. You formed everything in heaven and earth. Everything seen and unseen is from your hand. The universe displays your glory.
By your authority, you created every element. And with its purpose and course, you knit together every molecule, set every star in the heavens, and shaped every living soul. You formed man innocent and arising; under your care and nurture, to love, work, obey, and observe good ways.
Yet, the creature’s word found purchase in us, enticed our hearts and captured our minds. Our loyalty swung downward and our fellowship ceased. Though condemned in our falling away, you promised to unravel it: There would be hostility between two kinds of people; enmity and hate between the children of two tribes, a battle, and a victorious Savior through the seed of the woman.
So, long-ago, you spoke to our fathers through your prophets; revealing yourself step-by-step. Then, at the perfect convergence of time, by your final Prophet, and final Word, the full story showed. In him stands our covenant, beautiful and trustworthy.
Even before the ages began, you spoke our names, set our course, and declared it done. Not because of our deeds, but because of your glory, grace and purpose in Christ. So, through your bond with him, your Spirit sets us apart. Through his covenant with us, he restores what we lost and perfects what we abandoned. Yet without faith, no one can please you. You reward only those who trust in you, and by their given ability, draw near to you.
Seeing and holding your promise, whether from near or far, your chosen know you. Though we have been strangers and exiles, we have seen our home, and long to be with you.
At your throne, O’Lord, we boast of nothing but you, for whom our souls long. Our hearts and flesh sing your praises, for Christ Jesus holds the one name in heaven and earth that saves. In covenant promise, all who have sought him believed in him, and their trust confirms their joy.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, we confess: In Adam before the fall; we were innocent and suitable, but afterward, malicious and impure.
With innocence gone, so goes sweetness, purity and excellence. To return there in Christ is a glorious gain. The Gospel reveals your promise in him; first to Adam through the seed of the woman; then little-by-little until he himself appeared.
And this covenant with your children comes by a more ancient matter: your eternal love of your Son, together with our redemption.
It is a transaction of beauty and merit beyond our grasp that assures your glory and our place in Christ.
In him, the fallen sons and daughters of Adam have perfection, assurance, and eternal life.
All glory to God in Christ, amen.
Chapter 8 – Christ the Mediator
Chapter 8 – Christ the Mediator
1. God was pleased, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them, to be the mediator between God and humanity. (1) God chose him to be prophet, (2) priest, (3) and king, (4) and to be head and savior of the church, (5) the heir of all things, (6) and judge of the world. (7) From all eternity, God gave to the Son a people to be his offspring. In time these people would be redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified by him. (8)
1) Isaiah 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19, 20.
2) Acts 3:22.
3) Hebrews 5:5, 6.
4) Psalms 2:6; Luke 1:33.
5) Ephesians 1:22, 23.
6) Hebrews 1:2.
7) Acts 17:31.
8) Isaiah 53:10; John 17:6; Romans 8:30.
2. The Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, is truly and eternally God. He is the brightness of the Father’s glory, the same in substance and equal with him. He made the world and sustains and governs everything he has made. When the fullness of time came, he took upon himself human nature, with all the essential properties and common weaknesses of it (9) but without sin. (10) He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit came down upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her. Thus, he was born of a woman from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Abraham and David in fulfillment of the Scriptures. (11) Two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person, without converting one into the other or mixing them together to produce a different or blended nature. This person is truly God and truly man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and humanity. (12)
9) John 1:14; Galatians 4;4.
10) Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:14, 16, 17; Hebrews 4:15.
11) Matthew 1:22, 23; Luke 1:27, 31, 35.
12) Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 2:5.
3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature united in this way to the divine in the person of the Son, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit beyond measure. (13) He had in himself all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (14) The Father was pleased to make all fullness dwell in him (15) so that—being holy, harmless, undefiled, (16) and full of grace and truth (17)—he was thoroughly qualified to carry out the office of mediator and guarantor. (18) He did not take this office upon himself but was called to it by his Father, (19) who put all power and judgment in his hand and commanded him to carry them out. (20)
13) Psalms 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34.
14) Colossians 2:3.
15) Colossians 1:19.
16) Hebrews 7:26.
17) John 1:14.
18) Hebrews 7:22.
19) Hebrews 5:5.
20) John 5:22, 27; Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36.
4. The Lord Jesus most willingly undertook this office. (21) To discharge it, he was born under the law (22) and perfectly fulfilled it. He also experienced the punishment that we deserved and that we should have endured and suffered. (23) He was made sin and a curse for us. (24) He endured extremely heavy sorrows in his soul and extremely painful sufferings in his body. (25) He was crucified and died and remained in a state of death, yet his body did not decay. (26) On the third day he arose from the dead (27) with the same body in which he suffered. (28) In this body he also ascended into heaven, (29) where he sits at the right hand of his Father, interceding. (30) He will return to judge men and angels at the end of the age. (31)
21) Psalms 40:7, 8; Hebrews 10:5–10; John 10:18.
22) Gal 4:4; Matthew 3:15. 23Galatians 3:13; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 3:18.
24) 2 Corinthians 5:21.
25) Matthew 26:37, 38; Luke 22:44; Matthew 27:46.
26) Acts 13:37.
27) 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4.
28) John 20:25, 27.
29) Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9–11.
30) Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:24.
31) Acts 10:42; Romans 14:9, 10; Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 2:4.
5. The Lord Jesus has fully satisfied the justice of God, obtained reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven for all those given to him by the Father. (32) He has accomplished these things by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he once for all offered up to God through the eternal Spirit. (33)
32) John 17:2; Hebrews 9:15.
33) Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:14; Romans 3:25, 26.
6. The price of redemption was not actually paid by Christ till after his incarnation. Yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefit of it was imparted to the elect in every age since the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices that revealed him and pointed to him as the seed that would bruise the serpent’s head (34) and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (35) He is the same yesterday and today and forever. (36)
34) 1 Corinthians 4:10; Hebrews 4:2; 1 Peter 1:10, 11.
35) Revelation 13:8.
36) Hebrews 13:8.
7. In his work of mediation, Christ acts according to both natures, by each nature doing what is appropriate to itself. Even so, because of the unity of the person, that which is appropriate to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person under the designation of the other nature. (37)
37) John 3:13; Acts 20:28.
8. To all those for whom Christ has obtained eternal redemption, he certainly and effectually applies and imparts it. He intercedes for them, (38) unites them to himself by his Spirit, and reveals to them in and by his Word the mystery of salvation. He persuades them to believe and obey (39) and governs their hearts by his Word and Spirit. (40) He overcomes all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, (41) using methods and ways that are perfectly consistent with his wonderful and unsearchable governance. All these things are by free and absolute grace, apart from any condition for obtaining it that is foreseen in them. (42)
38) John 6:37; John 10:15, 16; John 17:9; Romans 5:10.
39) John 17:6; Ephesians 1:9; 1 John 5:20.
40) Romans 8:9, 14.
41) Psalms 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 26.
42) John 3:8; Ephesians 1:8.
9. This office of mediator between God and humanity is appropriate for Christ alone, who is the prophet, priest, and king of the church of God. This office may not be transferred from him to anyone else, either in whole or in part. (43)
43) 1 Timothy 2:5.
10. The number and character of these offices is essential. Because we are ignorant, we need his prophetic office. (44) Because we are alienated from God and imperfect in the best of our service, we need his priestly office to reconcile us and present us to God as acceptable. (45) Because we are hostile and utterly unable to return to God, and so that we can be rescued and made secure from our spiritual enemies, we need his kingly office to convince, subdue, draw, sustain, deliver, and preserve us for his heavenly kingdom. (46)
44) John 1:18.
45) Colossians 1:21; Galatians 5:17.
46) John 16:8; Psalms 110:3; Luke 1:74, 75.
06/29/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.1
Prolegomena:
Father in Heaven, blessed be your name above all names. Blessed be your Son and Holy Spirit, our Lord, and our perfector. Blessed be you—Almighty God.
For every good thing, you have chosen and upheld your Son. You have placed your Spirit upon him and delight in him always. Through him mercy, justice and righteousness cover the earth.
He, O’God, is your beloved Lamb: Foreseen before the foundations of the world, and revealed to us in these last days. He has paid our ransom; not in gold or silver, but by his torment, blood, and death. From out of the darkness and war of fruitless living, he has gathered up his own; and is our joy and salvation forever.
O’Father, it was by your resolve, and for our sake, that you crushed and sorrowed him. With perfect resolution, out of innocent pledge and Joy, he sacrificed his soul for our guilt. This man you appointed, and raised from the dead, shall judge the world in all righteousness. Therefore, seeing his many children, and their days stretched out forever, you have prospered him with joy.
Through him, O’Father, we believe in you. For you raised him from the dead. You gave him honor and glory, so that we might be at peace with you, and trust in him—who is God among us. And he is greater than any other Prophet, Priest, or King raised up from his people. All who are his, hear his voice, understand his words and do all you have commanded.
At the end of the age, you spoke to us through him. We follow, and he reigns over his people Israel, over the house of God with perfect virtue, authority, and wisdom. You have set him on your holy mountain and appointed all things to him, a Kingdom without end. As heir, you have assigned everything to him. He is the head of his church, his body in the world. All creation trembles at his authority. Every evil creature runs for shelter; yet to no avail.
For he has revealed your name to those you gave him out of the world. They were yours and you gave them to him. To your glory, he calls, justifies, and glorifies all those you appointed, and they shall always keep your word.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, we write our confession by the rule of your word. In your eternal purposes, you were pleased to choose and ordain our Lord Jesus, your only Son, as our savior according to the covenant between you and him. He is our only mediator between you and us, to which all humanity must look.
You chose him as our final Prophet, Priest, and King: To be head and savior of his church, as the heir of all things, and judge of the world. From all eternity you gave him a chosen people as his own descendants. So that until the end, throughout all times and in all places, he would redeem, call, justify, sanctify, and glorify his children.
Humble, grateful and perfected in Christ, we give you all praise, honor, and glory now, and more so in the age to follow. The Lord has settled our debts forever; Glory be to God; amen.
07/13/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.2
Prolegomena:
O’LORD God—Hallowed Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit: Your Word is life; you sustain us from moment to moment. We trust in you, and not in our frail intellect. You are the strength of our hearts and minds, our shield in a world fraught with assault. On the scale of your Word, you give us discernment to weigh life’s heavy chore.
You turn us as a river through shadowed valleys, out to paths of righteousness. You comfort and shepherd us with rod and staff; and we belong to you both body and soul.
O’Father, for our good, back deep in the fulness of time, your Holy Spirit fashioned our Savior in the womb of Virgin Mary. He is the Word become flesh, to live among us. In this way, you fulfilled your promises through the prophets: That from the house of David, out of the flesh of Abraham, a chosen race, Immanuel, Jesus Christ the Son of God, came down to his own.
Born of a Woman, under the law, and in the likeness of sinful man, he condemns our sins and evil musings. The law demands obedience beyond our strength; so, he alone proved and satisfied every demand upon us. As from Abraham, he makes the good atonement in the spiritual seed he sows.
Sharing our flesh, blood and death; by his own death, he destroys the Evil One’s hold and sway. He nurtures and helps the chosen, and his fields are full of harvest.
Knowing our weakness and dilemma as a brother, tempted as we are in every aspect, he could not sin. He alone eased and satisfied God’s wrath against us. So, he alone is our Lord and Shepherd, our merciful High Priest who faithfully serves God and sits with him. For there is one God, and one arbitrator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who as God, stands in glory with the Father and we with him, forever.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, deeply thought and acutely considered, hear our confession of trust in you. We call out to you and declare these truths to the world and to your flock, that: The Son of God, second person of the Trinity, is himself eternal God. He is the brightness of your glory, the same in substance and equal to you. He made the world and everything in it for his glory, and so sustains and governs it well.
In the fullness of time, he came to us, and received in himself our human nature, with all its properties and common weaknesses, except for sin. The Holy Spirit overshadowed the Virgin Mary to form the Lord Christ within her womb. So, he was born of a woman from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Abraham and King David, to satisfy the promises of Scripture.
In himself, he forever united two complete, perfect and distinct natures, the divine and the human. Yet they did not become one nature, nor did they mix or blend into something more. For Jesus Christ is fully and truly God, and fully and truly human. He is our Savior, the only mediator between God and humanity to the end of the age. O’LORD, thank you for all you have done and shall yet do. Our faith is in you and your eternal promises, glory to your name forever, amen
07/20/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.3
Prolegomena:
Holy God—One in spirit—three in Persons: Father, Son and Spirit. Your love and strength, O’God, are our refuge. You understand our troubled hearts, and amid our strife, assure us, saying: “Be still, and know that I am God. I alone stretched out the heavens and arrayed the earth before you. I am the maker of all things; the one who formed you in the womb and redeems you for my glory.”
By your Holy Spirit, O’Father, as the oil of gladness, you anointed Jesus of Nazareth as our Christ; a name above every name. For he loves righteousness and hates wickedness. In perfect virtue, in obedience, Joy and blessings—amid agony, sorrow and death, he submitted himself for our transgressions.
He was, and has always been, the Word of God; and by the Holy Spirit, without measure, speaks himself—into all creation. In him, the Spirit of God displays truth, power and majesty. He heals those the accuser afflicts, and gives good things to the humble, poor, and meek; showing mercy to the merciful. So, in virtue and fulness of glory, O’Father, you were pleased to live within him. Hence, every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is in him, and adorns him. For those of the earth belong to the earth, but the one who comes from above is above all.
He is the Word that became flesh, to live among us. We have seen his grandeur as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. He is our guarantor of a superior covenant. Though he did not praise himself as high priest, you, O’Father, appointed him, saying, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.”
Let the house of Israel know this: God has made the crucified Christ our Lord and savior. It is by your grace, Father, that we have such a high and holy Priest, innocent, unstained, and exalted above heaven and earth. You have given him all authority for judgment and wrath. As the Son of Man, he executes his just verdict, to destroy evil and set all things right forever.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, you have authored the Scriptures, which always shape the words of our confession: The Holy Spirit, infinitely anointed and united the divine Son of God to our humanity. In awe and thanksgiving, we apprehend what we do not understand; and the beauty of it captures us.
For it pleased you, O’Father, that your fullness would live within him. In himself and with your presence in him, he is holy as you are holy; full of love, grace, and truth; pure and complete. We give you our praise and devotion, knowing that every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is in him.
He is our guarantor and our only mediator, who has suffered and endured our trials. With compassion and empathy, he speaks on our behalf. He did not proclaim himself in this, for you, O’Father, chose him, and enabled him with all the power to judge and set right the breach. In this age and the age to come, he carries out everything for our perfection.
Until we are face to face with our God, we ask all things in and through his name and for his sake, amen.
07/27/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.4
Prolegomena:
O’Sovereign God: Gracious Father, Lord Christ, and Hallowed Spirit. You are the first and the last. You do all things well. Your promises are the chambered hands that hold tight our souls. In times of weakness and fear, your Spirit gives us strength, courage and confidence to handle uncertainty.
The scroll of your book, O’Father, declares: In the fullness of time, you sent your Son, our savior. Born of a woman, under the law, he came down to us from heaven. With a sorrowful heart, he spoke the Words, and did the deeds of the good news promised. For you never desired, nor took pleasure in the offerings and sacrifices for our sins. Instead, you prepared a body for him—to fulfill your will for us. Having satisfied every requirement; the joy of his heart healed our sorrows.
In his passion, through his body and by your will, O’Father, he sacrificed himself, once and for all, to sanctify us. No man could take his life from him; for he laid it down of his own accord. In his charge to do all that is right, and by his own goodness and authority, he surrendered his life; and then in power, took it up again. In doing away with the first order of things, he established another, more perfect order.
For we all, like sheep, had wandered away in a dark land, each to his own desire. So, the good Shephard appeared. Sorrowful of soul, even to death, to fulfill all righteousness approved by God, for our sake. As the only righteous man, who knew no sin, he suffered every penalty earned by his unrighteous flock. He took all our iniquities and became our curse. Humiliated, and hung on a tree, his blood and agony fell to the ground. He accomplished everything necessary, so that we who believe would become righteous.
For our redemption, dishonored, and put to death in his body, yet alive in the Spirit, he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “I thirst!” “It is finished.” Then, according to the Scriptures, though dead and buried, his body would not see decay. He arose from the dead on the third day, walked among his disciples, proved himself God, and ascended to his Father in heaven. At God’s right hand, he intercedes for us day-and-night. He will soon return to destroy the destroyers and restore all things.
As for our part, we will urge every soul to see the true Christ. That it is he whom God appointed to be the Judge of the living and the dead. He will spare no one in their rebellion against God; but shall rescue all who trust in him from the destruction he brings.
Homologeo:
Father God, our confession is the echo of your Word, heard over and over again: The Lord Jesus accepted upon himself the task only he could accomplish. Born under the law, he perfectly fulfilled its every requirement. Being made sin and cursed for us, he suffered the debt we owed.
With heavy sorrow and deepest agony, he endured death by crucifixion. His body was buried, but did not decay. His Spirit descended in victory to the house of the dead. From there, he arose on the third day to a perfect body. To your right hand, O’Father, he ascended; where he now intercedes for us.
On the judgment day, at the end of the age, when the enemy is least aware, he will assuredly return for his own. On that day, that last day, he will judge the deeds of both angels and men.
Until then, we ask, Lord, keep us safe and comforted in our suffering, bring eternal salvation to your people and eternal wrath to your enemies. Come, Lord Jesus, we pray, amen.
08/10/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.5-8.6
Prolegomena:
LORD God, Creator, Redeemer and Friend: In thankfulness and adoration, O’Father, our eyes and hearts turn heavenward to you.
All those you gave to your Son are in your hands; not one has been lost. He has authority over all living souls; over all flesh and spirit. You have glorified him, and he glorifies you. He has come down to his own, whom you gave to him. His blood has purified us, so we may serve the only living God; for there is no other. Only his blood is sufficient, for no other death will grant life. His death alone redeems us from our offenses, both body-and-soul. With the cutting away of our sins, he gathers us forever into his new Covenant.
He is our only salvation; our only mediator. The covenant in his blood abolishes the old ones, which could not resolve our defiance. Through him, O’Father, for all time—his one perfect submission has blessed all who are being sanctified. His blood has satisfied your wrath against us, and confirmed your righteousness and patience toward us. In passing our sins onto him, our hopes find purchase, and our faith proves his promise.
So, you alone, O’God are Just and Justifier. All who have faith in Christ are stewards and servants of his mysteries. Though the world in its wisdom holds us in contempt, as fools for his sake, we alone have seen his glory and your mercy fulfilled. Though all may hear the good news, not all hear the voice calling. For only God gives faith, good desires, and knowledge, by which we hear, and do all that he commands. For by his Word, through his prophets, and in his Son, he has displayed salvation to the world. So, by grace of rebirth, in God’s wisdom, the Spirit of Christ, his suffering and glories, show imminent and true.
He is our Savior, our Lord and our God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But the ungodly and faithless of the earth, who worship the beast and profane God, who are immoral and cowardly, whose names are not written in the book of life, they shall have their portion in the place of torment, which burns forever.
Homologeo:
Father, we humbly state and restate your Word by our confession in return, that our Lord Christ has fully satisfied your just demands for reconciliation.
He has purchased an everlasting inheritance for those you gave to him. This he accomplished through his self-sacrifice and perfect obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the only perfect and acceptable offering for our sins.
From his birth, through his obedient life, death and resurrection, Christ paid in full the price for our redemption. Truly, in every time and age, his work gives his elect the virtue and benefits of his love. His mercy opens hearts of stone, restores souls, and gives wisdom to the minds of his loved ones.
08/17/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.7-8.8
Prolegomena:
Father in heaven, arisen Lord—our Mediator, Eternal Spirit—our Helper and Teacher: You, O’God, are One; there is no other. Blessed be our Lord, Son of God and Son of man. One with the Father, he descended and ascended. In perfect union as God and man; he does all things well.
Everything he attained through his blood, he oversees with love and care through his Shepherds. They watch with him, even as he himself, watches over them all. Everyone the Father gave to him—will come to him; into his fold, and under his guard; none will be rejected, lost, or stolen. He gives goodness, truth, and beauty to all who hear, and follow him. With him and within him forever, we are secure.
Even though we were at odds with him, in mercy and grace, he, our Creator, brought us to himself. Across the chasm, through submission, death, and resurrection, we are reborn. Through our faith in the Shepherd and in his deeds, we have his contentment, life and joy forever; he gives us all things freely.
He asks his Father for everything, and everything for those whom the Father gave him. For we were the Father’s to give, and his to receive back. We were his to draw out of the world, and his to acquit through his Son. Only the Son could show the Father to the world; to those whom he came to rescue; to those who keep his word, and his commands. He washes them in wisdom, bathes them in truth, and gives them insight that a prideful world rejects.
So, with deepest thanksgiving, we embrace his mysteries: That the wind blows where it will, and we may hear its sound, but do not know from where it comes, or to where it goes. This is the way it is for all who are born of the Spirit; whose hearts of stone turn to flesh and now beat with life, whose eyes can now see beauty, whose ears through renewed minds, can now hear a true word, with souls praising the glory of God in Christ.
Only the Father makes the mystery of his purpose and will, known to the Son. In Christ, we joyfully ponder our wondrous and enigmatic salvation. The Spirit comforts and assures us that our trust is worthy, for it sets deep within the eternal covenant.
For the Son brings his own Spirit into fellowship with ours and confirms us in the house of God. He assures us he will conquer every offender: those who say, “there is no God,” the world, the flesh, and the devil. He will purge every stronghold, remove every stone, and cut down every enemy. Then, in victory, life will swallow up death, never again to arise.
Homologeo:
LORD God, we praise and thank you for Christ our Mediator; who even now works perfectly, according to his human and divine natures. He gives all good things to those he redeems. He intercedes for us, and through his Spirit, has united us to himself.
He reveals his Word to us within the mystery of salvation; and governs our hearts by it. He gives the Holy Spirit to inspire our trust and to obey his commands. In wisdom, authority and power, through consistent and holy means, he overcomes every enemy.
In the mystery of his counsel, he gives salvation to his chosen; not based on our character, nor our deeds, nor anything within us, but solely upon his mercy amid our crimes. His justice is our righteous condemnation; yet he gives us his mercy, which we could not earn.
Glory to God in the highest for grace, mercy and justice. In Christ forever, and for his glory, amen.
Since the beginning of the world, O’God you have pointed to, and revealed him as the seed who bruises the head of the serpent. Through the promises, types and shadows, and the sacrifices that signified him, he came as the perfect Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world. As God, he is the same today as he was yesterday, and shall be evermore. Every perfect thing is in Christ Jesus. In him we give thanks and praise forever, amen.
08/24/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.9-8.10
Prolegomena:
God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth: We come before you with hearts full of reverence, gratitude, and adoration. Your majesty and grandeur surround us, and we desire to do all that is pleasing to you: To do what you say, speak the truth, lead peaceful lives, and be honorable in all our ways.
Father, we share your desire for the salvation of all; that all would come to know and trust in you. For we desire your glory in all things, and here to suit, the man Christ Jesus, proving as God, and in the presence of God, man’s only mediator.
Because God fully dwells in Christ; and we in him, he covers us with abundant grace and love. While Moses gave the perfect law; Grace, Truth, and Knowledge came through Christ Jesus our Lord. For no one ever saw God, but God’s own Son, who has made him known to us. Though we had turned from God, with hostile minds, evil desires and defiant deeds, Christ, through his body of flesh and death on our behalf, accomplished our peace and reconciliation with God. He alone confirms us before God as flawless, holy, and justified.
O’Lord, you have called us into freedom, and we shall stand firm. In your purity, you have unchained us from our sins, and made us righteous in yourself. Still, we know there are desires in our flesh that make war against the Spirit; pushing us to turn to meaningless deeds, fruitless negotiations, and the wide road. Only the Spirit of grace holds us to reason, to show and prove the law with grace, as a perfect weave. He holds us steady when we stumble, reminds us when we forget, and comforts us when we fear. With every sunrise, he brings reality to bear.
With purity and compassion, he convicts us of our sin, and the sins of the world. Under his care, sin brings sorrow and regret, disturbs our souls and distorts our intellect. Yet in kindness, he guides and helps us toward our resolve, to think well, to see clearly, and to desire every good, true, and beautiful thing.
Mercy and judgment move neatly together in our Lord Christ, who sits at God’s right hand. He judges the unfaithful, and much more, the ruler of this world. Like the dew of morning’s womb, in holy attire, we offer ourselves fully. You, O’Lord, have carried us out of the hands of our enemies, even from the hand of the Evil One who hates us. Now without fear of the world, in adoration, joy, and holiness, we can serve you, O’God, forever.
Homologeo:
So again, in solemn refrain, wonder, and adoration, we confess Christ Jesus as Lord, who alone is our mediator; our arbiter between God’s wrath and our offenses. You are the Savior of your people: our Prophet, Priest, and King; we need no other.
Because we are ignorant, your prophetic work teaches and guides us with all authority.
Because our service is flawed by sin, and our enemies suppose us weak, you rescue us through your priestly office. Under your covering and in your hands, you account for our shortfalls, protect us, and make amends for us before God Almighty.
Because you are our King, regal and true, and we are your people whom you have drawn to yourself. You have subdued and resolved our sins, both foregone and present. You assure us, sustain us, preserve us, and deliver us forever pleasing to God.
Standing solid and true on our behalf, you satisfy everything God requires of us. We give you all praise, honor, and glory, now and forever, amen.
1. God was pleased, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them, to be the mediator between God and humanity. (1) God chose him to be prophet, (2) priest, (3) and king, (4) and to be head and savior of the church, (5) the heir of all things, (6) and judge of the world. (7) From all eternity, God gave to the Son a people to be his offspring. In time these people would be redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified by him. (8)
1) Isaiah 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19, 20.
2) Acts 3:22.
3) Hebrews 5:5, 6.
4) Psalms 2:6; Luke 1:33.
5) Ephesians 1:22, 23.
6) Hebrews 1:2.
7) Acts 17:31.
8) Isaiah 53:10; John 17:6; Romans 8:30.
2. The Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, is truly and eternally God. He is the brightness of the Father’s glory, the same in substance and equal with him. He made the world and sustains and governs everything he has made. When the fullness of time came, he took upon himself human nature, with all the essential properties and common weaknesses of it (9) but without sin. (10) He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit came down upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her. Thus, he was born of a woman from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Abraham and David in fulfillment of the Scriptures. (11) Two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person, without converting one into the other or mixing them together to produce a different or blended nature. This person is truly God and truly man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and humanity. (12)
9) John 1:14; Galatians 4;4.
10) Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:14, 16, 17; Hebrews 4:15.
11) Matthew 1:22, 23; Luke 1:27, 31, 35.
12) Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 2:5.
3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature united in this way to the divine in the person of the Son, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit beyond measure. (13) He had in himself all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (14) The Father was pleased to make all fullness dwell in him (15) so that—being holy, harmless, undefiled, (16) and full of grace and truth (17)—he was thoroughly qualified to carry out the office of mediator and guarantor. (18) He did not take this office upon himself but was called to it by his Father, (19) who put all power and judgment in his hand and commanded him to carry them out. (20)
13) Psalms 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34.
14) Colossians 2:3.
15) Colossians 1:19.
16) Hebrews 7:26.
17) John 1:14.
18) Hebrews 7:22.
19) Hebrews 5:5.
20) John 5:22, 27; Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36.
4. The Lord Jesus most willingly undertook this office. (21) To discharge it, he was born under the law (22) and perfectly fulfilled it. He also experienced the punishment that we deserved and that we should have endured and suffered. (23) He was made sin and a curse for us. (24) He endured extremely heavy sorrows in his soul and extremely painful sufferings in his body. (25) He was crucified and died and remained in a state of death, yet his body did not decay. (26) On the third day he arose from the dead (27) with the same body in which he suffered. (28) In this body he also ascended into heaven, (29) where he sits at the right hand of his Father, interceding. (30) He will return to judge men and angels at the end of the age. (31)
21) Psalms 40:7, 8; Hebrews 10:5–10; John 10:18.
22) Gal 4:4; Matthew 3:15. 23Galatians 3:13; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 3:18.
24) 2 Corinthians 5:21.
25) Matthew 26:37, 38; Luke 22:44; Matthew 27:46.
26) Acts 13:37.
27) 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4.
28) John 20:25, 27.
29) Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9–11.
30) Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:24.
31) Acts 10:42; Romans 14:9, 10; Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 2:4.
5. The Lord Jesus has fully satisfied the justice of God, obtained reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven for all those given to him by the Father. (32) He has accomplished these things by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he once for all offered up to God through the eternal Spirit. (33)
32) John 17:2; Hebrews 9:15.
33) Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:14; Romans 3:25, 26.
6. The price of redemption was not actually paid by Christ till after his incarnation. Yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefit of it was imparted to the elect in every age since the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices that revealed him and pointed to him as the seed that would bruise the serpent’s head (34) and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (35) He is the same yesterday and today and forever. (36)
34) 1 Corinthians 4:10; Hebrews 4:2; 1 Peter 1:10, 11.
35) Revelation 13:8.
36) Hebrews 13:8.
7. In his work of mediation, Christ acts according to both natures, by each nature doing what is appropriate to itself. Even so, because of the unity of the person, that which is appropriate to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person under the designation of the other nature. (37)
37) John 3:13; Acts 20:28.
8. To all those for whom Christ has obtained eternal redemption, he certainly and effectually applies and imparts it. He intercedes for them, (38) unites them to himself by his Spirit, and reveals to them in and by his Word the mystery of salvation. He persuades them to believe and obey (39) and governs their hearts by his Word and Spirit. (40) He overcomes all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, (41) using methods and ways that are perfectly consistent with his wonderful and unsearchable governance. All these things are by free and absolute grace, apart from any condition for obtaining it that is foreseen in them. (42)
38) John 6:37; John 10:15, 16; John 17:9; Romans 5:10.
39) John 17:6; Ephesians 1:9; 1 John 5:20.
40) Romans 8:9, 14.
41) Psalms 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 26.
42) John 3:8; Ephesians 1:8.
9. This office of mediator between God and humanity is appropriate for Christ alone, who is the prophet, priest, and king of the church of God. This office may not be transferred from him to anyone else, either in whole or in part. (43)
43) 1 Timothy 2:5.
10. The number and character of these offices is essential. Because we are ignorant, we need his prophetic office. (44) Because we are alienated from God and imperfect in the best of our service, we need his priestly office to reconcile us and present us to God as acceptable. (45) Because we are hostile and utterly unable to return to God, and so that we can be rescued and made secure from our spiritual enemies, we need his kingly office to convince, subdue, draw, sustain, deliver, and preserve us for his heavenly kingdom. (46)
44) John 1:18.
45) Colossians 1:21; Galatians 5:17.
46) John 16:8; Psalms 110:3; Luke 1:74, 75.
06/29/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.1
Prolegomena:
Father in Heaven, blessed be your name above all names. Blessed be your Son and Holy Spirit, our Lord, and our perfector. Blessed be you—Almighty God.
For every good thing, you have chosen and upheld your Son. You have placed your Spirit upon him and delight in him always. Through him mercy, justice and righteousness cover the earth.
He, O’God, is your beloved Lamb: Foreseen before the foundations of the world, and revealed to us in these last days. He has paid our ransom; not in gold or silver, but by his torment, blood, and death. From out of the darkness and war of fruitless living, he has gathered up his own; and is our joy and salvation forever.
O’Father, it was by your resolve, and for our sake, that you crushed and sorrowed him. With perfect resolution, out of innocent pledge and Joy, he sacrificed his soul for our guilt. This man you appointed, and raised from the dead, shall judge the world in all righteousness. Therefore, seeing his many children, and their days stretched out forever, you have prospered him with joy.
Through him, O’Father, we believe in you. For you raised him from the dead. You gave him honor and glory, so that we might be at peace with you, and trust in him—who is God among us. And he is greater than any other Prophet, Priest, or King raised up from his people. All who are his, hear his voice, understand his words and do all you have commanded.
At the end of the age, you spoke to us through him. We follow, and he reigns over his people Israel, over the house of God with perfect virtue, authority, and wisdom. You have set him on your holy mountain and appointed all things to him, a Kingdom without end. As heir, you have assigned everything to him. He is the head of his church, his body in the world. All creation trembles at his authority. Every evil creature runs for shelter; yet to no avail.
For he has revealed your name to those you gave him out of the world. They were yours and you gave them to him. To your glory, he calls, justifies, and glorifies all those you appointed, and they shall always keep your word.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, we write our confession by the rule of your word. In your eternal purposes, you were pleased to choose and ordain our Lord Jesus, your only Son, as our savior according to the covenant between you and him. He is our only mediator between you and us, to which all humanity must look.
You chose him as our final Prophet, Priest, and King: To be head and savior of his church, as the heir of all things, and judge of the world. From all eternity you gave him a chosen people as his own descendants. So that until the end, throughout all times and in all places, he would redeem, call, justify, sanctify, and glorify his children.
Humble, grateful and perfected in Christ, we give you all praise, honor, and glory now, and more so in the age to follow. The Lord has settled our debts forever; Glory be to God; amen.
07/13/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.2
Prolegomena:
O’LORD God—Hallowed Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit: Your Word is life; you sustain us from moment to moment. We trust in you, and not in our frail intellect. You are the strength of our hearts and minds, our shield in a world fraught with assault. On the scale of your Word, you give us discernment to weigh life’s heavy chore.
You turn us as a river through shadowed valleys, out to paths of righteousness. You comfort and shepherd us with rod and staff; and we belong to you both body and soul.
O’Father, for our good, back deep in the fulness of time, your Holy Spirit fashioned our Savior in the womb of Virgin Mary. He is the Word become flesh, to live among us. In this way, you fulfilled your promises through the prophets: That from the house of David, out of the flesh of Abraham, a chosen race, Immanuel, Jesus Christ the Son of God, came down to his own.
Born of a Woman, under the law, and in the likeness of sinful man, he condemns our sins and evil musings. The law demands obedience beyond our strength; so, he alone proved and satisfied every demand upon us. As from Abraham, he makes the good atonement in the spiritual seed he sows.
Sharing our flesh, blood and death; by his own death, he destroys the Evil One’s hold and sway. He nurtures and helps the chosen, and his fields are full of harvest.
Knowing our weakness and dilemma as a brother, tempted as we are in every aspect, he could not sin. He alone eased and satisfied God’s wrath against us. So, he alone is our Lord and Shepherd, our merciful High Priest who faithfully serves God and sits with him. For there is one God, and one arbitrator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who as God, stands in glory with the Father and we with him, forever.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, deeply thought and acutely considered, hear our confession of trust in you. We call out to you and declare these truths to the world and to your flock, that: The Son of God, second person of the Trinity, is himself eternal God. He is the brightness of your glory, the same in substance and equal to you. He made the world and everything in it for his glory, and so sustains and governs it well.
In the fullness of time, he came to us, and received in himself our human nature, with all its properties and common weaknesses, except for sin. The Holy Spirit overshadowed the Virgin Mary to form the Lord Christ within her womb. So, he was born of a woman from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Abraham and King David, to satisfy the promises of Scripture.
In himself, he forever united two complete, perfect and distinct natures, the divine and the human. Yet they did not become one nature, nor did they mix or blend into something more. For Jesus Christ is fully and truly God, and fully and truly human. He is our Savior, the only mediator between God and humanity to the end of the age. O’LORD, thank you for all you have done and shall yet do. Our faith is in you and your eternal promises, glory to your name forever, amen
07/20/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.3
Prolegomena:
Holy God—One in spirit—three in Persons: Father, Son and Spirit. Your love and strength, O’God, are our refuge. You understand our troubled hearts, and amid our strife, assure us, saying: “Be still, and know that I am God. I alone stretched out the heavens and arrayed the earth before you. I am the maker of all things; the one who formed you in the womb and redeems you for my glory.”
By your Holy Spirit, O’Father, as the oil of gladness, you anointed Jesus of Nazareth as our Christ; a name above every name. For he loves righteousness and hates wickedness. In perfect virtue, in obedience, Joy and blessings—amid agony, sorrow and death, he submitted himself for our transgressions.
He was, and has always been, the Word of God; and by the Holy Spirit, without measure, speaks himself—into all creation. In him, the Spirit of God displays truth, power and majesty. He heals those the accuser afflicts, and gives good things to the humble, poor, and meek; showing mercy to the merciful. So, in virtue and fulness of glory, O’Father, you were pleased to live within him. Hence, every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is in him, and adorns him. For those of the earth belong to the earth, but the one who comes from above is above all.
He is the Word that became flesh, to live among us. We have seen his grandeur as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. He is our guarantor of a superior covenant. Though he did not praise himself as high priest, you, O’Father, appointed him, saying, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.”
Let the house of Israel know this: God has made the crucified Christ our Lord and savior. It is by your grace, Father, that we have such a high and holy Priest, innocent, unstained, and exalted above heaven and earth. You have given him all authority for judgment and wrath. As the Son of Man, he executes his just verdict, to destroy evil and set all things right forever.
Homologeo:
O’LORD, you have authored the Scriptures, which always shape the words of our confession: The Holy Spirit, infinitely anointed and united the divine Son of God to our humanity. In awe and thanksgiving, we apprehend what we do not understand; and the beauty of it captures us.
For it pleased you, O’Father, that your fullness would live within him. In himself and with your presence in him, he is holy as you are holy; full of love, grace, and truth; pure and complete. We give you our praise and devotion, knowing that every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is in him.
He is our guarantor and our only mediator, who has suffered and endured our trials. With compassion and empathy, he speaks on our behalf. He did not proclaim himself in this, for you, O’Father, chose him, and enabled him with all the power to judge and set right the breach. In this age and the age to come, he carries out everything for our perfection.
Until we are face to face with our God, we ask all things in and through his name and for his sake, amen.
07/27/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.4
Prolegomena:
O’Sovereign God: Gracious Father, Lord Christ, and Hallowed Spirit. You are the first and the last. You do all things well. Your promises are the chambered hands that hold tight our souls. In times of weakness and fear, your Spirit gives us strength, courage and confidence to handle uncertainty.
The scroll of your book, O’Father, declares: In the fullness of time, you sent your Son, our savior. Born of a woman, under the law, he came down to us from heaven. With a sorrowful heart, he spoke the Words, and did the deeds of the good news promised. For you never desired, nor took pleasure in the offerings and sacrifices for our sins. Instead, you prepared a body for him—to fulfill your will for us. Having satisfied every requirement; the joy of his heart healed our sorrows.
In his passion, through his body and by your will, O’Father, he sacrificed himself, once and for all, to sanctify us. No man could take his life from him; for he laid it down of his own accord. In his charge to do all that is right, and by his own goodness and authority, he surrendered his life; and then in power, took it up again. In doing away with the first order of things, he established another, more perfect order.
For we all, like sheep, had wandered away in a dark land, each to his own desire. So, the good Shephard appeared. Sorrowful of soul, even to death, to fulfill all righteousness approved by God, for our sake. As the only righteous man, who knew no sin, he suffered every penalty earned by his unrighteous flock. He took all our iniquities and became our curse. Humiliated, and hung on a tree, his blood and agony fell to the ground. He accomplished everything necessary, so that we who believe would become righteous.
For our redemption, dishonored, and put to death in his body, yet alive in the Spirit, he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “I thirst!” “It is finished.” Then, according to the Scriptures, though dead and buried, his body would not see decay. He arose from the dead on the third day, walked among his disciples, proved himself God, and ascended to his Father in heaven. At God’s right hand, he intercedes for us day-and-night. He will soon return to destroy the destroyers and restore all things.
As for our part, we will urge every soul to see the true Christ. That it is he whom God appointed to be the Judge of the living and the dead. He will spare no one in their rebellion against God; but shall rescue all who trust in him from the destruction he brings.
Homologeo:
Father God, our confession is the echo of your Word, heard over and over again: The Lord Jesus accepted upon himself the task only he could accomplish. Born under the law, he perfectly fulfilled its every requirement. Being made sin and cursed for us, he suffered the debt we owed.
With heavy sorrow and deepest agony, he endured death by crucifixion. His body was buried, but did not decay. His Spirit descended in victory to the house of the dead. From there, he arose on the third day to a perfect body. To your right hand, O’Father, he ascended; where he now intercedes for us.
On the judgment day, at the end of the age, when the enemy is least aware, he will assuredly return for his own. On that day, that last day, he will judge the deeds of both angels and men.
Until then, we ask, Lord, keep us safe and comforted in our suffering, bring eternal salvation to your people and eternal wrath to your enemies. Come, Lord Jesus, we pray, amen.
08/10/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.5-8.6
Prolegomena:
LORD God, Creator, Redeemer and Friend: In thankfulness and adoration, O’Father, our eyes and hearts turn heavenward to you.
All those you gave to your Son are in your hands; not one has been lost. He has authority over all living souls; over all flesh and spirit. You have glorified him, and he glorifies you. He has come down to his own, whom you gave to him. His blood has purified us, so we may serve the only living God; for there is no other. Only his blood is sufficient, for no other death will grant life. His death alone redeems us from our offenses, both body-and-soul. With the cutting away of our sins, he gathers us forever into his new Covenant.
He is our only salvation; our only mediator. The covenant in his blood abolishes the old ones, which could not resolve our defiance. Through him, O’Father, for all time—his one perfect submission has blessed all who are being sanctified. His blood has satisfied your wrath against us, and confirmed your righteousness and patience toward us. In passing our sins onto him, our hopes find purchase, and our faith proves his promise.
So, you alone, O’God are Just and Justifier. All who have faith in Christ are stewards and servants of his mysteries. Though the world in its wisdom holds us in contempt, as fools for his sake, we alone have seen his glory and your mercy fulfilled. Though all may hear the good news, not all hear the voice calling. For only God gives faith, good desires, and knowledge, by which we hear, and do all that he commands. For by his Word, through his prophets, and in his Son, he has displayed salvation to the world. So, by grace of rebirth, in God’s wisdom, the Spirit of Christ, his suffering and glories, show imminent and true.
He is our Savior, our Lord and our God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But the ungodly and faithless of the earth, who worship the beast and profane God, who are immoral and cowardly, whose names are not written in the book of life, they shall have their portion in the place of torment, which burns forever.
Homologeo:
Father, we humbly state and restate your Word by our confession in return, that our Lord Christ has fully satisfied your just demands for reconciliation.
He has purchased an everlasting inheritance for those you gave to him. This he accomplished through his self-sacrifice and perfect obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the only perfect and acceptable offering for our sins.
From his birth, through his obedient life, death and resurrection, Christ paid in full the price for our redemption. Truly, in every time and age, his work gives his elect the virtue and benefits of his love. His mercy opens hearts of stone, restores souls, and gives wisdom to the minds of his loved ones.
08/17/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.7-8.8
Prolegomena:
Father in heaven, arisen Lord—our Mediator, Eternal Spirit—our Helper and Teacher: You, O’God, are One; there is no other. Blessed be our Lord, Son of God and Son of man. One with the Father, he descended and ascended. In perfect union as God and man; he does all things well.
Everything he attained through his blood, he oversees with love and care through his Shepherds. They watch with him, even as he himself, watches over them all. Everyone the Father gave to him—will come to him; into his fold, and under his guard; none will be rejected, lost, or stolen. He gives goodness, truth, and beauty to all who hear, and follow him. With him and within him forever, we are secure.
Even though we were at odds with him, in mercy and grace, he, our Creator, brought us to himself. Across the chasm, through submission, death, and resurrection, we are reborn. Through our faith in the Shepherd and in his deeds, we have his contentment, life and joy forever; he gives us all things freely.
He asks his Father for everything, and everything for those whom the Father gave him. For we were the Father’s to give, and his to receive back. We were his to draw out of the world, and his to acquit through his Son. Only the Son could show the Father to the world; to those whom he came to rescue; to those who keep his word, and his commands. He washes them in wisdom, bathes them in truth, and gives them insight that a prideful world rejects.
So, with deepest thanksgiving, we embrace his mysteries: That the wind blows where it will, and we may hear its sound, but do not know from where it comes, or to where it goes. This is the way it is for all who are born of the Spirit; whose hearts of stone turn to flesh and now beat with life, whose eyes can now see beauty, whose ears through renewed minds, can now hear a true word, with souls praising the glory of God in Christ.
Only the Father makes the mystery of his purpose and will, known to the Son. In Christ, we joyfully ponder our wondrous and enigmatic salvation. The Spirit comforts and assures us that our trust is worthy, for it sets deep within the eternal covenant.
For the Son brings his own Spirit into fellowship with ours and confirms us in the house of God. He assures us he will conquer every offender: those who say, “there is no God,” the world, the flesh, and the devil. He will purge every stronghold, remove every stone, and cut down every enemy. Then, in victory, life will swallow up death, never again to arise.
Homologeo:
LORD God, we praise and thank you for Christ our Mediator; who even now works perfectly, according to his human and divine natures. He gives all good things to those he redeems. He intercedes for us, and through his Spirit, has united us to himself.
He reveals his Word to us within the mystery of salvation; and governs our hearts by it. He gives the Holy Spirit to inspire our trust and to obey his commands. In wisdom, authority and power, through consistent and holy means, he overcomes every enemy.
In the mystery of his counsel, he gives salvation to his chosen; not based on our character, nor our deeds, nor anything within us, but solely upon his mercy amid our crimes. His justice is our righteous condemnation; yet he gives us his mercy, which we could not earn.
Glory to God in the highest for grace, mercy and justice. In Christ forever, and for his glory, amen.
Since the beginning of the world, O’God you have pointed to, and revealed him as the seed who bruises the head of the serpent. Through the promises, types and shadows, and the sacrifices that signified him, he came as the perfect Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world. As God, he is the same today as he was yesterday, and shall be evermore. Every perfect thing is in Christ Jesus. In him we give thanks and praise forever, amen.
08/24/2025 Chap.8 “Christ, Our Only Mediator” 8.9-8.10
Prolegomena:
God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth: We come before you with hearts full of reverence, gratitude, and adoration. Your majesty and grandeur surround us, and we desire to do all that is pleasing to you: To do what you say, speak the truth, lead peaceful lives, and be honorable in all our ways.
Father, we share your desire for the salvation of all; that all would come to know and trust in you. For we desire your glory in all things, and here to suit, the man Christ Jesus, proving as God, and in the presence of God, man’s only mediator.
Because God fully dwells in Christ; and we in him, he covers us with abundant grace and love. While Moses gave the perfect law; Grace, Truth, and Knowledge came through Christ Jesus our Lord. For no one ever saw God, but God’s own Son, who has made him known to us. Though we had turned from God, with hostile minds, evil desires and defiant deeds, Christ, through his body of flesh and death on our behalf, accomplished our peace and reconciliation with God. He alone confirms us before God as flawless, holy, and justified.
O’Lord, you have called us into freedom, and we shall stand firm. In your purity, you have unchained us from our sins, and made us righteous in yourself. Still, we know there are desires in our flesh that make war against the Spirit; pushing us to turn to meaningless deeds, fruitless negotiations, and the wide road. Only the Spirit of grace holds us to reason, to show and prove the law with grace, as a perfect weave. He holds us steady when we stumble, reminds us when we forget, and comforts us when we fear. With every sunrise, he brings reality to bear.
With purity and compassion, he convicts us of our sin, and the sins of the world. Under his care, sin brings sorrow and regret, disturbs our souls and distorts our intellect. Yet in kindness, he guides and helps us toward our resolve, to think well, to see clearly, and to desire every good, true, and beautiful thing.
Mercy and judgment move neatly together in our Lord Christ, who sits at God’s right hand. He judges the unfaithful, and much more, the ruler of this world. Like the dew of morning’s womb, in holy attire, we offer ourselves fully. You, O’Lord, have carried us out of the hands of our enemies, even from the hand of the Evil One who hates us. Now without fear of the world, in adoration, joy, and holiness, we can serve you, O’God, forever.
Homologeo:
So again, in solemn refrain, wonder, and adoration, we confess Christ Jesus as Lord, who alone is our mediator; our arbiter between God’s wrath and our offenses. You are the Savior of your people: our Prophet, Priest, and King; we need no other.
Because we are ignorant, your prophetic work teaches and guides us with all authority.
Because our service is flawed by sin, and our enemies suppose us weak, you rescue us through your priestly office. Under your covering and in your hands, you account for our shortfalls, protect us, and make amends for us before God Almighty.
Because you are our King, regal and true, and we are your people whom you have drawn to yourself. You have subdued and resolved our sins, both foregone and present. You assure us, sustain us, preserve us, and deliver us forever pleasing to God.
Standing solid and true on our behalf, you satisfy everything God requires of us. We give you all praise, honor, and glory, now and forever, amen.
Chapter 9 – Free Will
Chapter 9 – Free Will
1. God has endowed human will with natural liberty and power to act on choices so that it is neither forced nor inherently bound by nature to do good or evil. (1)
1) Matthew 17:12; James 1:14; Deuteronomy 30:19.
2. Humanity in the state of innocence had freedom and power to will and to do what was good and well-pleasing to God. (2) Yet this condition was unstable, so that humanity could fall from it. (3)
2) Ecclesiastes 7:29.
3) Genesis 3:6.
3. Humanity, by falling into a state of sin, has completely lost all ability to choose any spiritual good that accompanies salvation. (4) Thus, people in their natural state (without the Spirit) are absolutely opposed to spiritual good and dead in sin, (5) so that they cannot convert themselves by their own strength or prepare themselves for conversion. (6)
4) Romans 5:6; Romans 8:7.
5) Ephesians 2:1, 5.
6) Titus 3:3–5; John 6:44.
4. When God converts sinners and transforms them into the state of grace, he frees them from their natural bondage to sin (7) and by his grace alone enables them to will and to do freely what is spiritually good. (8) Yet because of their remaining corruption, they do not perfectly nor exclusively will what is good but also will what is evil. (9)
7) Colossians 1:13; John 8:36.
8) Philippians 2:13.
9) Romans 7:15, 18, 19, 21, 23.
5. Only in the state of glory is the will made perfectly and unchangeably free toward good alone. (10)
10) Ephesians 4:13.
08/31/2025 Chap.9 “Of Man’s Free Will” (9.1—9.2—9.3)
Prolegomena:
LORD God—Triune, Creator of all things good; and us, in your image, as good, innocent and unrestrained. You gave us freedom, the ability to will, and do all that pleases you. Though you could, you would not bind us to a righteous position, but gave us an unfixed strength toward a virtuous or unjust life. One of life and beauty out of perfect origin, or of death and rebellion through a dark allure.
Yet, out of vain impulse, we turned, and from on high, downward drove; discarding all good virtue for want of pleasure and the taste of power. With glory lost and joy forsaken, into weakness and bondage we fell. Our own great corruption ruined all beauty, and everything innocent vanished.
From then forward, enticements and attractions ruled our hearts and drove our souls. The illusion of power deceived us. With loosened hold on life, suffering, death, and despair became our dwelling place. Murdering God’s prophets and the innocent he sent; we followed the world in step. Shunning God’s blessings, both heaven and earth stand as witness against us.
But still weakened by sin, ungodly and faithless, Christ, in his great love and mercy toward us, came to die on our behalf. Though with hostile minds, dead in our sins and with hearts that would not and could not submit to God, Christ made us alive in himself. He gave us what we could not earn nor desire. So, we do not deny that we were all once foolish, disobedient, and led astray; that we were slaves to our passions and impulses; seekers of pleasure, and in love with self. Like the world, we filled our days with malice, envy, and hate; with frivolous goals that came to naught.
But when the goodness, love, and kindness of God in Christ appeared, he returned us up from the pit in re-birth to save us. This he did, not because of any quality in us, but through his own qualities given to us according to his mercy and righteousness, and through the renewal of the Holy Spirit in the washing of regeneration. For no one can come to him unless the Father who sent him brings them out of death to life. Those are the ones he will raise up on the last day.
Homologeo:
We confess, O’LORD, we know who we are and what we have done. At our dawning, with an ordinary power to act, and to elect good over evil, we abandoned goodness at will, and so too, true freedom. Out of an unstable innocence, with an ability to will and to do all that was good and pleasing to you, fully aware, we fell.
In death’s embrace, through fallen state, we opposed the Spirit’s encompass. We willed not, nor indeed could choose anything salvation affords. We could not prepare ourselves for salvation, not through strength of will, nor through an effort at self-reform. As we were sinful throughout, only you, O’God, could turn our souls aright, and render us to this state of grace.
Only you can free us from sin’s bondage. Your grace alone enables us to freely will and to do what is spiritually good and pleasing in your sight.
O’LORD, with true freedom in Christ, unbound from sin’s oppression, we give you our lives, full of thanksgiving, praise, and honor.
In Christ alone, who lives in us, by faith we stand, amen
09/14/2025 Chap.9 “Of Man’s Free Will” (9.4—9.5)
Prolegomena:
O’Lord, our God, you have set your glory above the heavens and your name is majestic throughout the earth. Your radiance shines through the depths of night. The stars and galaxies display your grandeur. The mountains, valleys, and the grass of the field, and all the unseen elements, sing of your Splendor. The wind and the thunder give pause to the pride of men.
You make the weak strong—to still the arm of the enemy, and quiet the opposer. Who are we, that your thoughts and concerns move toward us, drawing us to yourself? Who are we that you afford us glory and honor, and a place just below the angels, and in Christ we have our being?
Freely surrendering to the night, freedom became an internment. What in error we sought willfully, refashioned our souls and engulfed us. With a cavalier stride, we traversed the good boundary, and walked into the depths of corruption.
But glory to you, O’God our Savior, who dwells in light, in the secret place Most-High. From under the shadow of the Almighty, you rendered us free. From out of a dark and impure realm, you captured us, and surrounded us with purity. You alone, O’Christ, have relieved our woeful state. You are our dayspring and bright morning star, who scatters the darkness through weight of love.
With bread and wine, you have nurtured our souls. Through your grace, mercy, and death, you paid our debt to the Father, destroyed our captor, and empowered our minds to reason.
Though with renewed souls, we ponder our ways. For our thoughts and manners, struggles and conflicts haunt us; we yet do what we hate. The fruitless things perplex us; and prove nothing good in our natural self. A heart turned inward to itself is weak, and wicked. Only the strength of God conforms us.
Still, evil is near, always pushing, always scheming and warring against the Spirit; daily taking and losing ground… rulers, authorities, and powers of spiritual evil, always pressing to recapture their possessions. Contending with our own depravity, seemingly untenable, still, we stand firm in Christ; desiring virtue, decency and peace. His Spirit is close to us; reshaping our flaws and leanings. Assuredly, the victory is his.
Lord Father, we give you our thanks amid suffering and joy, through Christ our Savior, who through faith grants us access to you. May we prove steadfast in him; no longer as willful children in wild emotion, tossed about by false doctrines? But as children of grace, living and speaking the truth in love.
Homologeo:
So, Father God, hear now our confession, that binds our hearts with your word. That as sinners you transformed our souls with a state of grace and freed us from our bondage to sin. In kindliness, you have enabled us to will what is spiritually good, yet through struggle, also what is evil.
We pray our Savior, who will cleanse the world in the fires of judgment, and us through faith and love, comes soon. Take us now we pray from this unsettled place; to yourself, to the new creation, to eternal joy, beauty, and everlasting purity.
In Christ’s name we pray, amen.
1. God has endowed human will with natural liberty and power to act on choices so that it is neither forced nor inherently bound by nature to do good or evil. (1)
1) Matthew 17:12; James 1:14; Deuteronomy 30:19.
2. Humanity in the state of innocence had freedom and power to will and to do what was good and well-pleasing to God. (2) Yet this condition was unstable, so that humanity could fall from it. (3)
2) Ecclesiastes 7:29.
3) Genesis 3:6.
3. Humanity, by falling into a state of sin, has completely lost all ability to choose any spiritual good that accompanies salvation. (4) Thus, people in their natural state (without the Spirit) are absolutely opposed to spiritual good and dead in sin, (5) so that they cannot convert themselves by their own strength or prepare themselves for conversion. (6)
4) Romans 5:6; Romans 8:7.
5) Ephesians 2:1, 5.
6) Titus 3:3–5; John 6:44.
4. When God converts sinners and transforms them into the state of grace, he frees them from their natural bondage to sin (7) and by his grace alone enables them to will and to do freely what is spiritually good. (8) Yet because of their remaining corruption, they do not perfectly nor exclusively will what is good but also will what is evil. (9)
7) Colossians 1:13; John 8:36.
8) Philippians 2:13.
9) Romans 7:15, 18, 19, 21, 23.
5. Only in the state of glory is the will made perfectly and unchangeably free toward good alone. (10)
10) Ephesians 4:13.
08/31/2025 Chap.9 “Of Man’s Free Will” (9.1—9.2—9.3)
Prolegomena:
LORD God—Triune, Creator of all things good; and us, in your image, as good, innocent and unrestrained. You gave us freedom, the ability to will, and do all that pleases you. Though you could, you would not bind us to a righteous position, but gave us an unfixed strength toward a virtuous or unjust life. One of life and beauty out of perfect origin, or of death and rebellion through a dark allure.
Yet, out of vain impulse, we turned, and from on high, downward drove; discarding all good virtue for want of pleasure and the taste of power. With glory lost and joy forsaken, into weakness and bondage we fell. Our own great corruption ruined all beauty, and everything innocent vanished.
From then forward, enticements and attractions ruled our hearts and drove our souls. The illusion of power deceived us. With loosened hold on life, suffering, death, and despair became our dwelling place. Murdering God’s prophets and the innocent he sent; we followed the world in step. Shunning God’s blessings, both heaven and earth stand as witness against us.
But still weakened by sin, ungodly and faithless, Christ, in his great love and mercy toward us, came to die on our behalf. Though with hostile minds, dead in our sins and with hearts that would not and could not submit to God, Christ made us alive in himself. He gave us what we could not earn nor desire. So, we do not deny that we were all once foolish, disobedient, and led astray; that we were slaves to our passions and impulses; seekers of pleasure, and in love with self. Like the world, we filled our days with malice, envy, and hate; with frivolous goals that came to naught.
But when the goodness, love, and kindness of God in Christ appeared, he returned us up from the pit in re-birth to save us. This he did, not because of any quality in us, but through his own qualities given to us according to his mercy and righteousness, and through the renewal of the Holy Spirit in the washing of regeneration. For no one can come to him unless the Father who sent him brings them out of death to life. Those are the ones he will raise up on the last day.
Homologeo:
We confess, O’LORD, we know who we are and what we have done. At our dawning, with an ordinary power to act, and to elect good over evil, we abandoned goodness at will, and so too, true freedom. Out of an unstable innocence, with an ability to will and to do all that was good and pleasing to you, fully aware, we fell.
In death’s embrace, through fallen state, we opposed the Spirit’s encompass. We willed not, nor indeed could choose anything salvation affords. We could not prepare ourselves for salvation, not through strength of will, nor through an effort at self-reform. As we were sinful throughout, only you, O’God, could turn our souls aright, and render us to this state of grace.
Only you can free us from sin’s bondage. Your grace alone enables us to freely will and to do what is spiritually good and pleasing in your sight.
O’LORD, with true freedom in Christ, unbound from sin’s oppression, we give you our lives, full of thanksgiving, praise, and honor.
In Christ alone, who lives in us, by faith we stand, amen
09/14/2025 Chap.9 “Of Man’s Free Will” (9.4—9.5)
Prolegomena:
O’Lord, our God, you have set your glory above the heavens and your name is majestic throughout the earth. Your radiance shines through the depths of night. The stars and galaxies display your grandeur. The mountains, valleys, and the grass of the field, and all the unseen elements, sing of your Splendor. The wind and the thunder give pause to the pride of men.
You make the weak strong—to still the arm of the enemy, and quiet the opposer. Who are we, that your thoughts and concerns move toward us, drawing us to yourself? Who are we that you afford us glory and honor, and a place just below the angels, and in Christ we have our being?
Freely surrendering to the night, freedom became an internment. What in error we sought willfully, refashioned our souls and engulfed us. With a cavalier stride, we traversed the good boundary, and walked into the depths of corruption.
But glory to you, O’God our Savior, who dwells in light, in the secret place Most-High. From under the shadow of the Almighty, you rendered us free. From out of a dark and impure realm, you captured us, and surrounded us with purity. You alone, O’Christ, have relieved our woeful state. You are our dayspring and bright morning star, who scatters the darkness through weight of love.
With bread and wine, you have nurtured our souls. Through your grace, mercy, and death, you paid our debt to the Father, destroyed our captor, and empowered our minds to reason.
Though with renewed souls, we ponder our ways. For our thoughts and manners, struggles and conflicts haunt us; we yet do what we hate. The fruitless things perplex us; and prove nothing good in our natural self. A heart turned inward to itself is weak, and wicked. Only the strength of God conforms us.
Still, evil is near, always pushing, always scheming and warring against the Spirit; daily taking and losing ground… rulers, authorities, and powers of spiritual evil, always pressing to recapture their possessions. Contending with our own depravity, seemingly untenable, still, we stand firm in Christ; desiring virtue, decency and peace. His Spirit is close to us; reshaping our flaws and leanings. Assuredly, the victory is his.
Lord Father, we give you our thanks amid suffering and joy, through Christ our Savior, who through faith grants us access to you. May we prove steadfast in him; no longer as willful children in wild emotion, tossed about by false doctrines? But as children of grace, living and speaking the truth in love.
Homologeo:
So, Father God, hear now our confession, that binds our hearts with your word. That as sinners you transformed our souls with a state of grace and freed us from our bondage to sin. In kindliness, you have enabled us to will what is spiritually good, yet through struggle, also what is evil.
We pray our Savior, who will cleanse the world in the fires of judgment, and us through faith and love, comes soon. Take us now we pray from this unsettled place; to yourself, to the new creation, to eternal joy, beauty, and everlasting purity.
In Christ’s name we pray, amen.