MIDWEEK b AUGUST 14, 2019 MIDWEEK b AUGUST 14, 2019 The Westminster Confession of Faith The Westminster Confession of Faith Week 1 Week 1 Introduction and Background Introduction and Background “I believe…” Historical Background of the WCF “I believe…” Development and Use of the WCF Historical Background of the WCF Development and Use of the WCF American Revisions in 1788 American Revisions in 1788 Removed power of church discipline from civil magistrate (20:4) Removed requirement to take a “good and just” oath (22:3 Removed power of church discipline from civil magistrate (20:4) Changed power of civil magistrate in regard to the church (23:3) Removed requirement to take a “good and just” oath (22:3 Removed marriage restrictions for spouses (24:4) Changed power of civil magistrate in regard to the church (23:3) Removed language calling the Pope the anti-Christ (25:6) Removed marriage restrictions for spouses (24:4) Changed wording so that only the church can call a synod or council, not civil Removed language calling the Pope the anti-Christ (25:6) magistrate (31:1, 2) Changed wording so that only the church can call a synod or council, not civil magistrate (31:1, 2) Order of Salvation (Ordo Salutis) Order of Salvation (Ordo Salutis) Election (Chapter 3) Effectual Calling (Chapter 10) Election (Chapter 3) Regeneration (Chapter 10) Effectual Calling (Chapter 10) Repentance and Faith (Chapter 15) Regeneration (Chapter 10) Justification (Chapter 11) Repentance and Faith (Chapter 15) Adoption (Chapter 12) Justification (Chapter 11) Sanctification (Chapter 13) Adoption (Chapter 12) Perseverance of the Saints (Chapter 17) Sanctification (Chapter 13) Glorification(Chapters 32 and 33) Perseverance of the Saints (Chapter 17) Glorification(Chapters 32 and 33) 15:1 Repentance 15:1 Repentance Different kinds of repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) Repentance is an “evangelical grace,” i.e., it is part of our conversion Different kinds of repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) Inseparable from faith Repentance is an “evangelical grace,” i.e., it is part of our conversion Not optional Inseparable from faith Together, repentance and faith are called conversion Not optional Together, repentance and faith are called conversion 15:2 What is Repentance? 15:2 What is Repentance? In effectual calling God has renewed our wills (WCF 10:1) and that renewed will is is put into effect in faith and repentance. I.e., WE repent and believe (No need to pray In effectual calling God has renewed our wills (WCF 10:1) and that renewed will is is God give me repentance, because the grace is already given). put into effect in faith and repentance. I.e., WE repent and believe (No need to pray Turning of the whole person God give me repentance, because the grace is already given). Mind (sight and sense) Turning of the whole person Emotion (filthiness and odiousness) Mind (sight and sense) Will (turns and purposes) Emotion (filthiness and odiousness) Will (turns and purposes) 15:3 Is Repentance Necessary? 15:3 Is Repentance Necessary? Repentance does not save, Jesus does! (Luke 3:3, 5; Acts 17:30) Repentance does not save, Jesus does! (Luke 3:3, 5; Acts 17:30) But repentance is necessary part of salvation But repentance is necessary part of salvation Mind (sight and sense) Mind (sight and sense) Emotion (filthiness and odiousness) Emotion (filthiness and odiousness) Will (turns and purposes) Will (turns and purposes) 15:4, 5 Repentance in Practice 15:4, 5 Repentance in Practice Part of confession Part of confession Particular repentance, not only general Particular repentance, not only general Public sins should be confessed publicly Public sins should be confessed publicly.