Of God's Eternal Decree.- GOD
from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own
will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; [1] yet
so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, [2] nor is violence
offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency
of second causes taken away, but rather established. [3]
- Although
God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed
conditions; [4] yet hath he not decreed anything because he foresaw it
as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions. [5]
- By
the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and
angels [6] are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others
foreordained to everlasting death. [7]
- These
angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly
and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and definite,
that it cannot be either increased or diminished. [8]
- Those
of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation
of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose,
and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in
Christ unto everlasting glory; [9] out of his mere free grace and love,
without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either
of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes
moving him thereunto;[10] and all to the praise of his glorious grace.
[11]
- As
God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and
most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto.
[12] Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed
by Christ; [13] are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his
Spirit working in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified, [14]
and kept by his power through faith unto salvation. [15] Neither are
any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted,
sanctified, and saved, but the elect only. [16]
- The
rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel
of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he
pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to
pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor, wrath for their sin, to the
praise of his glorious justice. [17]
- The
doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with
special prudence and care, [1] that men attending the will of God
revealed in his word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the
certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal
election. [2] So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise,
reverence, and admiration of God, [3] and of humility, diligence, and
abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the Gospel. [4]
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