Ordination Theology Flashcards
- What is anthropomorphism?
The application of human attributes or characteristics to God. God uses anthropomorphism to reveal himself to humanity, it’s part of his condescending to use ways of communicating that humans understand.
Ex 3:20 – I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt…
Isaiah 30:27-30 – lips, tongue, breath, arm
This does not mean that we should understand God to have a physical body, because we know that he is spirit – John 4:24
- What is divine immanence and divine transcendence; and what is the significance of each for the believer?
Immanence – God is near – he dwells w/ the lowly in spirit (Is 57:15) and knows the very hairs on our head (Matt 10:30) Comfort in times of loneliness or abandonment, also warning that nothing is hidden from him. He is near to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18)
Transcendence – God is over all and above all. In addition to 57:15 which also says “The one who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity…”I dwell in the high and holy place”… Isaiah 55:8 – my thoughts are not your thoughts… Eph 4:6 – One God and Father of all who is over all… God’s nature is spirit, not bound by time or space (John 4:24).
We can take comfort in God knowing the full story and controlling it all, not being bound by time or space. We should not try to understand him or explain him fully to our satisfaction, but be content to receive what he has revealed to us and know what he chooses to make known. We must worship him in Spirit and truth.
- What is the distinction between the ontological and economic Trinity?
Ontological trinity is God in his being – three persons, co-eternal, equal in being, substance, nature, and attributes.
Economic trinity is God in his relation to the world.
1) The Father sent the Son. The Son did not send the Father. (John 6:44; 8:18; 10:36; 1 John 4:14)
a) John 5:37, “And the Father who sent Me, He has borne witness of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.”
2) Jesus came down from heaven, not to do his own will, but the will of the Father.
a) John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
3) Jesus performed the redemptive work. The Father did not.
a) 2 Cor. 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
b) 1 Pet. 2:24, “and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.”
4) Jesus is the only begotten. The Father is not.
a) John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
5) The Father gave the Son. The Son did not give the Father or the Holy Spirit.
a) John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
6) The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not send the Father and the Son.
a) John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…”
b) John 15:26, “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father…”
7) The Father has given the elect to the Son. Scripture does not say that the Father gave the elect to the Holy Spirit.
a) John 6:39, “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.”
8) The Father chose us before the foundation of the world. No indication that the Son or the Holy Spirit chose us.
a) Eph. 1:4, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him…”
9) The Father predestined us to adoption according to the intention of his will. This is not said of the Son or the Holy Spirit.
a) Eph. 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.”
10) We have redemption through Jesus’ blood, not the blood of the Father or the Holy Spirit.
11) Eph. 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
- Comment on, and indicate Scriptural support for, Confession of Faith 3.1 with respect to the follow¬ing propositions:
a)“God, from all eternity, did . . . unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass”;
b) “yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin”;
c) “nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures”;
d) “nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”
Creation
Eph 1:11 James 1:13 Heb 1:3
- Discuss the infinity of God and the doctrine of creation ex nihilo.
Heaven cannot contain God - 1 Kings 8:27
Nothing compares to him, he is so much greater – Isaiah 40:12-26
He operates outside of time – 2 Peter 3:8 (day=1000 years) or Psalm 90 (1000 years=yesterday)
From his transcendence, it follows that he is not bound by time or space
Creation ex nihilio: God created all that is from nothing. Psalm 104 all, esp 104:24 – in wisdom you made them all. Genesis 1 – ‘Let there be’ – called things into being that were not in existence, from non-existence to existence. Continued existence/stability of creation depends on divine upholding, the distinct function of the Son – Heb 1:3 ‘upholding all things by the word of his power’
God was ‘in the beginning’ – Gen 1 & John 1
- What is “common grace” and what is the function of the doctrine in the theology of creation?
God’s undeserved blessing and gifts given to all men.
God preserves all of creation – Heb 1:3, and though the wicked deserve his displeasure and wrath, he continues to bestow good gifts on them – sun/rain Matt 5:45; Acts 17:25-26 – gives man life/breath/everything, appoints a place for them on the earth. Acts 14:17 – rain, food, satisfying hearts w/ gladness
Rom 2:4 – God’s kindness, tolerance and patience leading to repentance.
Louis Berkhof, : “[Common grace] curbs the destructive power of sin, maintains in a measure the moral order of the universe, thus making an orderly life possible, distributes in varying degrees gifts and talents among men, promotes the development of science and art, and showers untold blessings upon the children of men.”
Providence
- Explain and defend the doctrine of providence, with particular emphasis on the relation between providence and sin.
God’s providence is his upholding, directing, and governing all his creatures and all their actions. Heb 1:3, Acts 17:25, Even the Sparrow’s death is in his hand, something as inconsequential and fleeting as hair is numbered – Matt 10:29-30. God governs nations – Psalm 22:28, and the decisions of men
Humans mean their actions for evil, but God means them for good (Gen 50:20, Acts 2:23)
God: permits evil – Acts 14:16
Punishes evil – Rom 1
Uses evil for good – Gen 50:20
Tests & Disciplines his loved ones w/ evil – Heb 12:4-14
Will one day redeem his people from all evil – Gen 21-22
While he permits sin, he is not the author of it – James 1:13
- What is meant by special providence?
God’s condescension to make himself known to humanity and enter into relationship with them. This relationship he expresses in covenant – first the covenant of works, then the covenant of grace.
Covenant of works – Adam promised life upon condition of perfect obedience, and death upon disobedience – Genesis 2
Covenant of grace – humans promised life, faith in Christ required. John 3:16, Rom 8:10-11 (the promise of life)
Divine Covenants
- What is the Covenant of Works and its relation to the work of Christ?
Covenant of works was the first covenant God made with humanity through Adam – promised life upon perfect obedience and death upon disobedience. Required not eat from tree of knowledge of good and evil. Gen 2
Covenant of works did not cease to exist after fall. Christ kept Covenant of works on our behalf, earning the reward of life eternal. 1 Cor 15:22; Jesus came to fulfill the law – Matt 5:17, and in him the righteous requirements are fulfilled on our behalf Rom 8:4
Note: ‘’law” in 8:4 means Torah, Mosaic law, almost certainly. But Torah was embodiment of same righteous requirement of God’s eternal law, same law which Adam was guilty of breaking.
- What is meant by an “administration” of the Covenant of Grace?
The means by which God’s grace is held forth, offered, and dispensed. Under the old covenant, this was through promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision and Passover. Acts 3:24 (prophets foretold these days, you are sons of the prophets and the covenant) Rom 4 – circumcision the sign & seal Heb 10:1 – sacrifices were a shadow of the good things to come
Under the new, it is dispensed by preaching of the word, lord’s supper, baptism. Rom 10:14, Matt 26, Acts 2.
- Explain the sufficiency of, and continuing ministry of, Christ in His three offices in the experience of the believer.
Prophet – He is God’s final word to us, completing the revelation that God began to make at various times and in various ways – Heb 1:1 In knowing Christ we know the Father – John 14:7
Priest – He purged our sins by himself, then sat down (it is finished – John 19:31, Torn temple veil in Matthew 27) – Heb 1:3, offering himself as sacrifice – Heb 9:26, continues now to make intercession for us – Rom 8:34
King – Jesus sits now at the right hand of the father, ruling over all things – Heb 1&2, He is the head over all things for the church – Eph 1:22, Col 1:18. All things will bow to him – phil 2:10. He is working all things for good for us Rom 8:28, we can submit to his rule b/c it is a loving rule (Eph 5)
- Discuss the ordo salutis, particularly with respect to divine and human agency at each stage.
The order in the application of redemption is found to be, calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, glorification. John Murray “Redemption Accomplished and Applied”
Calling – God is the one who calls, and effectually so, and humans are the recipients or the ones called – Rom 8:30, 2 Thess 2:14, Gal 1:6 it’s a summoning or ‘bringing to faith’ (that’s Packer’s term) It is the call of God to faith in Christ – outwardly through the preaching/teaching of his word, inwardly through the enlightening and renewing work of the Spirit.
Regeneration – the act of God in the heart of a believer to make them ‘born again’ – John 3. It is removing their heart of stone, giving them a heart of flesh, cleansing them and putting his spirit in them – Ez 36. It is entirely the work of God. A raising of the dead to life in Christ – Eph 2:5. Faith is the evidence of regeneration – 1 John 5:1
Faith & Repentance – the response of an individual to the call of God. Acts 2, 16 (repent, believe the two responses called for). It is the individual’s response, but it is not of their own making – faith itself is the gift of God – Eph 2:8. But this faith is not forced – God having regenerated the believer’s heart and made them alive, their will is not forced but re-made so that they willingly repent and believe.
Justification – a judicial act of God whereby he pardons sinners and declares them righteous on the basis of Christ’s imputed righteousness. Rom 5:18 – by Christ’s obedience we are made righteous, his obedience is accounted to us.
It is a gift, received by Faith, and it is a just sentence because Jesus was sacrificed on our behalf (Rom 3). He was made sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God – I Cor 5:21. It is a single act by God the judge and received by humans by faith, not a process in which humans cooperate.
Adoption – an act of God whereby we are made his children, with all the rights and priviledges that entails, both legal and filial. Gal 4:4-7. Legally, we have the rights to an inheritance Rom 8:16. We can call God ‘father’ – a cry of love not of fear, and enjoy fellowship with God’s Spirit, which Paul calls the Spirit of Adoption (Rom 8:15). We enjoy the rights and priviledges of our adoption, but do not make it happen – it is God’s work. Jesus instructs his followers to live in light of their adoption – praying to God as father, trusting his provision, receiving his discipline – Matt 6
Sanctification – process whereby God renews the believer in Christ in his image and enables him more and more to die to sin and live to righteousness. Rom 8.13 – the spirit leads us in putting to death the misdeeds of the body. God transforms and renews the mind – Rom 12:2. Sanctification is the growth of the desire for holiness God plants in a person in regeneration. It is God who works in us, but not contrary to our new will, but in line with it, so that Paul can say both that we must work out our salvation (i.e. prove it genuine) and at the same time it is God who works in us both to will and to work what is pleasing to him. Phil 2:12-13
Glorification – God will complete his work in us in glorification – Rom 8:30 & Phil 1:6. Packer says glorification is “God’s completion of what he began at regeneration…our moral and spiritual reconstruction so as to be perfectly and permanently conformed to Christ.” God will raise us w/ a spritiual body like the body of the resurrected Christ – 1 Cor 15. It will be raised in glory and imperishable. God does the raising, we are the ones raised.
- Explain the relation of regeneration and faith.
Regeneration is God giving us new-birth by the Holy Spirit – John 3, removing our dead hearts and giving us new ones – Ez 36, and making us alive in Christ while we were dead in sins Eph 2. Faith is the receiving of Christ (Col 2:6), believing in him (Rom 3:22, John 20:31). This receiving or believing is also a gift from God, but is distinct from regeneration in that regeneration is God’s work on us while we are dead in trespasses (Eph 2) while faith is the result of our regeneration – we are made alive and so we can believe. While faith and regeneration occur in time at the same time, logically regeneration precedes faith, and faith is the outworking of regeneration – it is the response of the new heart we are given.
- What is the difference between “infusing righteousness” and imputation as the ground of justifica¬tion?
Infusing righteousness confuses justification – God’s declaration that we are righteous – with sanctification – the ongoing work of God to make us more and more into his image. As the ground of justification, infusing righteousness teaches that God justifies us finally on the basis of our own righteousness, which is worked as a cooperation between God’s grace and us. The source of righteousness is God and us working together, and in the end it is righteousness that is in us.
Imputation teaches that righteousness comes wholly outside ourselves or any good work we do (Rom 3:21). It is completely Christ’s righteousness, given to us as a gift – Rom 4:22-25, 5:17-19). Imputation places the ground wholly on an ‘alien righteousness’ – one outside ourselves – while infused righteousness finds the righteousness partly in ourselves.
- Explain the work of the Holy Spirit in assurance; with respect to this work, what does the Confession mean by the phrase, “without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means”?
Spirit confirms authenticity of faith – Acts 15:8
Spirit confirms in our own hearts our adoption – our status and relationship (Rom 8:16)
We receive Spirit’s assurance through scripture & sacraments – it’s something that comes with faith, not an extra special add-on.
- How are elect infants, and other elect persons incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word, saved?
By the same regeneration and union with Christ that all other elect are saved.
Luke 1:44 seems to indicate the unborn John’s response to Jesus, though he could not outwardly have professed faith, the Spirit seemed to have already been at work in him.
The Law of God and Christian Obedience
- What are the three uses of the law, and how do these uses continue in the life of the believer?
Mirror – reflecting God’s perfect righteousness and our sin – Rom 3:20, Rom 7:7-11, and to lead us in repentance and faith to Christ - Gal 3:19-24
Restrains evil – civil order, protects innocent from the unjust – Deut 19:16-19, Rom 13:3-4
Guide regenerate in good works that God has planned for them (Eph 2:10) – we are to teach disciples to obey Christ’s commands (Matt 28:20) and our obedience shows our love for God (John 14:15)
- Are works in any sense necessary to salvation? If so, in what sense?
They are necessary as the necessary accompaniment of faith, the instrument of salvation. Faith without works is dead – James 2:17. The Spirit of Christ bears the fruit of Love, joy, peace… Gal 5:22 – this fruit necessarily accompanies the Spirit, and without the spirit we do not have Christ – Rom 8:9. The only true faith is faith working through love – Gal 5:6
- What is a) the goal, b) the motive, and c) the rule of Christian obedience?
Goal – Shaming the enemy and adorning the gospel – Titus 2:7-10, assurance through demonstration of authenticity of salvation – Phil 2:12, presenting a living sacrifice to God – worship and glory to him – Rom 12:1
Motive – Thankfulness for God’s mercy – Rom 12:1; love of Christ – 2 Cor 5:14, John 14:15
Rule – Love God & Love Neighbor – Luke 10:27, God’s law, which is summed up in love for neighbor as self– Gal 5:14. Life according to the Spirit – Rom 8
- What relevance does the civil law of Old Testament Israel have to contemporary politics?
The general equity applies – the principles of justice and fairness that are displayed in it should be carried out by all (1 Cor 9:8-10 Paul applies principle of muzzling and Ox to sharing the fruit w/ those who work), and the principle of restraining evil and upholding the weak and helpless, ought to be followed – Rom 13:1-5 (it instructs obedience, but says the authority carries out this function of restraining evil)
- What, if any, is the difference between the Church’s calling with respect to the state and the Christian citizen’s calling?
The Church’s calling is to rule over the spiritual kingdom of God Matthew 16 (keys to the Kingdom). State is over civil affairs to restrain evil (Rom 13)
Individual citizens must pay taxes (Rom 13:7, Matt 22:21);
Speak well of them – Acts 23:5 (don’t speak evil of your rulers)
Submit to them – Titus 3:1
Be subject to them - 1 Peter 2:13ff
They should govern justly and fairly – Col 4:1 (this speaks of masters, but implies anyone who holds authority)
They may hold office – Paul’s attempt to convert Agrippa in Acts 26 seems to imply he could remain a leader (since he wouldn’t have to become a prisoner like Paul)
- What is your view of “civil disobedience”; are their any laws in force today that you believe you must disobey?
Unless a law requires us to sin against God or each other, we must obey the laws, no matter how oppressive or unjust they are towards us (Rom 13 and the situation Roman Christians often found themselves in).
If they require something contrary to God’s law, then we must obey God - Acts 4:20 (judge for yourselves whether it is better to obey man rather than God)
In the USA I do not know of any, though in other countries yes, such as laws against distributing the Bible or calling people to faith in Christ in Morocco.
Packer points out we must accept the penalty for our civil disobedience, to show respect for God-given authority.
- Is it legitimate for a Christian to participate in war, and if so, under what conditions?
It is legitimate, when required by his government to do so – Luke 3 – Jesus told soldiers to be content w/ their wages – he didn’t say ‘get out of the army’.
If the war the government is waging, however, is not for the protection of the people against evil (Rom 13), then the soldier would be asked to take life unjustly and must therefore disobey.
- What is your view of marriage, divorce, and remarriage after divorce?
Marriage is a bond between a man and a woman instituted by God at creation. It involves companionship, complementing and completing one another, and nakedness without shame (Gen 2:21-25). It embodies the bond of love between Christ and his church (Eph 5).
Divorce is only permitted in the case of sexual immorality (Matt 5:27) and abandonment (1 Cor 7:15). Remarriage after divorce is permitted only in the case of a divorce concluded for the grounds above for the offended party. In the case of the offending party, reconciliation should be attempted if they have come to a place of repentance (??)
- What is your view of the Lord’s Day: its nature, purpose and duties?
God has given us one day in seven to rest, in reflection of his rest on the seventh day (Gen 2). Its purpose is for rest and enjoyment of God’s blessing (Ex 20). Duties include not working (Ex 20) and remembering and enjoying the rest that Jesus has won for us (Heb 4).
And acts of mercy Luke 13:10-17; and worship & fellowship Acts 20:7 – gathered together for breaking bread, Paul preaching
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What is General Revelation and in what sense, if any is it inadequate?
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General revelation provides us with the knowledge that God exists. “The heavens declare the glory of God,” says the psalmist. God’s glory is displayed in the works of His hands. This display is so clear and manifest that no creature can possibly miss it. It unveils God’s eternal power and deity (Romans 1:18-23). Revelation in nature does not give a full revelation of God. It does not give us the information about God the Redeemer that we find in the Bible. But the God who is revealed in nature is the same God who is revealed in Scripture. Psalm 19:1-14
WCF - GR not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation
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- Discuss the relation between God’s moral standards and the conscience of the unbeliever; of the believer.
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For the unbeliever:
Romans 1:18-32 teaches that fallen man not only knows that the true God exists (verses 20-21), but he also knows that this God has an absolute moral standard which binds all mankind and to which is attached the penalty of death for disobedience (verse 32). In other words, men are aware that there is a covenant of works because the “work of the law” has been “written in their heart” (Romans 2:15)
Through his conscience, the unregenerate man can only know God as his Judge. Inheriting original sin from Adam, and worsening his condition by his own actual sins, the sinner is always running away from God and yet at every turn, God thunders out His judgments through the faculty of his own conscience.
Believer:
* 1. Reveals sin: Romans 2:14
* 2. Points us to our need for Christ.
* 3. Reveals to the believer what is pleasing to God. John 14:15
* 3. Repetitive sin can cause our conscience to be seared:1 Timothy 4:2
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- What is Special Revelation and in what sense, if any is it inadequate?
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Special Revelation is the knowledge of God and of his will that is necessary for salvation which is contained in the Holy Scriptures.
For the purpose of man’s redemption and His own glory, God has committed that which He had in times past revealed through theophanies, dreams, and prophets “wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.” God’s special revelation, therefore, is now found in its permanent form in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
The understanding that Scripture is God’s special revelation rests on the conviction that God inspired the human authors of Scripture. Paul writes: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). And Peter adds: “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
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- Are the ways of God’s revealing His will in the past (dreams, visions, theophanies, audible voice etc. still employed by God in the Church today?)
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No. God has committed that which He had in times past revealed through theophanies, dreams, and prophets “wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.” God’s special revelation, therefore, is now found in its permanent form in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Hebrews 1:1,2, Hebrews 2:2,3 Matthew 16:15-19
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- Is there in the church today the office of prophet, as in the NT (1 Cor 12:28;Eph 4:11)? If so, describe the office.
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No, Christ has fulfilled the office of Prophet and through his Holy Spiirt continues to represent God to man. Hebrews 2:3, I Peter 1:11
We believe that the office of Prophet is extraordinary and has ceased along with the offices of Apostle and Evangelist
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Are men (or women) “carried along” by the Holy Spirit today (2 Peter 1:21) as they were in the NT and is there any information given to the Church today that is “God Breathed” (2 Tim 3:16) apart from Scripture?
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No. All ‘God breathed’ revelation has ceased. The Word of God 2 Tim. 3:16 is the only source of revelation and no longer are men/women carried along by the Holy Spirit.
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Are we to expect that miracle workers minister in the church today; that is, those invested with the gift of healing, commanding nature, etc. so that they can command to be healed as did Peter and Paul?
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No. These particular gifts have stopped with the Apostles and the launch of the church. It does not mean that people cannot be healed. But healing should take place within the ordinary means by which god has provided us. Doctors medicine, healthy practices including the church and the elders James 5:14-15
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Do you agree with the following decisions of PCA General Assemblies? If you disagree, explain your views.
“[S]imply affirming the canon is closed, and that supposed new revelations from God add nothing to the deposit of truth found in Scripture does not cover all the negations concerning new revelation from God found in WCF I, 1, 6, and BCO 7-1. These statements of the standards also negate the idea that any extraordinary ways still continue in addition to Scripture as ways by which God verbally uncovers His will to His people.” (M8GA, p. 93.)
“Not only is the canon of Scripture closed, but no gift is to be allowed which has the practical effect of functioning as a normative source of truth or divine instruction from God, along side the voice of the Holy Spirit Speaking in the Scriptures.” (M16GA, p. 215)
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yes.
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- What is illumination and how does it differ from revelation?
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Illumination refers to God’s work in the lives of believers to make us able to believe and understand the words of the Bible. This does not mean the Spirit gives us new revelation – rather He applies to our lives the truths contained in His existing revelation. While illumination depends on prior revelation, it must be differentiated from it. 1 Cor. 2:9-11 John 16:13-15
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10 Describe the proper use, and the limitations, of reason with respect to a. one’s acknowledgment of the authority of Scripture and b. one’s understanding of the meaning of Scripture?
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Authority of Scripture is not established by reason. God establishes the authority of Scripture. Reason is not the foundation of revelation. Reason can never be placed as a higher authority than scripture. Rather, reason reveals that which is hidden or unclear within revelation. These hidden truths may not be discerned by those who lack faith because the Scriptures “breathe something divine.” (ibid.) In order to have this sort of understanding through reason, one must first believe. Those who place reason over revelation as a higher authority treat the instrument as the foundation. Reason does not establish the truths found within the Scriptures. It reveals those truths that have already been established by divine authority. Acts 17
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What is the “Four-fold state of man?”
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I. State of Innocence Pre-Fall Man - Sinless with the ability to sin or not to sin. Gen 5:1-2
II. State of Sin Post Fall Man - Totally Depraved Able to sin, unable not to sin. psalm 5, Rom 1, John 3:6
III. State of Grace Regenerate Man - Able to sin able to not sin.(Romans 7) 2 Cor. 3:18, Ezekiel 36:26
IV. Eternal State - Glorified man - Able to not sin, unable to sin. I Corinthians 15:42-44
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Explain your views with respect to dichotomy and trichotomy
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Dichotomy is a term which signifies a division into two parts: Body and Soul.
Trichotomy is a term which signifies a division into 3 parts: Body, Soul, and Spirit.
Trichotomy - Taught Scripturally - Hebrews 4:12 sword divides soul and spirit. Ephesians 2:1 This is how a non believer can be both spiritually dead and yet still have a soul and be alive.
Body - Connects us to the world
Soul - essence of our being
Spirit - Connects us with God.
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- What significance does the historicity of Adam have with respect to Federal Vision?
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Those in the federal vision camp deny Adam as an actual created being that God established a covenant of works with. Therefore there is a denial that there ever was a ‘covenant of works’ and a denial that the law given in eden was the same law as sinai. Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:10
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- What is the essential nature of sin; what is its manifestation?
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Thus, the essence of all sin is the failure to love God. That is the primary violation. And the essence of sin is most clearly seen in unbelief. This shows up in John 16 where Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit who would “convict the world of sin…because they do not believe in Me” (John 16:8). In other words, any failure to love and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is a failure to love God. Thus, the apostle Paul wrote, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be damned” (1 Corinthians 16:22).
It manifests itself in pride thinking that I know better or I can do it without God’s help.
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If fallen man is totally depraved, in what sense, if any, can the unregenerated do good works?
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Yes but only through Common grace enables man to perform what is generally called civil righteousness or natural good, works that are outwardly in harmony with the law of God, though entirely destitute of any real spiritual quality. Luke 6:33, 2 Kings 10:29, Romans 10:5
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- Are all sins equal; will all sins be equally punished. In each case, why or why not?
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Are all sins equal; No. WSC - Are all transgressions equally heinous - Some sins in themselves and by reason of severity are more heinous in the sight of God than others. Ezekiel 8, Matthew 11:20-24
The idea of gradations of sins is important for us to keep in mind so we understand the difference between sin and gross sin. Again, all of our sins require forgiveness. All of our sins are acts of treason against God. We need a Savior for our “little” ones as well as the “major” ones. But some sins are more significant than others, and we need to identify which these are, lest we fall into the pharisaical trap of majoring in the minors.”
Will all sins be equally punished? Yes. WSC 84 - What doth every sin deserve? God’s wrath and curse both in this life and the life to come. James 2:10, Ezekiel 18:4
