The Moral Commandments of God

“And God spake all these words, saying,

(Preface) I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, not thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within the gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s (Exodus 20:1–17)

“But although the whole Law is contained in two heads, yet, in order to remove every pretext for excuse, the Lord has been pleased to deliver more fully and explicitly in Ten Commandments, everything relating to his own honor, fear, and love, as well as everything relating to the charity which, for his sake, he enjoins us to have towards our fellowmen.” (John Calvin, Institutes)

“In the promulgation of His Law, God first prescribed what believers must follow; because He saw that this was the best method (compendium) for retaining the minds of His people in true religion, and at the same time the best remedy for idolatry. Unless we submit to this counsel of God, we shall not only betray a licentious spirit of contention, but shall run directly against God, like butting bulls. For it was not in vain that Moses laid down this principle, that when God collected to Himself a Church, and handed down a certain and inviolable rule for holy living, He had not invested Himself in a bodily shape, but had exhibited the living image of His glory in the doctrine itself. Hence we may conclude that all those who seek for God in a visible figure, not only decline, but actually revolt, from the true study of piety.” (John Calvin, Commentary)

Justification and Righteousness*

Naturally, as far as justification before a sin-hating God is concerned, Christians are “not under law but under grace.” Rom. 6:14f. Nevertheless, as Calvin here comments, “the Law is the rule of good living, and has been given to govern men….” If it is broken, all discipline at once falls to the ground, the restraints are shattered, and ultimately no difference or distinction between good and evil is left. But [then] our misconception here consists in our supposing that the righteousness which God approves in His law, is abolished— when the Law is abrogated. “This abrogation, however, does not at all apply to the precepts which teach us the right way to live. For Christ confirms and sanctions these, and does not abrogate them. The proper part of the Law which is removed, is the curse [incurred because of transgressing the Law]—to which all men who are beyond the grace of Christ, are subject.”

So men are to do good works—by endeavouring to keep God’s Holy Law. Of course, as Calvin observes, “men are not justified by works”—that is, by their own works. Yet “we do not deny that the observance of the Law—is true righteousness.” Calvin explains further: “Righteousness comprehends all the duties of equity—in rendering to everyone his due. Next follows godliness—which separates us from the pollutions of the world and connects us with God in true holiness.” Here, Calvin connects ‘righteousness’ and ‘godliness’ not to the ‘reason’ of fallen man. He connects it specifically to a Christian’s striving to live by God’s Ten Commandments. “Indeed,” Calvin insists, “if we would test our reason by the Divine Law, which is a perfect standard of righteousness—we should find out how blind it [our reason] is, in many respects. It certainly attains not to the principal heads in the First Table—such as: trust in God; the ascription to Him of all praise in virtue and righteousness; the invocation of His name; and the true observance of His Day of Rest. Did ever any soul—under the guidance of natural sense [alias unaided reason]— imagine that these and the like constitutes legitimate worship of God?” “As to the precepts of the Second Table, there is considerably more knowledge of them—inasmuch as they are more closely connected with the preservation of civil society. Even here, however, there is something defective [in Natural Law]. Every [ordinary] man of ‘understanding’ deems it most absurd to submit to [what is perceived to be] unjust and tyrannical domination—provided it can by any means be thrown off…. But the Lord [Jesus], condemning this too lofty spirit [in unregenerate mankind], prescribes to His people—that patience which [unregenerate] mankind deems infamous.”

So, though imperfectly, Natural Law still operates—even after man has become totally (though not absolutely) depraved. Observes John Calvin: “God… has been pleased… to manifest His perfections in the whole structure of the Universe, and pleased daily to place Himself in our view—so that we cannot open our eyes, without being compelled to behold Him…. None, however dull and illiterate, can plead ignorance as their excuse…. Ps. 104:2…. Heb. 11:3…. Ps. 19:1…. Rom. 1:20.”

Calvin continues: “But herein appears the shameful ingratitude of man…. At this day…, the earth sustains on her bosom many monster minds—minds which are not afraid to employ the seed[s] of Deity imprinted in human nature as a means of suppressing the Name of God…. How few of us there are who, in lifting our eyes to the heavens or looking abroad on the various regions of the earth, ever think of the Creator…. How many who imagine that they [the seeds of Deity imprinted in human nature] are the casual results produced by the blind evolutions of the wheels of chance…. Hence the immense flood of error with which the whole World is overflowed.”

Further: “Each nation had adopted a variety of fictions…. But [just as men] when aided by glasses begin to read distinctly—so Scripture, gathering together the impression of the Deity…, shows us the true God clearly…. It is necessary to apply to Scripture—in order to learn the sure marks which distinguish God as the Creator of the world from the whole herd of fictitious gods…. “How prone the human mind is, to lapse into forgetfulness of God! … How readily inclined to every error…, corrupted by the presumptuous audacity of men! … God, foreseeing the inefficacy of His impress imprinted on the fair form of the universe—has given us the assistance of His Word….”

“We must go, I say, to the Word [Isa. 8:20 & II Tim. 3:15-17]…. No daily responses are given from heaven, and the Scriptures are the only records in which [the true Lord] God has been pleased to consign His truth to perpetual remembrance…. The very things [now] contained in the Two Tables [of Ex. 20] are, in a manner, dictated to us by that internal law which …is…written and stamped on every heart.” Gen. 2:9–18; Eccl. 7:29; Rom. 1:20f, 2:14–16; Eph. 4:24–29.

* Taken from a paper written by Dr. Francis Nigel Lee, “Calvin on The Law;” Queensland Presbyterian Theological College, Brisbane, Australia..

Shorter Catechism Q&A #38

Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

That which is our faith, hope, and love today (1 Cor. 13:13), will be fully realized and openly acknowledged, our souls being united to our bodies which will never know corruption again (1 Cor. 15:42).

What does it mean?

Discuss the nature of the resurrection of the body as revealed in 1 Cor. 15:41–44. How does the truth of the resurrection assure the promise of Matthew 10:32–33? God guarantees our resurrection in the resurrection of Christ. [Discuss 2 Cor. 4:13–14.] What does the testimony of Christ recorded in John 11:25–26 tell us about our resurrection and judgment? Discuss the last judgment referring to 2 Cor. 5:1, 5:10, 5:19.

What is our practice?

We should do those works which glorify the resurrected Lord, knowing that our works will be judged by God himself at the last day. Our works and witness reveal our belief in the resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“In respect of God’s justice; If God be a just God, he will reward the bodies of the saints as well as their souls. It cannot be imagined that the souls of believers should be glorified, and not their bodies. They have served God with their bodies; their bodies have been members of holiness; their eyes have dropped tears for sin; their hands have relieved the poor; their tongues have set forth God’s praise; therefore justice and equity require that their bodies should be crowned as well as their souls; and how can that be unless they are raised from the dead?

“If the body did not rise again, a believer would not be completely happy; for, though the soul can subsist without the body, yet it has appetites unionis; ‘a desire of reunion’ with the body; and it is not fully happy till it be clothed with the body. Therefore, undoubtedly, the body shall rise again. If the soul should go to heaven, and not the body, then a believer would be only half saved” (Thomas Watson)

Shorter Catechism Q&A # 37

Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

How shall we define the “souls of believers”? First, we are speaking of the souls that have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (“believers” being those who have been convinced of the Holy Spirit that ‘Joshua’ (Jesus) is the Christ the Son of the living God, the only Savior of mankind); and we are acknowledging the truth that “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:32; note Rom. 6:9–11).

What does it mean?

Discuss how Christians  “at their death are made perfect in holiness,” and are assured by Christ in his death and resurrection (Heb. 12:23); how believers “pass into glory” (2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8, Phil. 1:23, Luke. 23:43); and how bodies are “united to Christ” (1 Thess. 4:14). “The dust of believers is part of Christ’s mystic body. The grave is a dormitory or place of rest to the saints, where their bodies quietly sleep in Christ, till they are awakened out of their sleep by the trumpet of the archangel” (T. Watson), “rest in their graves” (Isa. 57:2), “till the resurrection” (Job 19:26–27).

What is our practice?

It strengthens our love for God, for he loves us. It strengthens our faith in Christ, who is our ever-present Shepherd. It removes our fear of death, for our life is in Christ. It strengthens our witness as it reveals our hope in Christ. It reveals the truth of God’s promises in Christ. It comforts our souls, as we face tribulations and persecutions.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“For to me to live is Christ, i.e., Christ is the end of my life; I fetch my spiritual life from Christ, as the branch fetches its sap from the root. ‘Christ liveth in me.’ (Gal. 3:20). Jesus Christ is a head of influence; he sends forth life and spirits into me, to quicken me to every holy action. Thus, for me to live is Christ: Christ is the principle of my life; from his fullness I live, as the vine branch lives from the root.” (Thomas Watson)

Death, being the wages of sin, why are not the righteous delivered from death, seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ? The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it; so that, although they die, yet it is out of God’s love, to free them perfectly from sin and misery, and to make them capable of further communion with Christ in glory, which they then enter upon. (Westminster Larger Catechism, 85)

Shorter Catechism Q & A # 36

Q. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

The benefits which flow from God in his acts and works of grace are both daily and eternal. Each day brings blessings from our fellowship with our Father, joy in Christ, and comfort and counsel of the Holy Spirit. Perseverance is seen in our praise and growth in Christ and his Word, encouraging us to be faithful in our study and deeds of mercy.

What does it mean?

List and discuss the benefits which flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, as revealed in the following verses:

Rom. 5:1–5
Rom. 14:17
Prov. 4:18
1 John 5:13
1 Peter 1:5
2 Peter 3:18
Jer. 32:40
Eph. 3:16–18
Col. 1:10–11

What is our practice?

How should we apply the benefits which we just listed and discussed? Be faithful in worship, in fellowship with other believers, in study and teaching of God’s Word, in prayer, in confession of sins before God, in receiving and giving forgiveness, in thanksgiving, in the keeping of God’s commandments.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

Assurance
“Assurance will make us active and lively in God’s service; it will excite prayer, and quicken obedience. As diligence begets assurance, so assurance begets diligence. Assurance will not breed self-security in the soul, but industry. Doubting discourages us in God’s service, but the assurance of his favour breeds joy. ‘The joy of the Lord is our strength.’ Neh. 7:10. Assurance makes us mount up to heaven, as eagles, in holy duties; it is like the Spirit in Ezekiel’s wheels, that moved them, and lifted them up. Faith will make us walk, but assurance will make us run: we shall never think we can do enough for God. Assurance will be as wings to the bird, as weights to the clock, to set all the wheels of obedience running.” (Thomas Watson)
Obedience—Romans 1:5
“Observe the description here given of the Christian profession: it is obedience to the faith. It does not consist in a notional knowledge or a naked assent; much less does it consist in perverse disputings, but in obedience. This obedience to the faith answers the law of faith, mentioned Rom. 3:27. The act of faith is the obedience of the understanding to God revealing, and the product of that is the obedience of the will to God commanding.” (Matthew Henry)

Shorter Catechism Q & A #35

Q. What is Sanctification?

A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

Justification and adoption are acts of God’s free grace, whereby our sins are forgiven and we become true children of God. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are moved and enabled by the Holy Spirit to deny ungodliness and live godly and righteous lives [Titus 2:11–12].

What does it mean?

The Larger Catechism teaches us that: “Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification, yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ; in sanctification his Spirit infuseth grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof; in the former, sin is pardoned; in the other, it is subdued: the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in this life, that they never fall into condemnation; the other is neither equal in all, nor in this life perfect in any, but growing up to perfection” [L. C. Q & A 77].

Discuss Sanctification as revealed in the following verses:

• 2 Thess. 2:13 [Spirit & Belief]
• Eph. 4:23–24 [renewed]
• Rom. 6:4–6 [from death to life]
• Rom. 8:1 [no condemnation].

What is our practice?

Remembering that we were delivered from sin, we desire the continued cleansing of the Spirit by the Word of God. We now have a new appreciation of the Spirit and seek his counsel and comfort. We desire to grow in our faith and walk, seeking God’s will in all our actions; our love towards God grows in his love toward us. “Grace is most beautiful when its light shines that others may see it”—Watson

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“Are all that are justified sanctified? Yes: for Jesus Christ is made both righteousness and sanctification, 1 Cor. 1:30. Is it necessary they should be so? Yes: for without holiness no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12:14. Did Christ die that they might be sanctified? Yes: for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified, John 17:19. And was this the intention of their election? Yes: he hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification, 2 Thess. 2:13. Is sanctification the work of God? Yes: we are sanctified by God the Father, Jude 1. Is it the work of the Spirit of God? Yes: it is sanctification of the Spirit, 1 Pet. 1:2. Is it a work of free grace? Yes: according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, Tit. 3:5. Is it a work wrought in us? Yes: for we are his workmanship, created unto good works, Eph. 2:10” (Matthew Henry)

Shorter Catechism Q & A #34

Q. What is Adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

We are received into the household of God as adopted children, having the right to the privileges as true sons; this coming about by an act of God alone, by grace alone, giving us both a new nature and a new name (which reveals that we belong to our Father in heaven).

What does it mean?

God adopted us because of his great love towards us.

Discuss. [1 John 3:1, Eph. 1:12].

What does it mean to be “sons of God”? [John 1:12—to receive is to believe; to be given power is to be given the ability, the right or privilege to be called the “sons of God.”] Rom. 8:16–17 teaches that we are “heirs of God.” Discuss what it means to be an heir.

What is our practice?

1. We ought to live our lives with much thanksgiving.
2. We will display the love of God in our daily lives as we grow in this knowledge that God has adopted us.
3. One great sign of our adoption is our willingness to obey God and his Word.
4. Be guided by the Holy Spirit in study and in duty.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

What is this Adoption?

“It is taking a stranger into the relation of a son and heir; as Moses was the adopted son of King Pharaoh’s daughter, Exod ii 10, and Esther was the adopted child of her cousin Mordecai. Esth ii 7. Thus God adopts us into the family of heaven, and God in adopting us does two things:

(1) He ennobles us with his name. He who is adopted bears the name of him who adopts him. ‘I will write on him the name of my God.’ Rev iii 12.

(2) God consecrates us with his Spirit. Whom he adopts, he anoints; whom he makes sons, he makes saints. When a man adopts another for his son and heir, he may put his name upon him, but he cannot put his disposition into him; if he be of a morose rugged nature, he cannot alter it; but whom God adopts he sanctifies; he not only gives a new name but a new nature. 2 Pet I 4. He turns the wolf into a lamb; he makes the heart humble and gracious; he works such a change as if another soul dwelt in the same body.” (Thomas Watson)

Shorter Catechism Q & A #33

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

Christ, in standing before the judgment throne of God on our behalf, whereby the Divine Judge declares us as righteous in the righteousness of Christ alone; grace alone being the divine motive in pardoning our sins and accepting us into his household; and receive by faith alone.

What does it mean?

To be ‘justified’ means to be shown innocent, i.e., righteous. Read Rom. 3:24–26, 28: How do these verses characterize the method of being justified? In other words, what is the cause of justification?

What does it mean that God has imputed to us the righteousness of Christ?

[Rom. 4:6–7, 2 Cor. 5:19–21, Rom. 5:17–19, Gal. 2:16, Phil. 3:9]

What is our practice?

1. Praise God for his goodness; proclaiming his grace.
2. Pray: Come to God for the promise of the Comforter.
3. Enjoy his peace. Know the comfort and protection of our Savior.
4. Repent. Know the faithfulness of the Father to forgive our sins and to build us up in the righteousness of Christ.
5. Be Thankful. The Christian is “not to be justified by their duties or graces, but by the righteousness of Christ. Their duties are mixed with sin, but that righteousness which justifies them is a perfect righteousness” (Thomas Watson)

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity. An error about justification is dangerous, like a defect in a foundation. Justification by Christ is a spring of the water of life. To have the poison of corrupt doctrine cast into this spring is damnable. It was a saying of Luther, ‘that after his death the doctrine of justification would be corrupted.’ In these latter times, the Arminians and Socinians have cast a dead fly into this box of precious ointment. … What is meant by justification? It is verbum forense, a word borrowed from law-courts, wherein a person arraigned is pronounced righteous, and is openly absolved. God, in justifying a person, pronounces him to be righteous, and looks upon him as if he had not sinned.” (Thomas Watson)

“When seen in the light of the doctrines of substitution, satisfaction, sacrifice, the death of Christ appears as a great divine achievement, a glorious and unapproachable priestly action through which the suffering Messiah offered Himself in order that divine justice might be safeguarded and that sinful man might be reconciled to God. Logic drives us to the conclusion that the death of Christ on the cross was no ordinary death, but a mighty transaction through which God provided redemption for His people.” (Loraine Boettner)

Shorter Catechism Q & A #32

Q. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.

Memorize Q & A— Exposition

To be effectually called brings with it benefits from the Triune God; the Lord God justifying us, predestinating us to be the Father’s adopted children (Eph. 1:5–7); sanctifying us in his image (Rom. 8:28–29); which we may call the ‘Preservation of the Saints.’

What does it mean?

What is the cause of our being effectually called? (Rom. 8:3)

What does it mean for us to be adopted? (Eph. 1:5)

What is man’s part in being effectually called? (1 Cor. 1:26, 30)

What are the distinguishing marks of those who are “effectually called”?

• 1 Thess. 2:11–13—our walk, the Word, our belief
• 1 Peter 2:9–10—characteristics of the people of God, from whence they were called, to where they were called
• James 2:5—poor made rich

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”—Psalm 84:11

What is our practice?

1. Our witness is strengthened, for only Christ is our salvation.
2. Our hearts are humbled in our testimony.
3. We become more obedient to God’s Word.
4. It gives us strength to fight off temptation.
5. We understand the work of grace and are able to give comfort to others as to the salvation of our souls.

Quotes for thought and discussion

“Are they dignified and preferred? Yes: Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, 1 Pet. 2:9. Are they brought near? Yes: Ye who sometimes were afar off, are made nigh, Eph. 2:13. Are they enriched? Yes: God hath called the poor in this world rich in faith, Jam. 2:5. Are they taken into the communion of saints? Yes: for we are come to the church of the first-born which are written in heaven, Heb. 12:23. And into communion with the holy angels? Yes: for we are come to an innumerable company of angels, Heb. 12:29. Are they entitled to tile best possessions? Yes: all things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours, 1 Cor. 3:22. Are they happy in the best blessings? Yes: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly things, Eph. 1:3. Are they happy both for soul and body? Yes: He hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, 2 Pet. 1:3.” (Matthew Henry)

Shorter Catechism Q & A #31

Q. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

Irresistible grace flows from the heart of the Spirit of God to call us out of darkness into his marvelous light; convincing, enlightening, renewing, persuading, and enabling us to embrace Christ as our Savior.

What does it mean?

What is the work of the Spirit?

1. How are we made partakers of our salvation and calling in Christ Jesus? 2 Tim. 1:8–9 [a holy calling]; in Eph. 1:18–20 [our understanding enlightened]; 2 Thess. 2:13–14 [sanctification].
2. Do we need to be convicted of our sin and misery? Rev. 3:17–19; Acts 2:37–38; Rom. 3:20, 23.
3. What does it mean to have our minds enlightened? Eph. 5:8–10; Acts 26:18.
4. What does it mean to receive a new heart? Ezek. 11:19, 36:26–27.
5. How are we enabled to embrace Christ? John 6:44–45 [taught of God]; Phil. 2:13 [God’s good pleasure]; Deut. 30:6 [God’s work]; Eph. 2:4–5 [by grace we are saved].

What is our practice?

1. To be faithful in the hearing of the Word of God preached faithfully by the Lord’s servants.
2. To live by faith, convinced of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
3. To be ready to repent as the Spirit convinces us of our sin.
4. To be thankful for the comfort and love of God in Christ.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“It is a high calling, ‘I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God’ Phil 3.14. It is a high calling, (i) Because we are called to high exercises of religion; to be crucified to the world, to live by faith, to do angel’s work, to love God, to be living organs of his praise, to hold communion with the Father and the Son. I John 1:3. (Thomas Watson)

The ‘preaching of the word,’ which is the sounding of God’s silver trumpet in men’s ears. God speaks not by an oracle, he calls by his ministers. Samuel thought it had been the voice of Eli only that called him; but it was God’s voice (1 Sam. 3:6). So, perhaps, you think it is only the minister that speaks to you in the word, but it is God himself who speaks. Therefore Christ is said to speak to us from heaven (Heb. 12:25). How does he speak but by his ministers? As a king speaks by his ambassadors. Know, that in every sermon preached, God calls to you; and to refuse the message we bring, is to refuse God himself. (Thomas Watson)

Shorter Catechism Q & A #30

Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

The Holy Spirit applies the work of the Father and the Son by restoring our fellowship with God, restoring us as adopted children in his household, as being made after the image of our Creator. [The Atonement: Rom. 5:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:17–19; a change, reconciliation, to establish a peace relationship.]

What does it mean?

Define the word “purchased” (Acts 20:28). Discuss the role of the elder in light of the redemption purchased by Christ. Discuss the role of

1. God’s Word in redemption (Eph. 1:13–14)
2. God the Father in Christ’s work of redemption (John 6:37–39)
3. Grace in the work of redemption

What is our practice?

1. Resting our faith upon the work of grace whereby we have been redeemed by faith alone.
2. That this gift of faith is of the Holy Spirit, whereby we are united to Christ who reconciled us to the Father.
3. We are able to serve Christ in obedience to his word in all areas of our lives.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

The Church: “Which he hath purchased. …Whereby it appeareth how precious it is to him; and surely there is nothing which ought more vehemently to urge pastors to do their duty joyfully, than if they consider that the price of the blood of Christ is committed to them. For hereupon it followeth, that unless they take pains in the Church, the lost souls are not only imputed to them, but they be also guilty of sacrilege, because they have profaned the holy blood of the Son of God, and have made the redemption gotten by him to be of none effect, so much as in them lieth. And this is a most cruel offense, if, through our sluggishness, the death of Christ do not only become vile or base, but the fruit thereof be also abolished and perish; and it is said that God hath purchased the Church, to the end we may know that he would have it remain wholly to himself, because it is meet and right that he possess those whom he hath redeemed.” (John Calvin)

Uniting us to Christ: the Atonement or Reconciliation: “The two great objectives to be accomplished by Jesus Christ in His mission to this world were, first, the removal of the curse under which mankind labored as a result of disobedience and fall, and second, the restoration of men to the image and fellowship of God. Both of these are essential to salvation. The work of Christ is reconciling God and man we call the Atonement; and this doctrine, we believe, lies at the very heart of the Christian system.” (Loraine Boettner)