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Post by Admin on Jun 8, 2024 13:04:01 GMT -5
CHAPTER 1:
Of the Nature or Perfections of God.
The Scripture represents mankind as instructed in the knowledge of
God by his works of creation and providence, Ps 19:1-6; Rom 1:19-
20,32 and Rom 2:14-15; Acts 14:15-17 and Acts 17:23. And, while it
supposes, it also solemnly asserts and proves, his existence, and
represents his Names, Nature, Perfections, Persons, Purposes, and
Works.
The proper names which are ascribed to God in the Old Testament,
are, El, which denotes him the strong and powerful God, Gen 17:1;
Isa 9:6. Eloah, which represents him as the only proper object of
, which represents his incomparable excellency, absolute supremacy over all,
and his peculiar residence in the highest heavens, Ps 50:14 and Ps
56:2. Adon, which marks him the great Connecter, Supporter, Lord
and Judge of all creatures, Ps 110:1; Ps 16:2. Jah, which may denote
his self-existence and giving of being to his creatures, or his infinite
comeliness and answerableness, to himself and to the happiness or
his creatures, Exod 15:2; Ps 68:4; Ps 130:3; Isa 26:4. Ehjeh, I Am, or
I Will Be, which denotes his self-existence, absolute independence,
immutable eternity, and all-sufficiency to his people, Exod 3:14; Rev
1:4,8. Jehovah, which denotes his self-existence, absolute
independence, and unsuccessive eternity, with his effectual and
marvellous giving of being to his creatures, and fulfilling his
promises, Gen 2:4,7-8,16,19,21-22; Gen 3:1; Gen 10:9-10; Gen
12:1,4,7.—This name of God was known in the earliest ages of the
world, Gen 4:1; Gen 9:26; Gen 5:29; Gen 14:22; Gen 15:7; Gen 24:7.
And so God not being known to the patriarchs by it, means no more
than that he had not demonstrated the propriety of it in any
remarkable fulfilment of promises, Exod 6:3. This name often, in
part, composes the names of persons or things; in that state, it
merely denotes a relation to Jehovah, but taken simply by itself, it is
never ascribed to any but God.
1. He alone is Jehovah, Ps 83:18; Isa 37:20; Isa 45:5-6.
2. This name is represented as a distinguishing name of God, Isa 42:8; Exod 15:3; Hos 12:5; Amos 5:8 and is his
great and terrible name, Ps 99:3.
3. The excellency which it denotes is applicable to none but God, Ps 96:5; Isa 44:24.—Whereever an
angel is called Jehovah, or Lord, in capitals in our translation, he
must be understood to be the Son of God, who is the Messenger of
Jehovah, or Messenger-Jehovah, Gen 16:13; Gen 18:13, etc.
In the New Testament, God is called Kurios or Lord, which denotes
his self-existence, his establishment of, and his authority over all
things;—and Theos, which represents him as the Maker, the
Pervader, and the governing Observer of all things.—This name
Theos, as well as El and Eloah, which we render God, is a name
which represents his divine nature, not merely his power or office.
1.m All persons having power and authority are not truly Gods, 1 Cor 8:5-6.
2. God is represented as a God by nature, to distinguish him from idols, Gal 4:8.
3. He was God before his power had formed any creatures, or he had any to govern, Rom 1:20; Rom 16:26; Ps 90:2.
4. Theotes, or Theiotes, godhead, means not power, or office, but a divine nature, Acts 17:29; Rom 1:20; Col 2:9.
5. No creature is called God without some limitation annexed, which plainly imports, that
they are not so by nature: angels and magistrates are called gods,
because of their being his deputies in his government of the world,
and resembling his majesty, wisdom, power, and equity, Ps 97:7; Ps
82:6; John 10:34; Exod 4:16; Exod 7:1; Exod 22:28.—Idols, devils,
and men's bellies, are called gods, because they are often regarded or
worshipped instead of the true God, Ps 115:4; 2 Cor 4:4; Phil 3:19.
God is represented by a multitude of metaphorical names, as a Man,
a Lion, a Rock, etc.—Besides the names which represent the divine
nature, there are others which represent particular persons in the
godhead, as Father, Son, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost or Spirit, Matt
28:19; 2 Cor 13:14.—The titles which denote what relation God hath
to others, belong to his name.—Some of them, as Creator of all the
ends of the earth, Isa 40:28. Preserver of men, Job 7:20. King of
nations, Jer 10:7. Lord of Hosts, belong to him as the God of nature.
—Others as the God and Father of Christ, Eph 1:3; 1 Pet 1:3; John
20:17; 2 Cor 1:3. The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, Exod
3:6.—The God and the Holy One of Israel, 2 Sam 23:3; Isa 48:17.—
King of saints, Rev 15:3.—Father of mercies, and God of all comfort,
2 Cor 1:3.—The God of mercy, Ps 59:17.—The God of grace, 1 Pet
5:10.—The God of peace, Rom 16:20; 2 Cor 13:11; Heb 13:20.—The
God of salvation, Ps 68:20.—The hearer of prayer, etc.—belong to
him as God in Christ, reconciling the world to himself.
In respect of his substance, God is a most pure spirit, having an
understanding and will, without any bodily parts, any affections or
passions.
1. He is expressly represented as a Spirit, John 4:24; Num
24:2; Judg 3:10; Ezek 11:24; 2 Cor 3:17-18 and as the God, the
Father, and the former of spirits, Num 16:22; Heb 12:9; Zech 12:1
with Luke 24:39.
2. He is represented as altogether incorporeal and
invisible, Job 10:4; Job 9:11; Job 4:16-17; Job 23:3-4,8; Isa 40:18;
Deut 4:15-16; Exod 33:20; John 5:37; John 1:18; Rom 1:20,23; 1 Tim
1:17; 1 Tim 6:16; Heb 11:27.
3. Immortal life is ascribed to him, Deut 33:40; Jer 10:10; 2 Cor 6:16;
1 Thess 1:9; 1 Tim 1:17; 1 Tim 4:10; 1 Tim 6:16; Acts 14:15; Rom 1:23; Rev 1:18; Gen 16:13; Ps 18:46. Which
life is manifested in his giving and preserving that natural or
spiritual life which his creatures enjoy, Acts 17:25-29; Ps 36:9; 1 Tim
6:13; Rom 4:17; 1 John 5:20; John 5:21,25-26,28; John 14:19.
4. Spiritual acts of thinking and willing are ascribed to him, Ps 33:11; Ps
40:5; Ps 139:2; Ps 147:4-5; Ps 92:3; Isa 55:8; Jer 29:11; Ps 115:3; Rev
4:11; Dan 4:35; Isa 46:10; Isa 14:24,27, Eph 1:11; Phil 2:13; Rom 9:16,18.
5. The power, wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth,
the persons, purposes, and works, hereafter proved to belong to him,
harmoniously manifest him a most pure Spirit.—The bodily
members attributed to him in Scripture, are but instructive emblems
of his spiritual perfections and acts,—used in condescension to our
weakness, Hos 12:10.—In this manner also, all the affections or
passions of desire, joy, hope, fear, grief, anger, etc. ascribed to him
are to be understood. Moreover, God having always dealt with men,
in the way of covenant-connections, many of these affections are
intended to represent him as a friend, or enemy, according to the
tenor of these covenants. And the changes seemingly attributed to
him, really import the change in, or on us, from being under the
covenant of works, to be in the covenant of grace.
The attributes, perfections, or excellencies of God, are the essential
and absolutely inseparable properties of his spiritual substance or
nature. These may be distinguished into those called communicable,
of which some faint, but infinitely defective resemblances, may be
found among his creatures,—as knowledge, wisdom, power, holiness,
justice, goodness, and truth—and incommunicable, of which no
resemblance can be found among his creatures,—as self-existence,
absolute independence, absolute simplicity, infinity, unsuccessive
eternity, unchangeableness, necessary oneness, and subsistence in
three distinct person
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Post by Admin on Jun 8, 2024 13:05:31 GMT -5
I. The Knowledge of God
The knowledge of God is that intellectual perfection, by which he
discerns objects.—He knows all things, Ps 147:5; John 21:17; 1 John
1:5; 1 John 3:20; Heb 4:13; Job 34:21-22; Job 36:4-5; Ps 94:7-10; Ps
139:4-7; Jer 23:24.—He knows,
1. Himself in all his unbounded perfections and mysterious purposes, Matt 11:27; John 1:18; John
10:15; 1 Cor 1:10; Jer 29:11; Acts 15:18.
2. All his creatures, great and small, possibly or really existent, Ps 147:4; Matt 10:30 Acts 15:18;
Deut 29:29; Job 12:22; Job 28:8,10,24; Job 26:4-6; Job 24:1; Job34:21-22; 2 Chron 16:9; Prov 15:3;
Ps 33:13-15; Ps 11:4; Ps 138:6; Jer 23:24; 2 Tim 2:19.
3. All the actions of his creatures, good and bad,
Prov 5:21; Prov 15:3; Job 34:21-22; Ps 69:5; Ps 90:8; Ps 139:7-13; Ps
33:13-18; Ps 34:15; Ps 1:6; Ps 56:8; Neh 1:7; 1 Sam 2:3; Jer 16:17; Jer
32:19; Isa 26:7; Hab 1:13.
4. All the secret properties and thoughts or
desires of human hearts, Gen 6:5; Heb 4:12-13; Ps 139:1-4; Ps 7:9; Ps
38:9; 1 Chron 28:9; 1 Sam 16:7; Deut 31:21; Prov 15:11; Prov 16:2;
Prov 21:2; Luke 16:15; Amos 4:13; Jer 17:5,9-10; Jer 16:17; Acts 1:24;
Rev 2:23; Rom 8:27; 2 Chron 6:30; John 2:24-25; 1 Cor 4:5.
5. All future things, Ps 139:3-4; Isa 45:20-21; Isa 41:21-24; Isa 42:9; Isa
46:9-10; Jer 29:11; Dan 2:20-22; Acts 15:18 and hence he hath foretold most of them,
Gen 3:14-19 and Gen 6:9; Gen 9; Gen 12-13; Gen 49; Lev 26; Deut 27-33, etc.
6. The connections between possible things, which never actually happen, as he knows what his
power can produce, and what dependence one circumstance must have upon another, Ezek 3:6-7; Matt 11:21,23.
God knows all these things.
1. Necessarily from himself, Ps 147:5; 1 John 1:5; Dan 2:20-22.
2. Intuitively, by a simple glance, not as we
know things, by any course of reasoning or succession of ideas, Heb 4:13; Job 28:23-28.
3. Independently of all instruction from objects
or teachers, Isa 40:13-14; Rom 11:33-34; Job 40:2.
4. Distinctly and comprehensively,—in their nature, number, properties, and
conditions, 1 John 1:5; Isa 40:21; Ps 147:4; Ps 139:12-14.
5. Infallibly, Matt 5:18; Isa 14:24,26-27; Acts 15:8; Ps 139:1-4; Ps 11:4.
6.Unchangeably,—let the created objects change as much as they will;
for all these changes proceed from his sovereign will, Acts 15:18; Isa
46:10.— But conditional declarations of his will must be carefully
distinguished from predictions, 1 Sam 23:11-12; Jon 3.
II. The Wisdom of God
1. As proposing the most proper ends for his conduct, Rom 11:36; Prov 16:4; Isa 43:21.
2. As choosing suitable means, 2 Sam 14:14.
3.As leading him to act by those means in proper circumstances of
time and place, Gal 4:4; Eph 1:10; Ezek 16:8; Ezek 28:25-26; Ezek
29:21.
4. As leading to act by a right rule or plan, Eph 1:11; Isa 46:10; Jer 29:11, is called his wisdom.
It appears that God is wise.
1. The Scriptures plainly declare that he is wise, Job 12:13,16; Job 36:4-5; Job 38-39; Job 28:12,22-28; Prov
8; Rom 11:33-34; Isa 40:13-14; Dan 2:20; 1 Cor 1:21-25; 1 Cor 3:18; Eph 3:10; 1 Tim 1:17; Jude 25; Rom 16:27.
2. He gives much wisdom to his creatures, 1 Kings 3:12; 1 Kings 4:29; Ezra 7:25; Job 35:10-11;
Job 36:22; Job 38:16; Prov 2:6-7; Prov 8:12; Eccles 2:26; Eph 3:10;
James 1:5; Isa 28:26; Job 32:8; Matt 16:17; Isa 48:17; Isa 29:24; Jer 31:34.
3. His wisdom is extensively and clearly manifested,
1. In his purposes,—in forming so perfectly exact a plan of all that comes topass in time and eternity,
—and of every thing in such perfectcorrespondence with his principal and subordinate ends, Isa 40:13-
14; Isa 46:10; Isa 14:26-27; Eph 1:8-11.
2. In his creation of all things,Prov 8:22-31.—In the amazing variety of creatures, seeds, instincts,
members, endowments, vegetative, sensible, or rational,—and of
dispositions, quantities, forms, voices, etc. Ps 104:24; Gen 1.—In
their beauty, and in their order, with respect to themselves, and in
their situations and motions, Eccles 3:11.—In their fitness to answer
their respective ends,—and in so connecting things one with another,
in an almost infinity of forms, Hos 2:21-22.
3. In his providence, in
1. His upholding and governing every creature and all its actions andmotions, in exact correspondence to the ends appointed in every
particular moment of time, Heb 1:3; Eph 1:11.
2. In making awful and threatening providences an introduction to the most glorious and
delightful events. Thus Sarah's long continued barrenness introduced her becoming the mother of multitudes of nations.
Jacob's dishonorable exile introduced his receiving of singular
manifestations from God; his wrestling and lameness, his reception
of the invaluable blessing, Gen 21; Gen 28; Gen 32.—Horrible
wickedness, fearful sorrow and anguish, and lasting debasement,
introduced the glorious advancement of Joseph, and the entrance
and happiness of Jacob with his children into Egypt, Gen 37-47. The
terrible miseries of the Israelites under their Egyptian oppressors,
and under Saul, etc. introduced their most glorious deliverances and
happiness, Exod 1; Josh 24; 1 Sam 4-31; 2 Sam 1-10; 1 Chron 11-29; 1
Kings 1-10.—Ignorance and wickedness, carried to the uttermost,
did, as it were, prepare the world for the incarnation and atonement
of Christ, and the honourable spread of his gospel, Rom 1-3; Rom
5:20-21; Titus 3:3-5. The persecution and murder of the Son of God,
in our nature, by men, were instrumental in promoting the salvation
of men through him, John 11:47-52. Horrible power and progress in
impiety and filthiness, have, as it were, introduced distinguished
favours from God, and the most singular holiness of life, Rom 5:20-
21; Acts 9:22,26; Gal 1:12-24; 1 Cor 15:9-10; 1 Thess 2:1-10; 1 Cor 6:10-11.
3. In promoting his own holy and glorious ends amidst all
the different, contrary, or wicked ends of his instruments, Isa 10:5-
12; Isa 44:28; Isa 45:1-5.—Thus, while the Egyptians hastened the
Israelites out of their country, that they might get rid of their
plagues, God hastened them out that he might fulfil his promise to
Abraham to a day, if not to a minute, Exod 12:41-42 with Gen 15:13-
16. Contrary to the intention of Augustus, the Roman emperor, war
or other accidents retarded the enrolment of his subjects in Canaan,
till it could bring the virgin Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem to
bring forth her divine child, that he, herself, and her husband, might
all be enrolled in the public imperial registers of the world, as
descendents of David and citizens of Bethlehem, where they resided
but a short time, Luke 2; Matt 2; Mic 5:2; Isa 11:1.
4. In his promoting multitudes of ends in one act. Thus the selling of Joseph for a slave,
saved the Egyptians and their neighbors from perishing by famine,—corrected Jacob's sinful indulgence of his children,—promoted Joseph's honor,—and drew his father's family into Egypt, Gen 37-47; Ps 105.
5. In promoting ends which are exceedingly remote. Balak's hiring of Balaam to curse the Israelites, and Balaam's
predictions thus occasioned, served to spread the report of the future incarnation of Christ among the eastern nations.
—This, about 1500 years after, led the wise men to observe his Star, and come by its
direction to worship him at his birth. Their presents supported Him,
his mother, and supposed father, while they were exiles in Egypt, Num 22-24 with Matt 2.
6. In easy counterplotting his most crafty enemies, and making their most violent opposition of his will the
very mean of promoting it, Prov 21:30; Ps 33:10; Job 5:12-13; Job
12:16-20; Isa 29:14; 1 Cor 1:20,25,27. Thus the hardness of Pharaoh's
heart rendered the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt more honorable and God-like.
The alarming invasions of Judea in the days of Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah, issued in the glory and the
enrichment of the Jews, 2 Chron 20; Isa 33:3,7; Isa 36; Isa 37.
7. In his exact timing of events. The Israelites were restrained from entering Canaan,
till the rebellions despisers of it were all dead,—till
the iniquity of the Canaanites was full, and they had weakened
themselves by their intestine wars, Num 14:26; Gen 15:16; Judg 1.
The incarnation of Christ was delayed, till the need of him to save
men was fully manifest;—till repeated and widespread warnings had
raised a sufficient expectation of him;—till the Jews had become
wicked enough to persecute and murder him;—and till they had fallen under the power of the Romans,
who crucified their slaves, Gal 4:4; Matt 2-27; John 5-19. The church, or her true members, seldom
meet with remarkable deliverances till their troubles have come to an
extremity, Mic 4:10; Ps 12:5; Deut 32:36; Isa 33:10; Isa 41:17-18; Dan 12:1; Ps 142:4-5; Ps 124; Acts 12:6-14; Rev 11:7-15.
More particularly, God's wisdom appears in his providential government of irrational creatures.
1. In guiding them all to promote ends, which are subservient to the general good of the world, as well
as to his own glory, Prov 16:4; Ps 104; Ps 148.
2. In thus guiding them without their own design, and yet agreeably to their diversified instincts.
3. In promoting his government by such means and instruments, as seem to take all the honor of the work, and yet
reserving it all for himself, Rom 11:36; Rev 4:11-13.—It more abundantly appears in his government of mankind.
1. In giving them laws suited to their nature, their condition, their conscience, and
their comfort, Rom 7:12,14; 1 Tim 1:8; Ps 19:7-10; Ps 119.
2. In giving them sufficient ability, inclinations, and assistance to obey these
laws, unless a curse procured by their disobedience prevent it, Phil 2:12-13; Phil 1:6; Isa 26:12; 2 Thess 1:11.
3. In affording them proper motives and encouragements to obedience suited to their condition,
Isa 55:1-7; Jer 3; Hos 14; 1 Cor 15:58; Heb 10-13.
4. In the amazing suitable intimations of his will to them. Christ was long exhibited in promises and types before he appeared in the flesh. He uttered several undervaluing-like words to his mother, whom, he foresaw, the Papists would idolize. "He peculiarly rebuked and recorded the faults of Peter, whom, he foresaw, they would blasphemously avow to be the infallible Head of their church. The doctrine of justification by free grace, through faith in Christ's imputed righteousness, is chiefly delivered in an Epistle to the church at Rome, where, he foresaw, it would be peculiarly corrupted and denied, John 2:4; Luke 11:27-28; Matt 12:48-49; Matt 14:31; Matt 16:22-23; Matt 26:34-35,69-75;Luke 5:8; John 13:6-10; John 18:19; John 18:11; John 19:26; John 21:20-22; Gal 2:11-14; Rom 1-10.
5. In limiting their sinfulness, and bringing glory to himself, and good to them, out of it; and in making
the rage and power of sin contribute to destroy itself, and advance the glory of his free grace, Ps 76:10; Rom 5:20-21.
6. In that manner, the means, the tendency, and even the timing of every change made upon their state, nature, or condition, harmoniously concur to mark his displeasure with sin, and to manifest the exceeding riches of his grace, Rom 5:12-21; 2 Thess 1:6-11; Acts 22:6; 1 Tim 1:11-17; 1 Cor 8-10; Gal 1:15-16,22-23; Eph 1:3-10; Eph 2:1-10.
But, 4. In nothing doth the wisdom of God appear so much as in our
redemption through Christ. It appears in the person of the Redeemer.
1. In choosing him, who was the middle person in the
godhead, and the Son of God, to mediate between God and us, and
make us the friends and children of God, that thus the order of
mission and operation might correspond with that of the subsistence
of the divine nature, John 3:16; Rom 8:16-17; Isa 61:1; Isa 48:16.
2. In so uniting his finite and infinite natures, that they delightfully
subsist in one person, without any confusion, composition, or
opposition, 1 Tim 3:16; Jer 31:22; Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6; Zech 13:7; John 1:14; Phil 2:6-7.
3. In investing him with mediatorial offices, infinitely well calculated to promote his own glory in the honor of
Christ and our everlasting happiness, Isa 49:1-9; Isa 42:1,8; Isa 61;
Isa 1:3; Phil 2:6-13; Luke 2:10-14; Eph 3:21; 1 Pet 4:11.
4. In the form and order of his states of abasement and exaltation, infinitely
answerable to our guilty, polluted, and wretched condition,—to the
covenants and honour of every divine person, Luke 2:10-14; Phil 2:6-
11; Luke 24:26; Heb 2:10; Heb 13:20.—It appears in the purchase of
our redemption by the obedience and satisfaction of Christ,
1. In reconciling the seemingly discordant perfections of the Deity, by theabasement and death of him, in whom they dwell, Ps 85:10; Matt 3:15; Heb 2:10 with Col 2:9.
2. In at once manifesting his greatest hatred of sin, and his greatest love to sinners, Rom 5:6-10; Rom 3:24-26; Rom 8:3.
3. In executing his infinite wrath on Christ, from
infinite love to him and to us in him, Matt 3:17; Matt 17:5; Isa 53:10; 1 John 4:9-10.
4. In rendering the shame, ignominy, suffering, and death of Christ the grand mean of honor, happiness, and life to him,
as Mediator, and to us in him, Phil 2:6-11; Heb 2:8-10; Isa 53:10-12; Rom 5:9-11,15-21.
5. In making men's contempt, abuse, and murder of his Son, the mean of finishing transgression, making an end of sin, bringing in an everlasting righteousness, and destroying the dominion of Satan in the world, Dan 9:24; 1 John 3:5-6,8; 1 Pet 2:24;1 Pet 3:18; Rev 5:9.
6. In thus making every one of his perfections promote its own glory, by the strangest means.—Justice, by
punishing the innocent Messiah, and by procuring pardon, peace, and happiness for sinful guilty men,—Mercy, by drawing down fearful punishment on God's beloved Son, that it might bestow everlasting favors upon the children of Satan,—rebels against God,and heirs of hell.—It appears in the publication of our redemption, in that,
1. All the reports included in it exactly correspond with our necessities, and with the ends for which they were intended and appointed, 1 Tim 1:15.
2. The publication was gradual, as men could bear it, Heb 1:1.
3. The form of it was suited to the infant, or more adult, state of the church, and so was less or more spiritual, Heb 1:1; Heb 10:1; John 1:17; Col 2:17.
4. Imperfect hints relative to the incarnation of the Son of God, and his atonement for sin, were
preserved or spread among the heathens, as a mean of facilitating the spread and belief of the gospel, Acts 17:23.
5. God took particular care to have all the leading facts of revelation singularly attested.
6. The more noted declarations of divine truth were remarkably well timed. Those by Moses were published, when the Israelites in the wilderness had the utmost leisure to consider them. The reports of Christ's resurrection were published fifty days after it, when the murderous Jews had time to come to themselves, when the facts were exactly remembered, and when a part of fourteen nations, who attended the feast of Pentecost, were present to hear and spread them, Acts 2.
7. In choosing such instruments and opportunities for this publication, as rendered his own power and goodness in the success of it more obvious, 2 Cor 4:7.—It also appears in the application of our redemption.
1. The persons to whom it is ordinarily applied, are such as we would least expect should have his
singular regard; and yet that is made to manifest his glory, 1 Cor 1:25-31; 1 Tim 1:13,16.
2. Their own or their neighbor's sinful conduct or misery often occasions the application. Thus Onesimus'
theft and deserting his service, occasioned his conversion to Christ, Philem 10-16.
3. Even the rage of lust and overwhelming trouble are made the means of applying it, Rom 5:20-21; Rom 7:8-13; Isa 33:12-
24; 2 Chron 33:11-12; Hos 2:7,14; Hos 5:15; Job 33:14-30.
4. All things, especially such as they most dislike, are made to work together for the good of the elect,
and particularly of believers, Rom 8:28; 2 Cor 4:17; 1 Cor 3:22.
III. The Power of God
The Power of God is that essential perfection of his nature, by which he can do every thing not base or sinful.—It is no disparagement but honor to his power, that he cannot do that which implies a contradiction in its very nature,—as to satisfy an immortal soul withearthly portions, or make one under the reigning power of sin relish
spiritual delights;—or that he cannot do that which is contrary to his own existence,—as to die,—become weak,—sleep, etc. or which is contrary to his moral perfections,—as to lie,—love sin,—deny himself;
—or which is contrary to his own fixed purpose.—But it may be
observed, that God's purpose doth not limit his power itself, but the
exercise of it. His power ought therefore never to be distinguished
into absolute and ordinate. His power itself cannot be bounded, and
the exercise of it cannot be inordinate.
That God is Almighty, is evident,
1. From express declarations of Scripture, Gen 17:1; Gen 18:14; Gen 48:3; Deut 32:39; Deut 3:24; Job
9:4,10,19; Job 36:5; Job 38:22-23; Job 41:10; Ps 45:3; Ps 68:34; Ps
89:13; Ps 72:18; Ps 24:8,10; Ps 96:2-7; Ps 115:3; Ps 93:1; Ps 62:11; Isa
9:6; Isa 26:4; Isa 40:28-29; Isa 63:1; Jer 32:17; Matt 19:26; Luke
1:35,37,49; Rom 1:20; Eph 1:19; Eph 3:20; Rev 1:8; Rev 19:15.
2. From that abundant power which he hath communicated to hiscreatures, luminaries, vegetables, brutes, men, and angels, Job 36- 41; Judg 15-16; 2 Sam 21; 2 Sam 23; 1 Chron 11; 1 Chron 20; Ps 103:20; 2 Thess 1:7.
3. From the manifold and amazing displays of his power in his works of Creation, Providence, and Redemption.
In Creation, his almighty power appears,
1. In making all things of nothing, Heb 11:3; Gen 1; Col 1:16; Rom 11:36.
2. In forming such multitudes of creatures at once, Ps 33:6; Col 1:16; Gen 1; Ps 148; Exod 20:11.
3. In forming them of the same nothing, or of unfit matter, in so many diversified forms, Gen 1; Ps 104; Ps 148.
4. In forming them all with the greatest ease, by his mere word, Ps 33:6,9; Gen 1; Gen 2:7; Heb 11:3.
5. In making them all without any instrumental cause, Gen 1; Ps 33:6,9; Heb 11:3.
6. In forming them as instantaneously as his glory admitted, Ps 33:6,9; Gen 1; Gen 2:7; Exod 20:11.
In Providence, his almighty power appears,
1. In his preservation ofall things in their different nature, forms, stations, motions, or rest,
Ps 148; Ps 136; Ps 104; Ps 119:90; Col 1:17; Rev 4:11.
2. In the propagation of vegetables in the ground, and especially of animals inthe womb, or in eggs, or from pieces of dissected ones,—and by means of heat, moisture, etc. Ps 104; Ps 147-148; Ps 139:14; Job 10:8-12.
3. In exciting and producing all their motions or actions, Ps 147:15-18; Ps 104:10-14,27,30; Ps 135:7; Ps 136:5-9; Job 38-41; Dan 3:17; Dan 4:17; Dan 2:21; Acts 17:28; Rom 12:36.
4. In restraining unruly beasts, wicked men, and devils, at his pleasure, Ps 65:7 and Ps
76:10; Prov 21:1; Rev 20:2.
5. In changing men's dispositions and inclinations, as he pleases, Gen 33:4; Gen 35:5; 1 Sam 10:9,26; 1 Sam
24:17-18; Esther 6:1-2; Ps 105:25; Ps 106:45.
6. In making so many millions of unruly inclinations harmoniously promote his one design,
notwithstanding all their own different or contrary ones, Exod 2-14; Isa 10:5-7; Isa 27:9.
7. In destroying his and his people's enemies, when they are at their strongest, and delivering his favorites when
most weak and distressed, Deut 32:33,35-36,41-43; Isa 37:6-7,35; Isa33:10; Isa 43:17-18 and Isa 45:13; Esther 3-10; Exod 1-14; Exod 18:11; Ezek 37:1-14; Mic 4:10; Dan 12:1; Rev 11:7-15; Rev 20:9.
8. In effecting the greatest events by weak means, or by none at all, Isa41:15-16; 1 Kings 20:14; Judg 6:15; Judg 7:2-22; 2 Chron 14:11.—or by means merely casual. Thus the lighting of a viper on Paul's hand, brought about the conviction of the Maltese, Acts 28:3-10. Moses, the deliverer of the Israelites, was preserved from death and fitted for his work, by the daughter of their oppressor coming to wash herself in the Nile, Exod 2:11. A post, with tidings of an invasion, preserved David, the anointed king of Israel, from being murdered by Saul, 1 Sam 23:26;—or by means calculated and intended for an opposite purpose by the agents. Thus Joseph's abasement promoted
his exaltation to be lord over his father and brethren, Gen 37-47. The fall of mankind, the abasement and murder of Christ, promoted the eternal happiness of men, the honor of Christ, and the glory of God, Rom 5:12-21; Phil 3:6-11. The building of Babel hastened the dispersion of mankind through the world, Gen 11.
9. In the strangely diversified success of human affairs. Persons poor, weak, or inactive,perform things, which others of great wealth, parts, powers and activity, cannot, Ps 78:71-72; Amos 5:9; Acts 1-8.
10. In making bad men befriend his people and his cause, contrary to all the dictates of carnal policy.
Thus Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes, etc. gave part of their wealth to rebuild the Jewish temple, or promote the worship at it, Ezra 1; Ezra 4-5; Ezra 7; Neh 2. In the days of Cicero, gold wascarried from Rome to adorn it.
11. In marvelously infatuating or defeating the best counsellors or counsels of men, Isa 44:25; Isa
33:11; 2 Sam 17:8; Job 5:12-13; Ps 33:10; Isa 8:10.
12. In working such multitudes of miracles, both under the Old, and under the New
Testament, Gen 7-8; Gen 19:24; Gen 21:1-2; Exod 3-20; Num 11; Num 16-17; Josh 3-5; Josh 10; Judg 6; 1 Kings 17-18; 2 Kings 1-8; 2 Kings 13; 2 Kings 19-20; Matt 2:2; Matt 4:24-25; Matt 11:5; Matt 14- 15; Matt 17; Matt 20-21; Acts 1-20; Acts 28; Rom 15:19; Heb 2:4.
13. In raising the dead, and making all men and devils appear before his awful tribunal to receive their final sentence, Matt 25:30-45; Rev 20:12,14.
14. In the everlasting execution of his sentences, in punishing the wicked and glorifying the righteous, and in supporting both under their respective weights of wrath or blessedness, 2 Thess 1:9-10; 2 Cor 4:17.
15. In the terrible conflagration and the glorious renovation of our lower world at the last day, 2 Pet 3:10,12.
But the almighty power of God chiefly appears in his work of redemption, Eph 1:19-20.—It appears on Christ the Redeemer,
1. In the miraculous conception of his manhood by a virgin, Isa 7:14; Jer
31:22; Luke 1:35; Matt 1:20.
2. In the more than miraculous union of his two natures, which are infinitely different in substance and dignity,—and yet in such manner, that all human personality was prevented, John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16; Isa 9:6; Zech 13:7; Rom 9:5.
3. In the miracles which he wrought, Acts 10:38; Matt 4-21; Mark 1-6; Luke 4-20; John 2-11.
4. In the tremendous punishment inflicted on him, and in the full support of him under it, Zech 13:7; Zech 3:9; Isa
53:4-10; Isa 50:6-7,9; Isa 42:1; Ps 22; Ps 69; Matt 26-27.
5. In enabling him to such patience and resignation under his sufferings,
of which he had a perfectly quick sense, Isa 53:7; Heb 12:2-3; John 18:11-12,27; Matt 26:39,42.
6. In raising him from the dead, justifying and glorifying him, Rom 1:4; Rom 6:4; Rom 4:25; 1 Tim 3:16; Eph 1:19-20,23; Ps 110:1-7; Phil 2:7-11; Heb 2:8-9; 1 Pet 1:20-21.—It appears in the Publication of Redemption,
1. In the propagating doctrines so contrary to the carnal reason, the commoncustoms, the deep-rooted lusts, and strongly supported laws of mankind, 1 Cor 1:20-24; 1 Cor 3:18; Titus 3:3; Rom 1:21-32; Rom 3:10-18.
2. In propagating the gospel by so unfit-like instruments, that just before had manifested so much cowardice, ignorance, or wickedness, Matt 26; Acts 1-9.
3. In propagating it by simple declarations, enforced with no temporal authority or worldly
influence, 2 Cor 10:4-5; Zech 4:6.
4. In the amazing spread and influence of these declarations had on the hearts and lives of millions of ignorant, outrageous, and obstinate sinners, for convincing, converting, and sanctifying them, Acts 2-21; Acts 26:17-18; Rom 1:8; Rom 15:19; 1 Cor 6:10-11; Col 1:5-6; Eph 3:8-9; 2 Cor 10:4-5; 1 Thess 1:5,9; 1 Thess 2:12-13; Titus 3:3-7.—It also appears in the Application of our Redemption.
1. In the thorough conviction of the most stupid, hardened, and biassed consciences, John 16:9-11; Rom 3:19; Heb 4:12; Ps 45:5.
2. In uniting men to Christ, and thus implanting in them a divine nature, or new habits or principles of grace, in
opposition to the whole power of Satan, the world, and indwelling lusts, Deut 30:6; Ezek 36:26; Ps 100:3; 2 Cor 10:4-5; Luke 8:24; Luke 11:21-22; Eph 1:19; 1 Thess 1:5; 2 Thess 1:11.
3. In the preservation of weak graces in men's souls, amidst an infinity of corruptions and temptations to sin, 1 Pet 1:5; Jude 1.
4. In pardoning such multitudes of heinous offences, at, and after our union to Christ; and in applying these pardons with such almighty influence as to quiet our consciences, however fearfully awakened, Num 14:17-19; Isa 43:24-25; Isa 44:22; Isa 45:22,24-25; Isa 57:18-19.
5. In the mortification of almost almighty corruption by his word, and the agency of his spirit, Rom 8:13; Gal 5:17,24.
6. In the miraculous exploits which his people have, or do perform through faith, Phil
4:13; Col 1:10-11,28-29; Gal 1:16; Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 12:7-9; Heb 11; Matt 17:20; Mark 9:25.
7. In conferring abundant comfort, and everlasting happiness upon all his people, notwithstanding all that
sin, Satan, and the world can do to distress and ruin them, Isa 65:18;
Ps 51:10-11; Rom 8:15-18,28-39; 2 Cor 4:17; Ps 31:19; Ps 73:23-26; Isa 35:10; Isa 45:17; Isa 60:19-20
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Post by Admin on Jun 8, 2024 14:05:24 GMT -5
IV. The Sovereignty of God.
Not only hath God an almighty power of ability, but also a power of
unbounded sovereignty,—by which, as one free from all obligation of
law or force, of motive or influence without himself, he may form,
support, and govern his creatures in what manner he pleaseth, Dan
4:34-35.—His sovereign dominion over his creatures is founded on
the infinite dignity and excellency of his nature, Ps 86:8; Ps 89:6-8,
and on his being the Contriver, Creator, Preserver, and last end of
them, Ps 95:3,5; Isa 1:2-3; Isa 43:12; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Prov 16:4; Rom
11:36.—It extends over all creatures, 1 Tim 1:17; 1 Tim 6:15. Whether
in heaven, Isa 45:12; Ps 103:19-20; Ps 148:1-4. Or in earth, Job
12:15,18; Ps 47:7-9; Ps 24:1; Ps 50:10; Prov 21:1; Hag 2:8; Dan 4:35;
Ps 104-106; Ps 147-148. Or in hell, Ps 78:49; 1 Kings 22:22; Luke
22:31; Rev 20:2,7.
It is evident, that God hath an absolute sovereignty over all things.
1. From express declarations of Scripture, Exod 33:10; Rom 9:16,18-23;
Matt 20:15; Ps 95:3-4; Ps 96:6; Ps 115:3; Ps 135:6; Ps 75:6-7; Ps
22:28-29; Job 25:2; Dan 4:34-37; Dan 2:21; Eph 1:11; Acts 17:24,26.
2. From the characters ascribed to him in Scripture, as Lord of hosts;
King of nations; King of the whole earth; Only Potentate; King of
kings; Lord of lords; Most High, etc. Ps 84:12; Ps 80:4,14,19; Ps 47:7;
Jer 10:7-10; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; Rev 19:16; Exod 18:11; Deut 10:17;
Gen 14:18-22; Ps 50:14; Ps 56:2; Ps 83:18.
3. All the liberty, property, or authority, which creatures have, with respect to themselves or
others, is derived from God, Acts 17:28; Prov 8:15-16; Ps 82; Rom 13:1-6; 1 Cor 4:7; Rom 11:36.
4. His sovereignty is displayed in hisworks of creation, providence, and redemption.—In creation, it
appears in his forming such diversified creatures of the samenothing, or of the same unfit matter,
and with so many and
diversified connections among themselves, Gen 1.—In providence it appears,
1. In the diversified degree and duration of that support which he affords to his creatures.
2. In the forms, extent, and continuance, of his positive laws, and their binding influence on men's consciences.
3. In the manner, time, place, or objects, to whom his laws are published; or of the writing of them on men's hearts;— and in the, at first, unperceived exceptions of his law, as in
Abraham's offering up his son, or in a man's marrying the childless widow of his brother.
4. In the objects, instruments, forms, degrees, and seasons of his favor.
5. In the nature, seasons, degrees, instruments, and objects, of his corrections and punishments,—and
their proportion to, and correspondence with the sins, on account of which they are inflicted, Dan 4:35; Ps 115:3; Ps 135:6; Matt 11:25-26; Matt 20:15.—In redemption,—it is manifested,
1. On the Redeemer,— in God's calling him to be our surety to pay our debt;—and to be our spiritual Head;—in fixing the time of his payment,—the place of his birth, life, and death,—the parts, forms, degrees, and continuance of his sufferings, and the forms, degrees, and periods of his exaltation in his own person, or in the happiness of his people, Isa 42:6; Luke 11:13; Luke 13:32-33; John 18:11; Heb 2:10; Phil 2:7-11.
2. On the persons of the redeemed,—in choosing any at all;—in choosing some, while others, no worse, are passed by;
—and in allotting to them such particular means, opportunities, seasons, forms, and degrees of gifts
and grace; and such intermixed temptations, troubles, deliverances, and comforts,Matt 11:25-26; Rom 9:18,23; Ex 33:19; Matt 20:1,15; 1 Cor 1:26-30.
3. In qualifying such particular persons, of those that remain unregenerate, and at such particular seasons, with such individual forms and measures of gifts, and common graces, to render them useful in promoting the honor of the Redeemer, and the conversion and edification of his redeemed, John 6:70; Heb 6:4- 5; Num 23-24.
V. The Holiness of God
The holiness of God is that essential perfection of his nature, which lies in perfect freedom from, and hatred of all sin, and in perfect love to every thing holy and pure.—That God is infinitely holy appears,
1. From express declarations of Scripture, Josh 24:19; 1 Sam 2:2, Exod 15:11; Ps 89:35; Ps 11:7; Ps 99:9;
Prov 30:3; Hab 1:12-13; Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8; John 17:11; Dan 9:24; Ps 16:10; Acts 3:14; Rom 1:4; Luke 1:35.
Nay, holiness is represented as his beauty, Exod 15:11; Ps 27:4; his grandeur, Ps 89:35. Amos 4:2;
and more than forty times he is called the Holy One of Israel or Jacob, Hab 3:3; Hab 1:12; Isa 1:4,10,20; Isa 43:14; Isa 29:23, etc.
2. Every thing relating to God is called holy, on account of its connection with and conformity to him;
—as the manhood of his Son, Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27,30;
—his name, Ps 111:9;Lev 20:3;
—his arm or power, Ps 98:1;
—the place where he manifests himself;
—heaven or the temple, Ps 20:6; Isa 57:15; Jon 2:4; Ps 99:9; Exod 3:4; Rev 21:10;
—his Sabbaths, Exod 16:23; Isa 58:13;
—his covenant and promise, Dan 11:28,30; Luke 1:72; Ps 105:42;
—his word, law, and gospel, Rom 1:2; Rom 7:12; 2 Tim 3:15;
—his work, Ps 145:17;
—his angels, Rev 14:10; Matt 25:31;
—his prophets, 2 Pet 1:21; 2 Pet 3:2; Luke 1:70; Rev 18:20; Rev 22:6;
—his ministers, 1 Thess 2:10; Rev 18:20;
—his people, Exod 19:6; Col 1:22; Col 3:12; Heb 3:1; 1 Thess 5:27; 1 Pet 2:9.
3. His holiness is manifested in his works of creation, providence, and redemption, Ps 145:7.
In creation it appears, in forming every creature, which was capable
of holiness, perfect in it, Gen 1:20,27; Rev 14:10 with Jude 6.—In providence, it appears,
1. In giving to all his rational creatures a moral law, requiring the most perfect and uninterrupted holiness of
heart and life,—and enforced with the most powerful sanction of rewards and punishments, Rom 7:12; Matt 22:37,39;
Rom 12-13; Col 3-4; Eph 4-6; 1 Thess 4-5; 1 Pet 1-5; Exod 20:3-17.
2. In prescribing the most proper means of promoting holiness, Gen 2:17; Titus 2:11-
12; Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 11:23-29. Even all the sacrifices, purifications,and punishments, prescribed by the Jewish laws, marked the holiness of God, Lev 1-23; Num 5-6; Num 15; Num 19; Num 28-29; Lev 10:1-3.
3. And so permitting sin as not to have any active hand
in, or give any encouragement to it, Hab 1:12-13; Ps 4:5-6; Jer 44:4; Prov 16:16-19.
4. In fixing standing marks of his detestation of sin upon the first introducers of it, or any particular form of it; as on devils, women, Cain, the old world, the builders of Babel, Sodomites,oppressors of the church, profaners of God's worship, presumptuous rebels against his established government, despisers of his promised favors, etc. Jude 6; 2 Pet 2:4-5; Gen 3-4; Gen 7; Gen 11; Gen 19;Ex. 1-14; Lev 10; Num 14; Num 16; Isa 5:16.
5.In publicly manifesting his detestation of men on account of their most secret
sins, Ps 50:21; Ps 10:8,11,14; Ezek 14:3-8; Ezek 8:7-18; 2 Sam 12:11- 12; Jer 16:17-18.
6. In marking all the wicked with the most shameful distance and disgrace in the last judgment, 1 Thess 4:16-17; Matt 25:33; Ps 1:5; Ps 138:6.
7. In his everlasting exclusion of unholy angels and men from his presence, and marking them with the most
tremendous tokens of his detestation, Matt 25:41,46; Ps 9:17; Rev20:10,15; Rev 14:10-11; 2 Thess 1:8-9.
Even these providential acts, which we are apt to imagine impure, are perfectly holy. He tempts men, merely by trying their obedience, or in permitting them to be enticed to sin, by Satan, evil men, or their own sinful lusts, 2 Sam 25:1; Matt 6:12; James 1:13-14. He bids men curse, merely by giving them an opportunity of doing it, 2 Sam 16:12. He hardens men in sin, when he justly withholds his heart-softening grace, and permits Satan, their Neighbours, or their own lusts, to render them more stupid, perverse, and obstinate, Exod 4-14; Isa 63:17; Isa 6:9-10. He delivers men up to vile affections, a reprobate mind, or strong delusions, or to their own lusts, when he justly withholds his restraining or sanctifying influences, and permits their sinful corruptions to decoy or drag them into wickedness, error, and folly,Rom 1:24-28; 2 Thess 2:9-11; Isa 66:4; Ps 81:12.
His deceiving of men imports his abandoning them to the temptations of Satan and their own deceitful heart, Jer 4:10; Ezek 14:9; 1 Kings 22:19-22.— Thus, in all these, he wisely, holily, and justly renders sin its own
punishment.—In redemption, the holiness of God appears,
1. In his choosing men, that they might be holy, Eph 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet1:2; 1 Pet 2:9.
2. In exhibiting his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, even under the curse, which is the strength of sin, and amidst infinite temptations, as an incomparably perfect and glorious pattern of holiness in heart and life, Luke 1:35; Matt 3:15; John 8:29; John 17:4; John 18:11; Heb 5:8; Heb 7:26.
3. In punishing, even without mercy upon his own Son, sin imputed, withdrawing his comfortable
smiles from him, and shutting out his prayers as if he had been a real
sinner, Matt 26-27; Ps 22; Ps 69; Ps 89:38; Isa 53; Rom 8:3,32; Heb2:10.
4. In giving Christ to purchase holiness for men, and making him to them, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 1:18-19; 1 Cor 1:30.
5. In so forming the gospel in all its declarations, promises, and invitations, as may best convey, and
encourage us to holiness in heart and life, 1 Tim 6:3; 1 Tim 3:16; 2
Pet 1:4; Titus 2:11-12; 2 Cor 7:1; John 15:3; John 17:17; Luke 1:74-75; Ps 119:9,11,26. '
6. In so framing the whole scheme of our redemption, that holiness of our heart and life is the end of every thing in it, Eph 1:3-4; Heb 13:12; Heb 9:14; 1 Cor 6:11; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:8,14; Ezek 36:25-27; Luke 1:74-75; 1 Thess 4:3,7; 1 Thess 5:23; Rom 6:14; Rom 7:4-6; Eph 4:11-13; Isa 27:9; Heb 12:10-11; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 John 3:2.
7.In effectually rendering men holy by the manifestations of his own
holiness in the gospel, 2 Cor 3:18; 2 Cor 4:4,6.
8. In the sharp correction of his peculiar favorites for their unholiness, and even for sins which appear far less criminal than some others, Amos 3:2; Rev 3:19; Heb 12:6-11; Ps 99:8; Ps 119:67,71; Ps 89:31-34; Ps 73; Ps
77; Ps 88; 1 Sam 2-3; Num 12; Num 20:12; Deut 32:51.
9. In making perfect holiness a principal ingredient of our eternal happiness, Eph
5:25-27; 1 John 3:3; Jude 25.
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Post by Admin on Jun 8, 2024 14:54:48 GMT -5
VI. The Justice of God
The Justice of God is that essential property of his nature, which
disposes him to render to himself, and to all his creatures, that which
is right and equal.—It is evident that God is just or righteous:
1. The Scriptures expressly declare this; Ps 11:7; Ps 25:8; Ps 7:9; Ps 9:8; Ps
92:15; Ps 99:4; Ps 119:75,137; Exod 9:27; Exod 34:7; Gen 18:25; Deut
10:17; Deut 32:4; Jude 1,7; 1 Sam 3:18; 2 Chron 19:7; Job 8:3; Job
9:15; Job 34:10-12,19; Job 35:6-8; Job 36:3; Job 37:23; Jer 12:1; Isa
26:7; Dan 9:16; 2 Thess 1:6-7; 2 Tim 4:8; Heb 6:10; Acts 10:33-34;
Rom 3:4,26; Rom 9:13-14.
2. The remains of equity among men proceed from, and are beloved by God, 2 Sam 22:26-28; Ps 7:9; Ps
11:7; Hos 14:9; Gen 18:23,25. 3. His infinite justice and equity
appear,
1. In his giving the most righteous laws to his creatures,
suited to their original abilities, and requiring the most perfect equity
towards God, their neighbours, and themselves,—insisting chiefly on
the principal points of equity; and that such as bear rule over others,
should shew themselves distinguished patterns of it, Neh 9:13; Rom
7:12; Ps 119:75,137-138,142; Ps 19:8-11; Hos 14:9; Isa 26:7; Matt
23:23; Matt 22:37,39; Deut 16:18-19; 2 Sam 23:3; 2 Chron 19:6,9; Ps 82.
2. In annexing to those laws proper sanctions of rewards and
punishments, Ps 11:5-7; Ps 7:9-14; Ps 9:8,17; Isa 1:19-20; Isa 3:10-11;
Rom 2:6-10; 2 Thess 1:6-10.
3. In rewarding men's good behavior in the most proper time, manner, and degree, Ps 19:11; 1 Cor 15:58; Rev
14:13; 2 Tim 4:7-8.—In his rewarding the resemblances of good
works performed by wicked men, 1 Kings 21:29; 2 Kings 10:30; Jon
3.—In rewarding the imperfect graces and works of his people, Rev
1:3; Rev 2:7,11,19,26-27; Rev 3:5,12,20,22; Rev 14:13; Rev 22:14; Col
3:24-25; 1 Cor 15:58; 1 Cor 9:24-25; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Matt 5:3-10.—and
in largely rewarding the meritorious service of Christ as our Surety,
Isa 49:5-6; Isa 53:10-12; Phil 2:7-11; Heb 2:8-10; Heb 12:2; John
17:4-5; Ps 22:27,31.
4. In bestowing all the purchased blessings of thenew covenant upon the most vile, guilty, and rebellious men, on
account of that righteousness which Christ, their Surety, performed
in their stead, Rom 3:24-26; Rom 4:25; Rom 5:6-11,15-21; Rom 8:1-
4,33-34; 2 Cor 5:14-21; 1 Thess 5:9-10; Eph 1:3-8; Eph 2:1-8,14; 1 Pet
1:18-21; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18; Heb 9:12,14-15; Heb 10:10,14; 1 John
1:7,9; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 4:9-10; Rev 1:5-6; Rev 5:9-10; 2 Tim 4:8.
5. In his seasonable, severe, and well-proportioned chastisements of
his people, which, as disagreeable, are due to them for offending
their gracious Father,—and as calculated to promote their
sanctification and comfort, are due to them as represented by their
law-fulfilling Surety, Christ, Job 36:7-10; Ps 89:30-34; Ps 99:8; Ps
94:12; Prov 3:12; Heb 12:6-11; Rev 3:19.
6. In afflicting innocent animals, only in so far as they are connected with guilty sinners. And,
who knows how far their present suffering may be balanced in their
future restoration into the glorious liberty of the children of God? Isa
24; Hos 4:2-3; Jer 12:4; Jer 14:5-6; Job 1:16 with Rom 8:20-23; 2 Pet 3:13.
7. In infallibly punishing national sins with national judgments
in this world, as there is no opportunity of punishing societies, as
such, in the future state;—and in marking their sins in their
punishments,—as in the case of the old world,—Sodomites,
Egyptians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Jews, Papists, etc. Gen 6-7; Gen 19;
Exod 1-14; Isa 33; Isa 37; Jer 25; Jer 46-51; Judg 1-12; 2 Kings 17; 2
Kings 25; Matt 23:32-39; Matt 24; Rev 6-20.
8. In punishing wicked men in this life, in a form, though not in a degree proportioned to
their sins, and often by permitting them to fall into other sins, Job
18; Job 20; Job 27; Ps 92:7; Ps 37:20; Ps 35:26; Ps 7:10-16; Ps 58:9-
10; Ezek 18; Ps 73:18-20; Ps 31:12; Gen 4; Gen 9:25; Isa 66:4; Isa
63:17; Hos 4:13-17; 2 Thess 2:9-11; Rom 1:18-32.
9. In publicly condemning wicked angels and men, and punishing them in hell for
ever, Matt 25:41,46; 2 Thess 1:8-9; Rev 14:9-11; Rev 20:10,12.
10.Especially in exacting from his only and infinitely beloved Son, as
our Surety, the very same obedience and satisfaction which were due
from us to his broken law,—in the very same nature which had
sinned, and under the very same overwhelming curse, Matt 3:15;
Luke 24:26; Isa 53; Ps 22; Ps 69; Matt 26-27; Rom 3:24-26; Rom
5:6-10; Rom 8:3,32; Isa 42:21; Heb 2:10; Heb 5:8; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet
1:18-19; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18; Gal 3:13; Phil 2:7-8.
Such is the infinite holiness and justice of God's nature, that he
cannot suffer sin to pass without adequate punishment.
1. The Scripture represents him as so infinitely holy and just, that he cannot
but hate and detest sin, and mark his abhorrence of it, Exod 34:7;
Hab 1:12-13; Ps 5:4-6; Ps 11:5-7; Ps 9:5; Ps 50:21; Jer 44:4; Neh 1:2-
3; Prov 6:16-19; Prov 16:5; Zech 11:8;—and as a Governor and Judge,
who cannot but maintain the honour of that law which sinners
trample on, and do right to his innocent creatures, which are hurt by
their wickedness, Isa 42:21; 2 Thess 1:6-8; Rom 1:18,32; Rom 2:2,6-
10; Gen 18:25.
2. Men's consciences represent him thus holy and
just; and hence accuse and torment them when they offend him, and
push them to appease him by sacrifices, services, etc. Acts 28:4; Rom
1:32; Rom 2:14-15.
3. The law of God manifests this truth. Most of his
moral precepts depending on his very nature and indispensible
prerogative of government, must to the violations of them, have an
adequate sanction annexed; as otherwise, haters and blasphemers of
God would appear as much beloved by him, as the most pious and
virtuous persons, contrary to Rom 2:7-10; Isa 3:10-11; Isa 1:19-20.—
All the ceremonial laws manifested, that without satisfaction to God's
justice, there could be no remission of sin, Heb 9:22. And, if God's
nature had not required an adequate punishment, the ceremonial
offerings might have made atonement for sin, contrary to Heb 10:3-4.
4. If God's holiness and justice did not necessarily require him to
punish sin in an adequate manner, how could his infinite mercy and
goodness admit any punishment of it, as without real necessity, all
punishment is an approach towards wanton cruelty?
5. If it had not been necessary to the honorable egress of his mercy towards sinful
men, how could God have so fearfully punished his holy, his only
begotten, and infinitely beloved Son? Or how could there be such
distinguishing love, in giving him for a propitiation for our sins,—as
the Scripture represents, Luke 24:26; Rom 3:25-26; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal
3:13; Titus 2:14; Heb 2:10; 1 Pet 1:18-19; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Pet 3:18; John
3:16; Rom 5:6-10; Rom 8:32; 1 John 4:9-10; Eph 5:2; Gal 2:20; Rev1:5.
To anticipate objections, it may be observed,
1. That God's mercy and justice are not contrary perfections, though the one cannot be
exercised to the dishonor of the other.
2. That the effects of God's mercy and grace, being absolutely free and gratuitous, may be
restrained, if he please; but the effects of his justice being a debt due
to the honour of his nature and law, or the general welfare of his
creatures, cannot be justly restrained, Gen 18:25; Deut 32:4; Ps 11:5-
7; Ps 119:137; Dan 9:16; 2 Thess 1:6-9; Isa 5:10.
3. Though God's sovereign will regulate the circumstances of deserved punishment,
the punishment itself is necessary. Magistrates may, by their own
will, regulate the time, place, and manner of executing a murderer,
but cannot, without flagrant injustice to their character, their laws,
or their country, dismiss him unpunished.
4. Though God may delay the full punishment of sinners,—the longer he does so, it must be the
more dreadful when it comes, Rom 2:4-5; Rom 9:22; Heb 10:26-31.
5. God's substitution of his own Son to bear the punishment due to
his elect, instead of proving, that he could have dispensed with it,
strongly proves the contrary, Rom 3:25-26; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13-14;
Heb 2:10; Luke 24:26VII. The Goodness of God
The goodness of God is that essential property of his nature, which
inclines him to regard and delight in himself, and to deal kindly with
his creatures.—As it inclines him to affect, esteem, and delight in
himself, or one divine person in another,—and to care for, to
promote the welfare of creatures, and delight in and rejoice over
them, it is called love, because love to himself and to his creatures,
gives rise to, and animates his whole conduct, particularly his work
of redemption, 1 John 4:8-10,16,19; Rom 5:8; John 3:16.—His love,
in respect of the objects of it, may be distinguished into that which he
bears to himself, Isa 5:16; Lev 10:3; Matt 11:27; John 1:18; John 3:35;
that which he bears to all his creatures as such, Ps 104:31; Gen 1:31;
and that redeeming love which he bears to his chosen of mankind,
Deut 7:7-8; Deut 33:3; John 3:16; John 15:9-15; John 16:27; John
17:23,26; Rom 5:8,21; Rom 8:32; Gal 2:20; Eph 1:3-8; Eph 2:1-9;
Eph 4:8-10,19; Rev 1:5.—His love to creatures is distinguished into
his love willing their welfare, Rom 9:16,18; Exod 33:19; Ps 86:15; his
love doing them good, John 3:16; Rom 8:32-39; Ps 5:12; Isa 63:7; Isa
59:8-10; Eph 5:2; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:9-10; his love delighting in
them, Ps 147:11; Ps 149:4; Ps 35:27; Isa 62:5; Zeph 3:17. These are
but the same love exercising itself in different forms.—God's
goodness, as it inclines him to make or supply his creatures, to none
of which he owes either being or any thing else, is called bounty, Ps
116:7; Ps 119:17; 1 Kings 3:6.—As it inclines him to do good to those
that are undeserving or ill-deserving, it is called grace, or free favour,
Rom 3:24; Rom 5:20-21; Eph 2:5,7-8; Eph 1:6-7; 2 Cor 8-9; Ps 5:12.
As it inclines him to pity, help, and provide for, persons in misery, it
is called mercy or compassion, Ps 102:8,11-17; Ps 86:5,15; Ps 89:1-
2,28; Ps 111:4; Ps 112:4; Rom 9:16,18.—And as he takes peculiar
pleasure in thus manifesting his goodness, in the redemption of men,
mercy is attributed to him several hundred times in Scripture, Ps
136; Ps 100; etc. he hath bowels ascribed to him, Isa 63:7,15; Jer
31:20; Hos 11:8; and is represented as full of compassion, Ps 78:38;
Ps 86:15; Ps 111:4; Ps 112:4; Ps 145:8.—And, as his goodness inclines
him to forbear for a time, punishing the affronts done him, it is
called patience and longsuffering, Rom 2:4; Rom 9:22; Rom 15:7; 2
Pet 3:9,15; Exod 34:6; Ps 86:15.
It is most evident, that God is good.
1. The Scriptures in passages innumerable represent him as good,—as only good,—as kind,—
gracious, merciful, and longsuffering, Ps 25:8, Ps 36:7; Ps 119:68; Ps
145:7-9; Matt 19:17; Isa 63:7; Zech 9:17; Ps 33:15; Ps 107; Ps 136; Ps
34:8; Ps 144:2; Ps 63:3-6; Ps 40:11; Ps 69:16; Joel 2:12-13; Jer 3:13;
Eph 2:5,7; Eph 1:6-8; Mic 7:18-20; Neh 9:17; 2 Pet 3:9,15; Exod 34:6-7.
2. All that goodness which is to be found among creatures, animate
or inanimate, rational or irrational, originates from God, Rom 11:36;
Ps 119:68; James 1:17; 1 Cor 4:7; Gen 1-2.
3. The goodness of God, is most extensively and clearly manifested in his works of creation,
providence, and redemption.
In creation it appears,
1. In his forming all creatures in order, that they might share of his kindness and bounty,—he having no need
either of their existence or service, Ps 16:2.
2. In forming such vast multitudes of creatures,—in such diversified qualities, situations,
orders, connections, and mutual dependencies, that the goodness of
all might contribute to the advantage of each, Gen 1.
3. In creating angels so many in number, so high in dignity, so excellent in quality,
and so capable of enjoying himself, Ps 104:4; Ps 103:20-21.
4. In forming man—his body so beautiful, so marvelously compacted of a
multitude of members, and fitted to promote his true happiness,—his
soul endowed with so many excellent faculties, qualifying it for the
enjoyment of God himself, as his chief good, and marvellously united
to his body, that he might at once partake of an earthly and an
heavenly felicity, Gen 2:6-7; and that, by a particular consultation of
the divine persons, he was formed in the image of God, Gen 1:26-27;
Gen 9:6; and that his formation was so timed as to come into a world
fully fitted and furnished for his immediate happiness, Gen 1-2.
In providence, God's goodness appears,
1. In his upholding innumerable numbers of creatures in order to render them partakers
of his favors, Ps 36:6-7; Zech 9:17; Ps 104; Ps 107; Ps 145; Ps 148.
2. In governing them all, to the best advantage of all in general, Ps
119:68; Ps 104-105; Ps 107; Ps 136; Ps 145; Ps 147-148; Job 37; Job 41.
3. In so distributing his goodness among them, that they may all
depend on, and taste it, in each other; and even worms may teach
angels and men the mysteries of the Godhead, Job 12:8-9.
4. In his peculiarly kind deportment towards angels and men, while they kept
their first estate,—giving them good laws, suited to their natures, and
conducive to their happiness; in entering into a covenant of
friendship with men; if not also with angels, though not by a
representative, Job 38:7; Gen 2:16-17.
5. In permitting sin to enter into the world, chiefly, that it might afford an occasion of opening his
infinite treasures of redeeming love and grace, Rom 5:8,20-21; Eph
2:1-8; Eph 1:6-8; Gen 3.
6. In his amazing patience toward sinful men,—in not smiting and even damning them in the very act of
sinning, but deferring his vengeance as long as the vindication of his
own perfections and good of his creatures in general can permit, Gen
6:3; Gen 15:13,16; Rom 9:22.—In repeating his warnings, before he
punish or correct, Lev 26; Deut 27-32; Judg 2; 2 Kings 17; Ps 78; Ps
106; Isa 1; Ezek 20; Mal 4; Matt 24; Rev 8-20; etc.—In inflicting his
judgments by progressive degrees, and with an apparent reluctancy,
Isa 9-10; Ezek 20; Amos 3-4; Amos 6; Ezra 9:7; Joel 1:3; Judg 10:16;
Isa 1:24; Lam 3:33; Hos 6:4-5; Hos 11:8; Ps 78:38.—And in
moderating his judgments, loading men with his favours,
notwithstanding many and great provocations, Ps 103:10; Ezra 9:13;
Job 11:6; Job 33:27; Isa 57:17-19; Isa 43:24-25; Lam 3:22,31-32;
Matt 26-27 with Acts 2-9; Titus 3:3-7.
7. In working an infinity of wonderful and miraculous works for the welfare of persons and
nations, Exod 2-20; Deut 32:6; Ezek 20; Neh 9; Ezra 1-10; Esther 1-
10; Matt 1-28; Luke 1-24; John 1-21; Acts 1-28; Rom 15:19; Heb 2:4.
—The histories or predictions of Scripture are full of them.
8. In his wonderful care of our world, notwithstanding its present defilement
with sin,—as of irrational creatures, Ps 145:9; Ps 147:8-9; Ps 104:11-
22; Deut 22:7; Deut 25:4; Lev 22:28.—of slaves, Exod 21:2-10,27;
Deut 23:15.—of criminals, Deut 21:22-23; Deut 25:1-3.—of the poor,
of widows, and fatherless children, Exod 23:11; Lev 19:13,33-34; Lev
25:35,39,47; Ps 9:18; Ps 10:14,18; Ps 12:5; Ps 35:11; Ps 41:1-3; Ps
68:5,10; Ps 82:3; Ps 69:33; Ps 72:4,13; Ps 107:41; Ps 109:31; Ps
132:15; Ps 146:9; Exod 22:22; Deut 14:29; Deut 10:18; Deut 16:11,14;
Deut 24:17,19-21; Deut 26:12-13; Prov 15:25; Prov 19:17; Prov
23:11,18; Isa 1:17,23; Jer 7:6; Zech 7:10; Jer 49:11; Hos 14:3; James
1:27.—of wicked men, Matt 5:45; Ezek 20; Acts 14:16-17; Jon 3; Jon
4:11; 1 Kings 21:29; Ezek 29:18-20.—of societies, in dictating or
suggesting proper rules of government to them, putting part of his
own honour and authority on their magistrates for their benefit, Ps
107:31-32; Jer 18:9; Rom 13:1-6; 1 Tim 2:1-2; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet 2:13-
14,17; Ps 82:9. In so timing his favours, particularly deliverances,
that they become doubly valuable.—Delays of them till we be brought
to an extremity, afford us opportunities of acting faith, and
encouraging ourselves in him alone, John 11:15-44; 2 Chron 20:7,12;
Ps 42-43,—and granting them in the very crisis of extremity, stirs us
up to improve our new covenant interest in him, Ps 123:3; Ps 44:23-
26; Exod 15:1-2; Ps 103; Ps 116; Ps 118; Ps 40; Ps 13; Ps 18.—Earthly
comforts are cut off, to prepare us for his intended spiritual favours,
Ps 102:23-24; Ps 142:4-5.—And remarkable deliverances afforded to
prevent future calamities. Thus, the destruction of the Egyptians,
and Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea, made the hearts of the
Canaanites to melt, Josh 9:9-10; Josh 2:9-11.
In the origin, the impetration, and the application of redemption, the
goodness of God still more gloriously appears.—In its origin, it
appears,
1. In that absolutely free and infinitely abundant grace in
God himself is the only primary cause of it, John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-
10,19; Rom 5:8,20-21; Eph 2:4,7.
2. In that the redeeming work was
begun an infinity of ages before we were ruined, Eph 1:4-5; 2 Tim
1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet 1:19-20; Prov 8:23,31; Matt 25:34.
3. In that,
moved by mere free love, all the divine persons heartily joined in the
contrivance and plan of it, and took their respective share of the
work,—the Father to exert the grace,—the Son to advance the merit,
—and the Holy Ghost to apply the purchased benefits;—the Father to
make the exceeding great and precious promises,—the Son to ratify
them in his obedience and death, and purchase the things promised,
—and the Holy Ghost to put them, and all the blessings which they
contain, into our possession;—the Father to adopt us for his children,
—the Son to redeem us for his mystical members,—and the Holy
Ghost to renew and sanctify our heart, and make us meet habitations
for God, Prov 8:23-31; Ps 40:6-8; Isa 48:16; Isa 53:10-12; Isa 61:1-3;
Isa 49:1-6.—In the impetration of our redemption, God's goodness
appears,
1. In that the deliverance is infinitely more important,
costly, sure, and delightful, than creation itself, Eph 1:3-8; Eph 2:1-8;
Rev 1:5-6; Rev 5:9-10.
2. That, not fallen angels, whose nature is of
more importance and dignity, but fallen men are delivered, Heb
2:14,16; Jude 6.
3. That the only begotten Son of God is the
Redeemer and Surety of such mean, sinful, and infamous creatures,
John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10.
4. That he, by the most complete
obedience, and the most dreadful, but voluntary sufferings,
magnified his Father's law, and satisfied his justice, that he might
open an abundant egress for displaying his favours to usward, Heb
2:10; Heb 5:8; Heb 13:12; Heb 1:3; Gal 3:13; 2 Cor 5:21; Isa 53:4-
5,10; Isa 42:21; Rom 8:3-4; Rom 10:4.
5. That he thus manifested his love, after men had, for four thousand years, continued in the most
uninterrupted, horrid, outrageous, and progressive rebellion against
him, Gal 4:4; Gen 3 through Mal 4; Rom 3:10-19; Rom 1:18-32; Rom
5:6-10,20-21.
6. That notwithstanding God's most dreadful curse lay
upon Christ from his conception till his death, the Holy Ghost
marvellously furnished him for, and supported him under his
arduous work, John 3:34; Heb 9:14.
7. That God accepted this satisfaction due from us, from his own Son in our stead,—justified
and glorified him as our Representative, and constituted him our
advocate, that our faith and hope might be in himself, Rom 3:25-26;
Rom 5:6-11,15-21; Rom 8:3-4,32-34; Rom 4:25; Rom 10:4; Isa
50:7,9; Isa 52:13-15; Isa 53:2-12; John 4:9-10; John 2:1-2; Eph 5:2;
Gal 2:20; 1 Pet 1:18-21; 1 Tim 3:16; Heb 7:25. In the application of
this purchased redemption, the goodness of God is manifested,
1. In that all the blessings of it are lodged in the hands of Christ, our elder
brother, as Administrator of the new covenant, Col 1:19; Ps 68:18;
Matt 11:27; Matt 28:18; John 3:35; Isa 49:6; Ps 72:17; Ps 21:4.
2. That Christ is exalted to the right hand of God, solemnly to take
infeftment on, and possession of eternal happiness, in our name; to
intercede for us, and pour down the Spirit on us; to apply to us all the
benefits of his purchase, John 14:2-3,26; John 16:7-14; Eph 2:5-7;
Heb 6:19-20; Heb 7:25; Heb 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1-2.
3. That in him all the blessings of redemption lie ready for us, in exceeding great and
precious promises, which are published to us in the gospel, Matt
22:4; 2 Pet 1:4; 2 Cor 1:20; Isa 55:1-7; Rev 22:17; Prov 1:20-23; Prov
8:4; Prov 9:5; John 6:39.
4. That these prepared blessings are so infinitely great and many, and must be bestowed upon us, Ps 31:19;
Ps 36:6-10; Ps 65:4; Ps 68:10,18-22; Eph 1:3-8; Eph 2:4-10; Eph
3:17-19.
5. That the offers of these blessings in the gospel are so
particularly directed to sinners, even of the worst kind, Ezek 36:25-
31; Isa 43:24-25; Isa 46:12-13; Isa 1:18; Isa 55:1-7; Jer 3; Matt 9:13;
Matt 18:11; 1 Tim 1:15.
6. That these offers of salvation are granted
and continued, notwithstanding men's multiplied and dreadful
provocations, fearful abuse, contempt, and opposition to them, Acts
3:15,26; Isa 1:3-18; Isa 57:17-18.
7. That these offers are so great, so
earnest, so engaging, so free, and condescending, Ps 34:8,11; Ps 50:7;
Ps 81:8-10; Prov 1:20,23; Prov 8:4-36; Prov 9:1-6; Prov 23:26; Song
3:11; Song 4:8; Song 5:2; Isa 1:18; Isa 45:22-25; Isa 46:12-13; Isa
49:1-12; Isa 55:1-7; Isa 65:1-2; Zech 9:9,12; Matt 11:5,28-30; Matt
22:1-9; Luke 14:16-23; John 7:37-39; John 6:37-40; 2 Cor 5:18-21;
Rev 22:17.
8. That many, if not most, of those who have these offered
blessings conferred upon them, in respect of their former outward
circumstances, tempers, or morals, were of the very dregs of
mankind, Luke 19:10; Matt 22:9; Matt 9:13; 1 Cor 1:25-31; 1 Tim
1:13,15-16.
9. That God taketh such pleasure in the application of redemption, Isa 65:1-2; Isa 62:5,11; Isa 61:1-2,10; Jer 32:38-41; Jer 31:18-20; Mic 7:19; Zeph 3:17.
10. That the most outrageous sinners are often received by God with distinguished marks of compassion
and kindness, Luke 15:20-22; Luke 7; Luke 23; John 4; Acts 2; Acts
4; Acts 6; Acts 9; Acts 22; Acts 26; 1 Cor 15:8-10. Gal 1:15-16; 1 Tim 1:13-16.
11. That amidst strange and furious opposition, Christ and his Spirit enter into men's hearts, in order to
apply his benefits, Rom 7:8-25; Luke 11:21-22; Ps 110:2-3; 2 Cor 10:4-5.
12. That he deals so tenderly with his people when they
offend him, Ps 103:12-13; Isa 57:17-19; Jer 31:18-20; Jer 3; Hos 6:4; Hos 11:8.
13. That he closely adheres to them, sympathizes with them under all their troubles,
and delivers them as soon as it can be for their real advantage, Zech 2:8; Isa 63:9; Isa 40:11;
Isa 41:10,14,17-18; Isa 46:4; Luke 18:8; delights to converse with them, and to hear and
answer their prayers, Jer 32:41; Jer 33:3; Zeph 3:17; Isa 62:4-5; Isa 30:18,21; Isa 58:9;
Isa 65:24; Isa 45:11; Luke 11:9; Matt 7:7; Ps 50:15;
Ps 91:15; Ps 85:6,8; Song 2:14; Song 8:13.—In fine, God's goodness
appears in manifold respects, in all the particular blessings of our
election, union with Christ, justification, adoption, sanctification,
spiritual comfort, and eternal glory;—and in all the means of grace,
ordinary or solemn, Eph 1:3-8; Eph 2:1-10; Rom 5:15-21
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Post by Admin on Jun 9, 2024 16:01:55 GMT -5
VIII. The Truth of God
The truth of God is not here taken for the reality of his existence, and
the necessary possession of infinite excellency, on account of which
he is called the true God, in opposition to such as are gods only in
respect of name, but have no infinite or independent perfection, Jer
10:10; but it means that essential property of his nature, by which he
is infinitely free from, and abhors all deceit and falsehood. It may be
distinguished into his sincerity, uprightness, or candour, which
consists in the exact agreement of his words and works with his
thoughts, inclination, or will; and his veracity or faithfulness, which
consists in the exact correspondence of his works with his
declarations, predictions, promises, and threatenings, and with all
these relations in which he stands to his creatures.
It is most evident, that God is true in these respects:
1. The Scriptures
expressly represent him as a God of truth, that cannot lie or fail to perform his word,
Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Titus 1:2; Heb 6:17-18; Heb 10:23; 2 Tim 2:13; 1 Thess 5:24; 1 Cor 1:9; 1 Cor 10:13; Deut 7:9;
Deut 32:4; Neh 9:8; Ps 33:4; Ps 89:1-2,5,8,14,35; Ps 36:5; Ps119:38,49,70,160; Ps 111:7-8; Ps 100:5; Ps 25:10; Ps 31:5;
Isa 25:1; Isa 65:16; John 17:17; Rom 3:3-4; 1 Pet 4:19; Rev 1:5; Rev 3:15; John 14:16-17.
2. His independence, infinite holiness, equity, power, and majesty, set him above all possibility of,
or temptation to deceit or falsehood, Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Heb 6:16-21; 2 Tim 2:13.
3. All that candor and faithfulness which is among mankind, or regard to
it, proceed from him, James 1:17; 1 Cor 4:7.
4. This candor or faithfulness is manifested in,
1. The self-consistency of all his words, notwithstanding their being spoken on very different occasions, Ps
119:30-31,43,86-87,90,104,128,138,142,160,163.
2. None of his words are contrary to the discoveries of his perfections, which are
made by the light of nature or by Revelation, 2 Tim 2:13; Deut 32:4.
3. His whole work of providence, with all the dispositions and actions
of mankind, plainly confirm the leading truths of his word, compare
Exod 34:6-7; Deut 32:4 with the history of his works, Gen 3 through
Esther 10; Isa 1 through Mal 4; Matt 1 through Rev 22; Ps 78; Ps 103;
Ps 107; Ps 136; Ps 145-149; Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10-20; Rom 8:7-8; Rom
1:24-32; Matt 5:19; with the history of mankind, Gen 4; Gen 6; Gen
11; 2 Kings 17; Neh 9; Ezek 16; Ezek 20; Ezek 23; Isa 59; Jer 2-23;
Jer 44; etc.
4. All the principal acts of his providence in the world are
a manifest fulfilment of his inspired predictions.
5. He hath, or doth,accomplish those promises, threatening's, or predictions, which, to
us, appear most unlikely to be fulfilled, or which he had the
strongest-like reasons to shift, as of the incarnation, sufferings, and
death of his Son, the calling of the Gentiles,—and the Justification,
Sanctification, and Glorification of sinful men, Gal 4:4-6; Isa 53;
Matt 1 through Acts 28; 1 Cor 6:9-11; Eph 1-3; Rom 1-11; Col 1-2.
6. His truth and faithfulness will be most fully manifested in the last
judgment, when all the works of God and men shall be exactly
compared with his word,—and in the everlasting happiness or misery
of angels and men, Rev 20:12-15; Matt 25:31-46; 2 Thess 1:6-10;
Rom 2:6-10.To anticipate objections, it must be observed,
1. That God may declare to men what is their duty, without manifesting his own secret
intentions. Has law is the only rule of our duty; and his purpose the
only rule of his own conduct, Mic 6:8 with Deut 29:29; Isa 8:20; Isa
55:8-11; Eph 1:11.
2. That God may permit others to deceive, or be deceived, without having any deceit in himself,
or in his conduct, 1 Kings 22:22-23; Ezek 14:9 with Deut 32:4; Ps 25:8,10.
3. That when promises, threatening's, or predictions, have in them a condition
expressed or understood, the fulfilment of them doth not fall due,
and ought not to be looked for, unless that condition be first fulfilled,
Mark 16:16; Jon 3; 1 Sam 23:11-12; Isa 38:1. My Soul, stop thy contemplation of the Most High, and ask thyself,
as in his presence:
If God be a Spirit, am I spiritually-minded, and a worshipper of Him in spirit and in truth?
Do I detest and banish every carnal imagination of him from my heart?
—Is he the all knowing and only wise God?
Do I then behave as one ever naked and open to his view?
Do I reverently avoid all prying into his secrets?
Do I relish all his oracles, as the storehouse and fountain of all true wisdom and knowledge to my heart?
Do I cordially approve all his ordinances, and admire his whole word, purpose, and work?
Do I acknowledge him in all my ways, that he may direct my paths; and in
the most perplexing cases, trust to his skill and power for my deliverance?
—If he be Almighty,—a Sovereign Ruler, am I, in the view of my own weakness, still blushing, still trembling before him?
Do I always labor to check the very first risings of my heart in rebellion against Him?
Do I, without staggering, rest the whole burden of my salvation upon Him?
Do I rejoice in Him, and firmly expect deliverance from Him, when I apprehend all things working against me?
Do I ascribe all that I am and have, except my sinfulness, to Him?
And am I contented with all that I meet with in providence, as the doing of my Lord?
—Am I holy as he is holy; pure as he is pure?
Do I abhor myself and all my righteousness in his sight?
Do I chiefly delight in his holiness? And doth even the contempt of it by others excite my love to, and esteem of it?
Do I, in all my dealings with Him,labor to act under a deep impression of his holiness?
Do I, above all things, hate sin?—my own sin?—my most refined and secret sin?
Do I always labor in the gospel-glass to behold his holiness, that I may
be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord?
—Under the affecting views of his justice, do I revere every dispensation of his providence,
and kindly acknowledge, that unto him as my Lord belongs righteousness, and unto me, shame and confusion of face?
Do I live in perpetual wonder, that his infinite equity can suffer such a sinner to live; nay, will save me?
Do I continually flee from all my own righteousness to that of Jesus Christ, and rest on it alone for my eternal salvation?
—If God be good, —be Love, am I, with amazement, believing his lovingkindness, and applying it to my own heart?
Am I opening my mouth wide, that he may fill it?
Am I satisfied with his goodness, as the source and the substance of all my happiness?
Do I reckon all things, as coming from his hand, as good,—very good for me?
Do I, above all, desire to be an eternal debtor and unparalleled miracle of his redeeming goodness?
And, all inflamed herewith, how burns my heart with love to Him that first loved me, and gave his Son for me?—
Do I love them that hate me? and do good to, and pray for them that despitefully use me?
—If he be the God of truth, have I set to my seal, that he hath given me eternal life in his Son?
Have I found his promises and eaten them; have they been to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart?
Do I hold them fast, and refuse to let them go?
Have I rejoiced at finding them, as one that finds great spoil,—and chosen them to be my heritage for ever?
—Is this God, who is manifested in all around me,—
in all before, behind, above, or below me, for ever in mine eye, and in all the powers of my soul?
—Is he my Saviour, my Father, my Husband,—my Friend, my Master, my Portion, my Pattern, my God;—my all?
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