Christ Reformed Church DC: Recent Episodes
Rev. Gossett continues our three-part exploration of the flood narrative by looking at how the Ark of Noah is like the holy temple, unpacking Genesis 7.
Rev. Lee continues our series through Genesis 1 - 11 with a sermon on Genesis 6-9-7-5. This is the first of three sermons on the flood.
Rev. David Klompien joins from Preakness Valley United Reformed Church to preach the word at Christ Reformed DC.
Rev. Klompien from Preakness Valley United Reformed Church joins us and teaches from the Belgic Confession articles 4-6, -the Word God has given.-
Rev. Lee continues our series and concludes the second section of Genesis with Genesis 6-1-8, -A Warning of Judgment to Come.-
Rev. Gossett continues our series through Genesis 1-11 considering how to read genealogies and how to see Christ in Genesis 4-17-5-32, -The Book of God's Elect.-
Rev. Gossett continues our series through Genesis 1-11 with -Death Through Sin- Cain and Abel- a sermon on Genesis 4-1-16.
PART II- Deliverance -Lord's Day 5 --12 Q. According to God's righteous judgment we deserve punishment both now and in eternity- how then can we escape this punishment and return to God's favor- - A. God requires that his justice be satisfied. Therefore the claims of this justice must be paid in full, either by ourselves or by another.--13 Q. Can we make this payment ourselves- - A. Certainly not. Actually, we increase our debt every day.--14 Q. Can another creature - any at all - pay this debt for us- - A. No. To begin with, God will not punish any other creature for what a human is guilty of. Furthermore, no mere creature can bear the weight of God's eternal wrath against sin and deliver others from it. --15 Q. What kind of mediator and deliverer should we look for then- - A. One who is a true and righteous man, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.
Rev. Lee continues our series through Genesis 1-11 considering the fall of mankind in Genesis 3 with -Good News for Recovering Rebels.-
Rev. Lee teaches on the covenant of works in Genesis 2-4-15, in -Life and Death in the Garden.-
Lord's Day 3--Q. Did God create man so wicked and perverse---A. No.-God created man good1 and in his own image, -that is, in true righteousness and holiness,-so that he might-truly know God his creator,-love him with all his heart,-and live with God in eternal happiness,-for his praise and glory. --Q. Then where does man's corrupt nature come from---A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents,-Adam and Eve, in Paradise.-This fall has so poisoned our nature-that we are all conceived and born in sin.--Q. But are we so corrupt-that we are totally unable to do any good-and inclined toward all evil---A. Yes,-unless we are born again-by the Spirit of God.
- Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death---A. That I am not my own, but belong-body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.--He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,-and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven- in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.--Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.--2. Q. How many things must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort---A. Three--first, how great my sin and misery are--second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery--third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.
Rev. Gossett preaches Psalm 90 in the New year on How an eternal perspective gives a wise heart. Listen to -Numbering our Days in the New Year.-
Titus 2-11-14, 3-3-8--For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works...--For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 14--35 Q. What does it mean that he -was conceived by the Holy Spirit-and born of the virgin Mary--- - A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a true human nature so that he might also become David's true descendant, like his brothers in all things except for sin.--36 Q. How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you- -- A. He is our mediator and, in God's sight, he covers with his innocence and perfect holiness my sin, in which I was conceived.
Rev. Lee begins a two part series on Lord's Day 14 from the Heidelberg Catechism as we consider Christmas from the catechism.
Rev. Lee begins our Christmas series through the pastoral epistles. --1 Timothy 1-8-17--Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.---I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.-
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Titus 3--https---biblia.com-books-esv-Tt3
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Titus 3-1-8--Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw --BC 35 --https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--35
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251 --Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Titus 2- --But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything- they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--34
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Titus 2 --But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything- they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw --https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--33--We believe that our good God, mindful of our crudeness and weakness, has ordained sacraments for us to seal his promises in us, to pledge his good will and grace toward us, and also to nourish and sustain our faith.--He has added these to the Word of the gospel to represent better to our external senses both what he enables us to understand by his Word and what he does inwardly in our hearts, confirming in us the salvation he imparts to us. --For they are visible signs and seals of something internal and invisible, by means of which God works in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. So they are not empty and hollow signs to fool and deceive us, for their truth is Jesus Christ, without whom they would be nothing.--Moreover, we are satisfied with the number of sacraments that Christ our Master has ordained for us. There are only two- the sacrament of baptism and the Holy Supper of Jesus Christ.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Titus 2- --For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon- --Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw --https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--32--We also believe that-although it is useful and good-for those who govern the churches-to establish and set up-a certain order among themselves-for maintaining the body of the church,-they ought always to guard against deviating-from what Christ,-our only Master,-has ordained-for us.--Therefore we reject all human innovations-and all laws imposed on us,-in our worship of God,-which bind and force our consciences-in any way.--So we accept only what is proper-to maintain harmony and unity-and to keep all in obedience-to God.--To that end excommunication,-with all it involves,-according to the Word of God,-is required.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon---Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--https---biblia.com-books-esv-Tt1.5-16-This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you- if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.-For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, -Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.- This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon---Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Belgic Confession, Article 31--https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--31--We believe that this true church ought to be governed according to the spiritual order that our Lord has taught us in his Word. There should be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God and administer the sacraments. There should also be elders and deacons, along with the pastors, to make up the council of the church. --By this means true religion is preserved- true doctrine is able to take its course- and evil men are corrected spiritually and held in check, so that also the poor and all the afflicted may be helped and comforted according to their need. By this means everything will be done well and in good order in the church, when such men are elected who are faithful and are chosen according to the rule that Paul gave to Timothy.
Please subscribe to -The Word,- our podcast on Apple and Spotify. We'll be leaving SermonAudio soon---Apple- -https---podcasts.apple.com-us-podcast-the-word-id1538253251--Spotify--https---open.spotify.com-show-7zhjuQzZJQ8lQoo2loflTM-si-DmI1n3vbS4KsTYMnhcICHw--Titus 1-1 - 5--Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior---To Titus, my true child in a common faith---Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.--This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you
Psalm 72--Of Solomon.--Give the king your justice, O God,- and your righteousness to the royal son--May he judge your people with righteousness,- and your poor with justice--Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,- and the hills, in righteousness--May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,- give deliverance to the children of the needy,- and crush the oppressor--May they fear you while the sun endures,- and as long as the moon, throughout all generations--May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,- like showers that water the earth--In his days may the righteous flourish,- and peace abound, till the moon be no more--May he have dominion from sea to sea,- and from the River to the ends of the earth--May desert tribes bow down before him,- and his enemies lick the dust--May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands- render him tribute--may the kings of Sheba and Seba- bring gifts--May all kings fall down before him,- all nations serve him--For he delivers the needy when he calls,- the poor and him who has no helper.-He has pity on the weak and the needy,- and saves the lives of the needy.-From oppression and violence he redeems their life,- and precious is their blood in his sight.-Long may he live-- may gold of Sheba be given to him--May prayer be made for him continually,- and blessings invoked for him all the day--May there be abundance of grain in the land-- on the tops of the mountains may it wave-- may its fruit be like Lebanon--and may people blossom in the cities- like the grass of the field--May his name endure forever...
Belgic 30- The Government of the Church--https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--30--We believe that this true church ought to be governed according to the spiritual order that our Lord has taught us in his Word. There should be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God and administer the sacraments. There should also be elders and deacons, along with the pastors, to make up the council of the church. --By this means true religion is preserved- true doctrine is able to take its course- and evil men are corrected spiritually and held in check, so that also the poor and all the afflicted may be helped and comforted according to their need. By this means everything will be done well and in good order in the church, when such men are elected who are faithful and are chosen according to the rule that Paul gave to Timothy.
Psalm 71-14-16--But I will hope continually- and will praise you yet more and more.-My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,- of your deeds of salvation all the day,- for their number is past my knowledge.-With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come-- I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
Belgic Confession, Article 29- -The Marks of a True Church---https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--29--The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks- The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel- it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them- it practices church discipline for correcting faults. --In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head.-
Belgic Confession, Article 28--https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--28---We believe that since this holy assembly and congregation is the gathering of those who are saved and there is no salvation apart from it, no one ought to withdraw from it, -content to be by himself, regardless of his status or condition. But all people are obliged to join and unite with it, keeping the unity of the church by submitting to its instruction and discipline, by bending their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ, and by serving to build up one another,-according to the gifts God has given them as members of each other in the same body...-
Psalm 70--To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering.--Make haste, O God, to deliver me-- O Lord, make haste to help me--Let them be put to shame and confusion- who seek my life--Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor- who delight in my hurt--Let them turn back because of their shame- who say, -Aha, Aha---May all who seek you- rejoice and be glad in you--May those who love your salvation- say evermore, -God is great---But I am poor and needy-- hasten to me, O God--You are my help and my deliverer-- O Lord, do not delay-
Belgic Confession, Article 27- -The Holy, Catholic Church---https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--27--We believe and confess one single catholic or universal church - a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers, awaiting their entire salvation in Jesus Christ being washed by his blood, and sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This church has existed from the beginning of the world and will last until the end, as appears from the fact that Christ is eternal King who cannot be without subjects...
Psalm 69--https---www.biblegateway.com-passage--search-ps-69-version-ESV---Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good-- according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.-Hide not your face from your servant,- for I am in distress- make haste to answer me.-Draw near to my soul, redeem me-- ransom me because of my enemies--
Belgic Confession Article 26- The Intercession of Christ--https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--26--Although he was -in the form of God,- he nevertheless -emptied himself,- taking the form of -a man- and -a servant- for us- and he made himself -completely like his brothers.- Suppose we had to find another intercessor. Who would love us more than he who gave his life for us, even though -we were his enemies--
Psalm 68--https---www.biblegateway.com-passage--search-ps-68-version-ESV--You ascended on high,- leading a host of captives in your train- and receiving gifts among men,-even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.
Psalm 67. In Psalm 67, the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6-23 is invoked and explained to God's people as the purpose of our worship. God wishes to bless us, so we may be a blessing to the nations. --URL- https---www.biblegateway.com-passage--search-Psalm-2067-version-ESV
Belgic Confession 25- The Fulfillment of the Law-https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--25--We believe that the ceremonies and symbols of the law have ended with the coming of Christ, and that all foreshadowings have come to an end, so that the use of them ought to be abolished among Christians. Yet the truth and substance of these things remain for us in Jesus Christ, -in whom they have been fulfilled. Nevertheless, we continue to use the witnesses drawn from the law and prophets to confirm us in the gospel and to regulate our lives with full integrity for the glory of God, according to his will.
A Catechism Sermon on Belgic Confession Article 24 and Romans 6-1-18--https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--24
Psalm 132--A Song of Ascents.-Remember, O LORD, in David's favor,-all the hardships he endured,-how he swore to the LORD-and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,--I will not enter my house-or get into my bed,-I will not give sleep to my eyes-or slumber to my eyelids,-until I find a place for the LORD,-a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.--Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah--we found it in the fields of Jaar.--Let us go to his dwelling place--let us worship at his footstool---Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,-you and the ark of your might.-Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,-and let your saints shout for joy.-For the sake of your servant David,-do not turn away the face of your anointed one.-The LORD swore to David a sure oath-from which he will not turn back---One of the sons of your body-I will set on your throne.-If your sons keep my covenant-and my testimonies that I shall teach them,-their sons also forever-shall sit on your throne.--For the LORD has chosen Zion--he has desired it for his dwelling place---This is my resting place forever--here I will dwell, for I have desired it.-I will abundantly bless her provisions--I will satisfy her poor with bread.-Her priests I will clothe with salvation,-and her saints will shout for joy.-There I will make a horn to sprout for David--I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.-His enemies I will clothe with shame,-but on him his crown will shine.-
Belgic Confession, Article 23- The Justification of Sinners--We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works. And the same apostle says that we are justified -freely- or -by grace- through redemption in Jesus Christ.--And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are- not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting only on the obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him.--That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God's approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves.-In fact, if we had to appear before God relying - no matter how little - on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up. Therefore everyone must say with David- -Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified.-
Psalm 66--To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm.--Shout for joy to God, all the earth-- sing the glory of his name-- give to him glorious praise--Say to God, -How awesome are your deeds-- So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.-All the earth worships you- and sings praises to you-- they sing praises to your name.--...
Belgic Confession, Article 22- The Righteousness of Faith--We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith-that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him. For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then he who has Christ by faith has his salvation entirely. ...
Psalm 65--vss 9 - 13--You visit the earth and water it-- you greatly enrich it--the river of God is full of water-- you provide their grain,- for so you have prepared it.-You water its furrows abundantly,- settling its ridges,-softening it with showers,- and blessing its growth.-You crown the year with your bounty-- your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.-The pastures of the wilderness overflow,- the hills gird themselves with joy,-the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,- the valleys deck themselves with grain,- they shout and sing together for joy.
Psalm 64--To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.--Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint-- preserve my life from dread of the enemy.-Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,- from the throng of evildoers,-who whet their tongues like swords,- who aim bitter words like arrows,-shooting from ambush at the blameless,- shooting at him suddenly and without fear.-They hold fast to their evil purpose-- they talk of laying snares secretly,-thinking, -Who can see them--- They search out injustice,-saying, -We have accomplished a diligent search.-- For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.-But God shoots his arrow at them-- they are wounded suddenly.-They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them-- all who see them will wag their heads.-Then all mankind fears-- they tell what God has brought about- and ponder what he has done.-Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord- and take refuge in him--Let all the upright in heart exult-
BELGIC CONFESSION, ARTICLE 21--THE ATONEMENT- --We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek - made such by an oath - and that he presented himself in our name before his Father, to appease his wrath with full satisfaction by offering himself on the tree of the cross and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, as the prophets had predicted.--For it is written that -the chastisement of our peace- was placed on the Son of God and that -we are healed by his wounds.- He was -led to death as a lamb-- he was -numbered among sinners- and condemned as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, though Pilate had declared that he was innocent. So he paid back what he had not stolen, and he suffered - the -just for the unjust,- in both his body and his soul - in such a way that when he sensed the horrible punishment required by our sins his sweat became like -big drops of blood falling on the ground.- He cried, -My God, my God, why have you abandoned me----And he endured all this for the forgiveness of our sins. Therefore we rightly say with Paul that we -know nothing but Jesus and him crucified-- we consider all things as -dung for the excellence of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.- We find all comforts in his wounds and have no need to seek or invent any other means to reconcile ourselves with God than this one and only sacrifice, once made, which renders believers perfect forever.--This is also why the angel of God called him Jesus - that is, -Savior- - because he would save his people from their sins.
Belgic Confession, Article 20-The Justice - Mercy of God in Christ--We believe that God - who is perfectly merciful and also very just - sent his Son to assume the nature in which the disobedience had been committed, in order to bear in it the punishment of sin by his most bitter passion and death.-So God made known his justice toward his Son, who was charged with our sin, and he poured out his goodness and mercy on us, who are guilty and worthy of damnation, giving to us his Son to die, by a most perfect love, and raising him to life for our justification, in order that by him we might have immortality and eternal life.
Psalm 63--A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.--O God, you are my God- earnestly I seek you-- my soul thirsts for you--my flesh faints for you,- as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.-So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,- beholding your power and glory.-Because your steadfast love is better than life,- my lips will praise you.-So I will bless you as long as I live-- in your name I will lift up my hands.-My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,- and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,-when I remember you upon my bed,- and meditate on you in the watches of the night--for you have been my help,- and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.-My soul clings to you-- your right hand upholds me.-But those who seek to destroy my life- shall go down into the depths of the earth--they shall be given over to the power of the sword-- they shall be a portion for jackals.-But the king shall rejoice in God-- all who swear by him shall exult,- for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
Jude 1--...It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, -Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.- These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires- they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.--But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, -In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.- It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt- save others by snatching them out of the fire- to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.--Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Belgic Confession, Article 19- -The Two Natures of Christ--We believe that by being thus conceived the person of the Son has been inseparably united and joined together with human nature, in such a way that there are not two Sons of God, nor two persons, but two natures united in a single person, with each nature retaining its own distinct properties. --Thus his divine nature has always remained uncreated, -without beginning of days or end of life,- filling heaven and earth. His human nature has not lost its properties but continues to have those of a creature - it has a beginning of days- it is of a finite nature and retains all that belongs to a real body. And even though he, by his resurrection, gave it immortality, that nonetheless did not change the reality of his human nature- for our salvation and resurrection depend also on the reality of his body. But these two natures are so united together in one person that they are not even separated by his death. So then, what he committed to his Father when he died was a real human spirit which left his body.--But meanwhile his divine nature remained united with his human nature even when he was lying in the grave- and his deity never ceased to be in him, just as it was in him when he was a little child, though for a while it did not show itself as such. These are the reasons why we confess him to be true God and true man - true God in order to conquer death by his power, and true man that he might die for us-in the weakness of his flesh.
Belgic Confession, Article 18--The Incarnation--So then we confess that God fulfilled the promise which he had made to the early fathers by the mouth of his holy prophets when he sent his only and eternal Son into the world at the time set by him.--The Son took the -form of a servant- and was made in the -likeness of man,- truly assuming a real human nature, with all its weaknesses, except for sin- being conceived in the womb of the blessed virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, without male participation. And he not only assumed human nature as far as the body is concerned but also a real human soul, in order that he might be a real human being. For since the soul had been lost as well as the body he had to assume them both to save them both together.--Therefore we confess, against the heresy of the Anabaptists who deny that Christ assumed human flesh from his mother, that he -shared the very flesh and blood of children-- that he is -fruit of the loins of David- according to the flesh- -born of the seed of David- according to the flesh- -fruit of the womb of the virgin Mary-- -born of a woman-- -the seed of David-- -a shoot from the root of Jesse-- -the offspring of Judah,- having descended from the Jews according to the flesh- -from the seed of Abraham- - for he -assumed Abraham's seed- and was -made like his brothers except for sin.- In this way he is truly our Immanuel - that is- -God with us.-
Jude--Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,--To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ---May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.--Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.--Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day- just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.--Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, -The Lord rebuke you.- But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them- For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for
Ephesians 4-8 - 16 -KJV---Therefore it says,---When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,- and he gave gifts to men.----In saying, -He ascended,- what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth- He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.- And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Belgic Confession, Article 17--www.threeforms.org--We believe that our good God, by his marvelous wisdom and goodness, seeing that man had plunged himself in this manner into both physical and spiritual death and made himself completely miserable, set out to find him, though man, trembling all over, was fleeing from him. --And he comforted him, promising to give him his Son, -born of a woman,- to crush the head of the serpent, and to make him blessed.
Psalm 62--To the choirmaster- according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.--For God alone my soul waits in silence-- from him comes my salvation.-He alone is my rock and my salvation,- my fortress- I shall not be greatly shaken.-How long will all of you attack a man- to batter him,- like a leaning wall, a tottering fence--They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.- They take pleasure in falsehood.-They bless with their mouths,- but inwardly they curse. Selah-For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,- for my hope is from him.-He only is my rock and my salvation,- my fortress- I shall not be shaken.-On God rests my salvation and my glory-- my mighty rock, my refuge is God.-Trust in him at all times, O people-- pour out your heart before him-- God is a refuge for us. Selah-Those of low estate are but a breath-- those of high estate are a delusion--in the balances they go up-- they are together lighter than a breath.-Put no trust in extortion-- set no vain hopes on robbery-- if riches increase, set not your heart on them.-Once God has spoken-- twice have I heard this--that power belongs to God,- and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.-For you will render to a man- according to his work.
Belgic Confession Article 16- Election--We believe that - all Adam's descendants having thus fallen -into perdition and ruin by the sin of the first man - God showed himself to be as he is- merciful and just.--He is merciful in withdrawing and saving from this perdition those whom he, in his eternal and unchangeable counsel, has elected and chosen in Jesus Christ our Lord by his pure goodness, without any consideration of their works.--He is just in leaving the others in their ruin and fall into which they plunged themselves.
Belgic Confession 15- Original Sin--We believe that by the disobedience of Adam original sin has been spread through the whole human race. It is a corruption of all nature-an inherited depravity which even infects small infants in their mother's womb, and the root which produces in man every sort of sin. --It is therefore so vile and enormous in God's sight that it is enough to condemn the human race, and it is not abolished or wholly uprooted even by baptism, seeing that sin constantly boils forth as though from a contaminated spring. --Nevertheless, it is not imputed to God's children for their condemnation but is forgiven by his grace and mercy-not to put them to sleep but so that the awareness of this corruption might often make believers groan as they long to be set free from the -body of this death.- Therefore we reject the error of the Pelagians who say that this sin is nothing else than a matter of imitation.
Mark, Summary Selections---The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.-As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,--Behold, I send my messenger before your face,- who will prepare your way,-the voice of one crying in the wilderness-- 'Prepare the way of the Lord,- make his paths straight,'---And a voice came from heaven, -You are my beloved Son- with you I am well pleased.---Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, saying, -The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand- repent and believe in the gospel.----Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.- ---What is this- A new teaching with authority- He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.- --Who can forgive sins but God alone-- -But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins--he said to the paralytic- -I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.- ---Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.---So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.----To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that--'they may indeed see but not perceive,- and may indeed hear but not understand,-lest they should turn and be forgiven.'---Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him---- -Daughter, your faith has made you well- go in peace, and be healed of your disease.--- -Do not fear, only believe.- --...
Article 14- The Creation and Fall of Mankind--We believe that God created man from the dust of the earth and made and formed him in his image and likeness - good, just, and holy- able by his own will to conform in all things to the will of God.--But when he was in honor he did not understand it and did not recognize his excellence. But he subjected himself willingly to sin and consequently to death and the curse, lending his ear to the word of the devil. For he transgressed the commandment of life, which he had received, and by his sin he separated himself from God, who was his true life, having corrupted his entire nature.--So he made himself guilty and subject to physical and spiritual death, having become wicked, perverse, and corrupt in all his ways. He lost all his excellent gifts which he had received from God, and he retained none of them except for small traces which are enough to make him inexcusable. Moreover, all the light in us is turned to darkness, as the Scripture teaches us- -The light shone in the darkness, and the darkness did not receive it.- Here John calls men -darkness.---Therefore we reject everything taught to the contrary concerning man's free will, since man is nothing but the slave of sin and cannot do a thing unless it is -given him from heaven.- For who can boast of being able to do anything good by himself, since Christ says, -No one can come to me unless my Father who sent me draws him-- Who can glory in his own will when he understands that -the mind of the flesh is enmity against God-- Who can speak of his own knowledge in view of the fact that -the natural man does not understand the things of the Spirit of God-- ...
Mark 15-40 - 16-8--There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.--And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.--When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, -Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb-- And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back-it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, -Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified...
Belgic Confession, Article 13---We believe that this good God, after he created all things, did not abandon them to chance or fortune but leads and governs them according to his holy will, in such a way that nothing happens in this world without his orderly arrangement. --Yet God is not the author of, nor can he be charged with, the sin that occurs. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible that he arranges and does his work very well and justly even when the devils and wicked men act unjustly. We do not wish to inquire with undue curiosity into what he does that surpasses human understanding and is beyond our ability to comprehend. But in all humility and reverence we adore the just judgments of God, which are hidden from us, being content to be Christ's disciples, so as to learn only what he shows us in his Word, without going beyond those limits. --This doctrine gives us unspeakable comfort since it teaches us that nothing can happen to us by chance but only by the arrangement of our gracious heavenly Father. He watches over us with fatherly care, keeping all creatures under his control, so that not one of the hairs on our heads -for they are all numbered- nor even a little bird can fall to the ground without the will of our Father -Matthew 10-. In this thought we rest, knowing that he holds in check the devils and all our enemies, who cannot hurt us without his permission and will. --For that reason we reject the damnable error of the Epicureans, who say that God involves himself in nothing and leaves everything to chance.
Mark 15-20 - 39--And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha -which means Place of a Skull-. And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, -The King of the Jews.- And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, -Aha- You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross-- So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, -He saved others- he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.- Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.--And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, -Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani-- which means, -My God, my God, why have you forsaken me-- And some of the bystanders hearing it said, -Behold, he is calling Elijah.- And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, -Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.- And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom...
Mark 15-1-20--And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, -Are you the King of the Jews-- And he answered him, -You have said so.- And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, -Have you no answer to make- See how many charges they bring against you.- But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.--Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, -Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews-- For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, -Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews-- And they cried out again, -Crucify him.- And Pilate said to them, -Why- What evil has he done-- But they shouted all the more, -Crucify him.- So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.--And the soldiers led him away inside the palace -that is, the governor's headquarters-, and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, -Hail, King
Belgic Confession, Article 12- The Creation of All Things--We believe that the Father created heaven and earth and all other creatures from nothing, when it seemed good to him, by his Word - that is to say, by his Son. He has given all creatures their being, form, and appearance, and their various functions for serving their Creator. Even now he also sustains and governs them all, according to his eternal providence, and by his infinite power, that they may serve man, in order that man may serve God.- -He has also created the angels good, that they might be his messengers and serve his elect. Some of them have fallen from the excellence in which God created them into eternal perdition- and the others have persisted and remained in their original state, by the grace of God. The devils and evil spirits are so corrupt that they are enemies of God and of everything good. They lie in wait for the church and every member of it like thieves, with all their power, to destroy and spoil everything by their deceptions. So then, by their own wickedness they are condemned to everlasting damnation, daily awaiting their torments. For that reason we detest the error of the Sadducees, who deny that there are spirits and angels, and also the error of the Manicheans, who say that the devils originated by themselves, being evil by nature, without having been corrupted.
Belgic Confession, Article 11- The Deity of the Holy Spirit--We believe and confess also that the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son-neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but only proceeding from the two of them. In regard to order, he is the third person of the Trinity-of one and the same essence, and majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son. He is true and eternal God, as the Holy Scriptures teach us.
Mark 14-53 - 72--And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, -We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'- Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, -Have you no answer to make- What is it that these men testify against you-- But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, -Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed-- And Jesus said, -I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.- And the high priest tore his garments and said, -What further witnesses do we need- You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision-- And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, -Prophesy-- And the guards received him with blows.--And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, -You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.- But he denied it, saying, -I neither know nor understand what
Belgic Confession, Article 10- The Deity of Christ--We believe that Jesus Christ, according to his divine nature, is the only Son of God - eternally begotten, not made nor created, for then he would be a creature. He is one in essence with the Father- coeternal- the exact image of the person of the Father and the -reflection of his glory,- being in all things like him. He is the Son of God not only from the time he assumed our nature but from all eternity, as the following testimonies teach us when they are taken together. --Moses says that God -created the world-- and John says that -all things were created by the Word,- which he calls God. The letter to the Hebrews says that -God made the world by his Son.- Paul says that -God created all things by Jesus Christ.- And so it must follow that he who is called God, the Word, the Son, and Jesus Christ already existed when all things were created by him. Therefore the prophet Micah says that his origin is -from ancient times, from eternity.- And Hebrews says that he has -neither beginning of days nor end of life.- So then, he is the true eternal God, the Almighty, whom we invoke, worship, and serve.
Mark 14-26-52--And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, -You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.- Peter said to him, -Even though they all fall away, I will not.- And Jesus said to him, -Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.- But he said emphatically, -If I must die with you, I will not deny you.- And they all said the same.--And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, -Sit here while I pray.- And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, -My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.- And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, -Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.- And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, -Simon, are you asleep- Could you not watch one hour- Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.- And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, -Are you still sleeping and taking your rest- It is enough- the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners...
Belgic Confession, Article 9- -The Scriptural Witness on the Trinity--All these things we know from the testimonies of Holy Scripture as well as from the effects of the persons, especially from those we feel within ourselves. The testimonies of the Holy Scriptures, which teach us to believe in this Holy Trinity, are written in many places of the Old Testament, which need not be enumerated but only chosen with discretion. In the book of Genesis God says, -Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.- --So -God created man in his own image- - indeed, -male and female he created them.- -Behold, man has become like one of us.- It appears from this that there is a plurality of persons within the Deity, when he says, -Let us make man in our image- - and afterwards he indicates the unity when he says, -God created.- It is true that he does not say here how many persons there are - but what is somewhat obscure to us in the Old Testament is very clear in the New. For when our Lord was baptized in the Jordan, the voice of the Father was heard saying, -This is my dear Son-- the Son was seen in the water- and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove.--So, in the baptism of all believers this form was prescribed by Christ- -Baptize all people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.- In the Gospel according to Luke the angel Gabriel says to Mary, the mother of our Lord- -The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you- and therefore that holy one to be born of you shall be called the Son of God.- ...
Mark 14-1 - 25--It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, -Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.---...--Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.--And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, -Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover-- And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, -Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples-' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready- there prepare for us.- And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.--And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, -Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.- They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, -Is it I-- He said to them, -It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed- It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.---...
Mark 13-28-37---From the fig tree learn its lesson- as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.---But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all- Stay awake.-
Belgic Confession, Article 8- The Trinity--In keeping with this truth and Word of God we believe in one God, who is one single essence, in whom there are three persons, really, truly, and eternally distinct according to their incommunicable properties - namely, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father is the cause, origin, and source of all things, visible as well as invisible. The Son is the Word, the Wisdom, and the image of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the eternal power and might, proceeding from the Father and the Son.--Nevertheless, this distinction does not divide God into three, since Scripture teaches us that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each has his own subsistence distinguished by characteristics - yet in such a way that these three persons are only one God. It is evident then that the Father is not the Son and that the Son is not the Father, and that likewise the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son.--Nevertheless, these persons, thus distinct, are neither divided nor fused or mixed together. For the Father did not take on flesh, nor did the Spirit, but only the Son. The Father was never without his Son, nor without his Holy Spirit, since all these are equal from eternity, in one and the same essence. There is neither a first nor a last, for all three are one in truth and power, in goodness and mercy.
Mark 13-24-31---But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.---From the fig tree learn its lesson- as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Belgic Confession, Article 7- -The Sufficiency of Scripture--We believe that this Holy Scripture contains the will of God completely and that everything one must believe to be saved is sufficiently taught in it. For since the entire manner of service which God requires of us is described in it at great length, no one-even an apostle or an angel from heaven, as Paul says-ought to teach other than what the Holy Scriptures have already taught us. For since it is forbidden to add to or subtract from the Word of God, this plainly demonstrates that the teaching is perfect and complete in all respects.--Therefore we must not consider human writings-no matter how holy their authors may have been-equal to the divine writings- nor may we put custom, nor the majority, nor age, nor the passage of time or persons, nor councils, decrees, or official decisions above the truth of God, for truth is above everything else. For all human beings are liars by nature and more vain than vanity itself. --Therefore we reject with all our hearts everything that does not agree with this infallible rule, as we are taught to do by the apostles when they say, -Test the spirits to see if they are of God,-and also, -If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house.-
Belgic Confession, Article 6- -The Difference between Canonical and Apocryphal Books -https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--6--We distinguish between these holy books and the apocryphal ones, which are- the third and fourth books of Esdras- the books of Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Jesus Sirach, Baruch- what was added to the Story of Esther- the Song of the Three Children in the Furnace- the Story of Susannah- the Story of Bel and the Dragon- the Prayer of Manasseh- and the two books of Maccabees.--The church may certainly read these books and learn from them as far as they agree with the canonical books. But they do not have such power and virtue that one could confirm from their testimony any point of faith or of the Christian religion. Much less can they detract from the authority of the other holy books.
Mark 13-14-23---But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be -let the reader understand-, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days- Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ-' or 'Look, there he is-' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard- I have told you all things beforehand.
Mark 13-1-13--And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, -Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings-- And Jesus said to him, -Do you see these great buildings- There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.---And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, -Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished-- And Jesus began to say to them, -See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he-' and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places- there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.---But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Belgic Confession, Article 5- The Authority of Scripture--We receive all these books and these only as holy and canonical, for the regulating, founding, and establishing of our faith. And we believe without a doubt all things contained in them - not so much because the church receives and approves them as such but above all because the Holy Spirit testifies in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they prove themselves to be from God. For even the blind themselves are able to see that the things predicted in them do happen.
Mark 12-41-44 and 14-3-9--And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, -Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.---...--And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, -Why was the ointment wasted like that- For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.- And they scolded her. But Jesus said, -Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her- She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could- she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.-
Psalm 16--A Miktam of David.--Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.-I say to the Lord, -You are my Lord-- I have no good apart from you.--As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,- in whom is all my delight.-The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply-- their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out- or take their names on my lips.-The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup-- you hold my lot.-The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places-- indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.-I bless the Lord who gives me counsel-- in the night also my heart instructs me.-I have set the Lord always before me-- because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.-Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices-- my flesh also dwells secure.-For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,- or let your holy one see corruption.-You make known to me the path of life-- in your presence there is fullness of joy-- at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Belgic Confession, Article 2--The Means By Which We Know God-https---threeforms.org-the-belgic-confession--2--We know him by two means---First, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God- his eternal power and his divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1-20. All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse. --Second, he makes himself known to us more openly by his holy and divine Word, as much as we need in this life, for his glory and for the salvation of his own.
Mark 12-35-44--And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, -How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David- David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,---'The Lord said to my Lord,--Sit at my right hand,- until I put your enemies under your feet.-'--David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son-- And the great throng heard him gladly.--And in his teaching he said, -Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.---And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, -Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.-
Mark 12-18-34--And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, -Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers- the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be- For the seven had her as wife.---Jesus said to them, -Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God- For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'- He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.---And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, -Which commandment is the most important of all-- Jesus answered, -The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel- The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this- 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.-