The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 has been the standard confession in many Baptist churches worldwide for more than three centuries. The 1689 has been honored, respected, and used by some of the greatest theologians, including Charles Spurgeon who called the confession "the best expression of the Christian faith." I concur. I believe the 1689 is the "best expression," because it is the repository of Christian orthodoxy regarding the Bible, the Trinity, the Person of Christ, and the sovereignty of God. Spurgeon recognized the need for Christians to have a concise summation of the historic faith that was delivered once to the saints (Jude 1:3). He also realized the 1689 was a treasure of truth that could help believers progress in their Christian maturation. So with that said, here are a few questions, answers, and commentary from the Essence of the Christian Faith: A 1689 Confession for the 21st Century:
Question 3–1: What has God decreed?
Answer: God has decreed in himself, from all eternity, freely and unchangeably, all things which come to pass. (a) (b) (c)
(a) Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand, and Iwill accomplish all my purpose" (Isa 46:10).
(b) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:11).
(c) So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath (Heb 6:17).
Remarks: Predestination is the biblical term used to signify God’s predetermining or foreordaining the ultimate destiny of every individual. God’s decision was made in eternity past and includes his decision to save some from eternal damnation (election) and to leave others in their sin (reprobation). Scripture does not reveal why God chose some to salvation, but the Bible is clear in that he predestined so that his purpose in election would stand (Rom 9:11) and to show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us (Eph 2:7).
Question 3–2: Does predestination make God the author of sin?
Answer: God is neither the author of sin nor does he have fellowship with evil. (a) (b)
(a) Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one (Jas 1:13).
(b) This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
Remarks: The historic Reformed position has always been that God is not the author of evil but that he uses secondary causes to achieve his ends. However, it is not as if God did not want sin to come into existence. God’s will was that sin should enter the world for his ultimate glory, otherwise it would have never happened. And it was more than bare permission—it was by God’s eternal decree in order to fulfill his purpose. If God was not in absolute control over evil then we would have no assurance that he could prevent sinful actions from happening. If God did not ordain every evil act—past, present, and future—then there is no redemptive purpose why evil occurs. But, we know that God uses all sinful actions for his ultimate glory, just as Joseph told his brothers: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Gen 50:20).
Question 3–3: Are God’s decrees based on foreseen events?
Answer: Although God knows everything that shall come to pass, (a) he has not decreed anything because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon given conditions. (b) (c) (d)
(a) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world (Acts 15:18 KJV).
(b) So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills (Rom 9:18).
(c) So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy (Rom 9:16).
(d) Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls (Rom 9:11).
Remarks: Some have suggested that God’s election is based on his foreknowledge of those who would accept him as Savior when given the chance. There are two main problems with this belief: it cannot be supported in Scripture, and it ignores the biblical view of man since the fall. Paul writes, "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God" (Rom 3:10). Foreknowledge in the Bible refers to God’s special love he had for his people before the foundation of the world.
Question 3–4: Does God ordain salvation?
Answer: Some men and angels are predestined to eternal life through Jesus Christ (a) (b) to the praise of his glorious grace, (c) while others are left to revel in their own sin to their just condemnation. (d) (e)
(a) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels Icharge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality (1 Tim 5:21).
(b) Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34).
(c) He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved (Eph 1:5–6).
(d) What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction (Rom 9:22).
(e) 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 (Jude 1:4).
Remarks: God deals with people in two ways. He grants mercy to some and rewards justice to others. The Bible reminds us that we are all born into sin (Rom 5:12) and therefore all deserve death (Rom 6:23). God is under no obligation to save anyone, yet because of his mercy he has chosen to express free and sovereign grace to redeem a people for himself. Paul seems to address this very issue to the imaginary objector when he asked if election made God unjust, to which he responded "by no means" (Rom 9:14)! Paul continued, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (Rom 9:15).
