The NRBC School of Theology: Systematic Theology Course 2

10. OF GOD AND THE HOLY TRINITY 2:1:
The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

This course is based on the text, 'The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith,' with notes by Kevin Matthews. Please feel free to print these notes to allow you to study the text online/offline. This lesson may be used in other study situations if you like (eg. Groups, Bible Studies, etc).

1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God (a); whose subsistence is in and of himself (b), infinite in being and perfection, whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but himself (c); a most pure spirit (d), invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light, which no man can approach unto (e); who is immutable (f), immense (g), eternal (h), incomprehensible, almighty (i), every way infinite, most holy (j), most wise, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will (l) for his own glory (m), most loving, gracious, merciful, long suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him (n), and withal most just and terrible in his judgements (o), hating all sin (p), and who will by no means clear the guilty (q).

a. 1 Cor 8:4,6; Deut 6:4.
b. Jer 10:10; Isaiah 48:12.
c. Ex 3:14.
d. Jn 4:24.
e. 1 Tim 1:17; Deut 4:15,16.
f. Mal 3:6.
g. 1 Kings 8:27; Jer 23:23.
h. Ps 90:2.
i. Gen 17:1.
k. Is 6:3.
l. Ps 115:3; Is 46:10.
m. Pr 16:4; Rom 11:36.
n. Ex 34:6,7; Heb 11:6.
o. Neh 9:32,33.
p. Ps 5:5,6.
q. Ex 34:7; Nah 1:2,3.

In this study we continue to consider the attributes of God, that is, those perfections of God revealed to us in Scripture. These declare to us what God is like.

10.1 The Holiness of God

The holiness of God is God’s divine perfection whereby He is absolutely distinct from all of His creation, and exalted above all in infinite majesty (Ex 15:11; 1 Sam 2:2; Ps 29:2; Is 57:15; Hos 11:9). This means that God is transcendent in all of His being, unapproachable, totally separate, and totally other (Is 40:25; Rev 15:4).

QUESTION: What does it mean for God to be totally other?

The holiness of God also means that He is free from all moral impurity and sin, and is therefore morally perfect, without blemishes, short comings, etc (Lev 11:44; Job 4:58; 34:10; Ps 15:4,5; 22:3; 45:17; Is 6:3,5; Hab 1:13; Mt 5:48; 1 Jn 1:5; Rev 4:8).

QUESTION: What does the holiness of God mean for His creatures?

10.2 The Knowledge/Omniscience of God

The omniscience of God is that perfection of God whereby He uniquely knows Himself, all things possible, actual, present, and future (1 Sam 2:3; 1 Kin 8:39; Job 37:16; Ps 139:1-16; 147:5; Is 40:28; 42:9,10; Ezek 11:5; Jn 21:17; Acts 1:24; 15:18; Rom 11:33,34; Heb 4:13; 1 Jn 3:20). Unlike us, God does not acquire knowledge, as is consistent with His immutability.

QUESTION: Does God need to learn anything? Explain.

10.3 The Wisdom of God

The wisdom of God is closely related to His omniscience. This attribute is that whereby He applies what He knows. Whereas His knowledge is the theory, His wisdom can be said to be the practical. God’s wisdom allows Him to apply His knowledge for the accomplishment of all His ends in a way that brings Him the most glory (Rom 11:33; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:11,12; Col 1:16). His wisdom is seen in the selection of the greatest end, and in the choice of the best means for the accomplishment of that end (Job 4:18; 35:5; Ps 19"1-7; 33:10,11; 104: 24; Pr 8; 21:30; Rom 8:28; 1 Cor 1:25; Eph 3:10; 1 Tim 1:17).

QUESTION: Why is it beneficial to trust God in even the most difficult of circumstances?

10.4 The Sovereignty of God

God is most free, ‘working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will for His own glory.’ In short, God is able to, and will do, whatever He pleases, being free of all limitations (Gen 14:19; Ex 18:11; Deut 10:14,17; 1 Chron 29:11,12; 2 Chron 20:6; Neh 9:6; Ps 13:5,6; 22:28; 47:2,3,7,8; 50:10-12; 93:3-5; 115:3; 145:11-13; Jer 18:6; 27:6; Dan 4:35; Lk 1:53; Acts 17:24-26; Rom 9:14-21; Rev 19:6).

The sovereignty of God can be divided into two areas, the first is His sovereign power, and this was dealt with under the omnipotence of God. The second area is the sovereign will of God. This includes both His secret will of determinative purpose, and His revealed will, which is His precepts and laws. These will be considered under the decree of God.

QUESTION: Is man able to prevent God’s will from coming to pass? Explain.

NOTE: If you wish to email me regarding your answers to this first lesson, please copy and paste them into an email (Attachments will not be opened). I will then get back to you as soon as I can (expect a delay due to various committments).

Links to Online Texts

• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

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