The NRBC School of Theology: Systematic Theology Course 2

11. 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 in our consideration of the Attributes of God. Here it will be of value to stress once again the Unity of God; that is that He is free of parts and divisions, His perfections being one inner and qualitative unity. He is all of His Attributes all of the Time in all of their fullness.

11.1 The Love of God

The Love of God is that perfection of God by which He is eternally moved to good toward His creation (Mt 5:44,45; Jn 3:16; 16:27; Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 3:1; 4:8). It is a love that is Sovereign and uninfluenced, there being nothing in its object to inniate it. It is therefore uncaused by the creature (Deut 7:7,8; Rom 9:19; Eph 1:4,5; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Jn 4:19). His love is to be especially seen in His grace, mercy, longsuffering, and goodness.

QUESTION: Keeping in mind the Unity of God, what else can be said about the love of God? Consider such passages as Jer 31:3; Eph 1:4,5; 2:4; 3:19; Rom 8:35-39.

11.2 The Grace of God

The grace of God is God's free bestowal of kindness on those who don't deserve it. It is His Sovereign, unmerited goodness or love toward those who do not deserve it, and who by nature are under a sentence of condemnation.

See Is 26:10; Jer 16:13; Jn 1:16; Acts 14:3; 18:27; Rom 3:24; 4:16; 2 Cor 8:8; Eph 1:6,7; 2:7-9; 2 Thess 2:16; Tit 2:11; 3:4-7).

QUESTION: How is the grace of God seen in the salvation of men?

11.3 The Mercy of God

The mercy of God is the goodness or love of God shown to, and relieving those who are in misery or distress, bearing the consequences of their sin, and who are unable to relieve themselves.

See Ex 20:12; Deut 5:10; 7:9; 1 Chron 16:34; 2 Chron 7:6; Ezra 3:11; Ps 57:10; 86:5; 136; 145:9; Ezek 18:23,32; Lk 1:50; 6:35,36; 1 Tim 1:2; Tit 1:4.

11.4 The Longsuffering/Patience of God

The longsuffering or patience of God is the perfection of God whereby He bears with the sinner who does not heed His instructions and warnings (Ex 34:6; Ps 86:15; Rom 2:4; 9:22; 1 Pet 3:20; 2 Pet 3:15).

QUESTION: How is the longsuffering of God seen in the history of Israel and Judah?

11.5 The Goodness of God

This is the perfection of God that prompts Him to deal kindly and bounteously with all His creatures. It is revealed in what He does.

See Gen 1:31; Ex 34:6; Ps 36:6; 103:2-8; 104:21; 145:8,9,15,16; Zech 9:17; Mt 5:45; 7:11; Lk 2:14; 12:32; Acts 14:15-17; Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 4:8.

QUESTION: How is God's goodness seen in the lives of believer's? Explain your answer.

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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