The NRBC School of Theology: Systematic Theology Course 2

12. 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.

This is our final study on the Attributes of God. An argument can easily be made that we have not covered every one of them, and this we readily concede. 'Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty (Job 11:7)?’

12.1 The Truthfulness/Veracity of God

The Veracity of God is that perfection or Attribute of God whereby He is true in His Being and in His Revelation. His declaration of things as they are, are perfectly reliable, as He see's all things as they really are (Deut 32:4; Ps 119:142; Jn 8:26; Rom 3:4; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18; Rev 3:7). This follows from His Omniscience, Omnipotence, and Immutability, for it means it is impossible for God to make mistakes, or to fail in the accomplishment of His will.

QUESTION: Why are the Scriptures trustworthy? Explain.

Connected of course with His veracity is His faithfulness. What this means is that God will exactly fulfil all His promises and threatening. His faithfulness is therefore the ground of all our confidence, hope and joy (Num 23:19; Deut 7:9; Ps 89:33; Is 49:7; 1 Cor 9; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 6:17,18; 10:23).

QUESTION: What response should the wicked have to God's faithfulness? Explain.

12.2 The Righteousness of God

This the Attribute of God whereby He is Infinitely Righteous in Himself, being therefore the highest possible standard, and the standard by which all things are to be judged.

Because of His righteousness, God maintains a moral government in the world, imposing a just law on man, whereby He rewards obedience, and punishes disobedience.

See Deut 4:8; Ezra 9:15; Neh 4:8; Job 34:12; Ps 9:4; 94:4; 119:137; 145:17; Is 28:17; 33:22; Jer 12:1; Lam 1:18; Dan 9:14; Jn 17:25; Rom 1:32; 2:6; 2 Tim 4:8; Jam 4:12; 1 Jn 2:29; 3:7; Rev 16:5.

QUESTION: Is God right in the punishment of the wicked? Explain.

12.3 The Justice and Wrath of God

The Justice of God is that perfection of God whereby He upholds the righteous laws He has imposed, executing the law in an impartial manner. His Wrath is seen in the punishment of sin. He gives to everyone his due, according to his or her works. He does not condemn the innocent, and never clears the guilty.

His Wrath is not fitful as human anger, but is His permanent and consistent quality when confronted by sin and evil, by which He must punish sin.

See Gen 18:25; Ps 7:11; 96:13; Mt 10:28; 12:36; Lk 16:19-26; Jn 5:26-29; Acts 17:30,31; Rom 2:5,16; 1 Cor 11:29,30; 2 Thess 1:5-10; Heb 10:26,27; 2 Pet 2:9; 3:7; Rev 19:1-9.

QUESTION: How is God's wrath different to our anger?

12.4 The Jealousy of God

The Jealousy of God is that Attribute whereby God is committed to guarding His own glory. What this means is that God will not allow any of His purposes to be frustrated, for they all bring glory to Him.

See Ex 20:5; Ezek 38:21-23; 2 Thess 1:8,10; Rev 4:11.

QUESTION: How is God's Jealousy seen in the salvation of His people?

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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