10-03-2008, 11:50 AM
|
 | Puritanboard Freshman | | Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UPSTATE, NY
Posts: 328
Thanks: 137
Thanked 109 Times in 63 Posts
| |
Quote:
Originally Posted by nicnap  Men, after conversion, is man no longer totally depraved? I haven't thought this through, but it was espoused in class. Would we say this because natural/unregenerate man is totally inable and now according to WCF 9.4 he, the new man, is now able to do spiritual good?
What say ye? |
A man or woman who is unregenerate is totally depraved, hates God and wants nothing to do with Christ neither is capable of pleasing God. Only after conversion/regeneration is a man is no longer totally depraved and able to do spiritual good. The Apostle Paul "By the grace of God" after his conversion/regeneration turned from sin and to God saying "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?".  Quote:
. . . when God accomplishes his good pleasure in the elect, or works in them true conversion, he not only causes the gospel to be externally preached to them, and powerfully illuminates their minds by his Holy Spirit, that they may rightly understand and discern the things of the Spirit of God; but by the efficacy of the same regenerating Spirit, pervades the inmost recesses of the man; he opens the closed, and softens the hardened heart, and circumcises that which was uncircumcised, infuses new qualities into the will, which though heretofore dead, he quickens; from being evil, disobedient, and refractory, he renders it good, obedient, and pliable; actuates and strengthens it, that like a good tree, it may bring forth the fruits of good actions.
Canons of Dort, Article 11 | Quote: |
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6
| Quote:
Of Good Works
1. Q. What are the fruits of faith and sanctification?
A. Good works. James 2:18. Show me thy faith, by thy works.
2. Q. What are good works?
A. Deeds that are performed: (1) of faith; (2) according to the law of God, (3) to the glory of God.
3. Q. Prove that they must proceed from faith.
A. Heb. 11:6. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
4. Q. Prove that they must be performed according to the law of God.
A. Matt. 15:9. In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
5. Q. Prove that they must be directed to God's glory.
A. I Cor. 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
6. Q. Must we do good works?
A. Yes. Matt. 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
7. Q. Can such good works merit heaven?
A. No. Christ alone hath merited that for us.
8. Q. Why not?
A. Because they are imperfect. Isa. 64:6. And all our righteousness are as filthy rags.
9. Q. Why must we then yet perform good works?
A. (1) To glorify God thereby; (2) to edify our neighbours; (3) to assure ourselves of our faith.
A Specimen Of Divine Truths by the Rev. A. Hellenbroek | |