The Second Helvetic Confession ‑ Chapter 10
Of the Predestination of God and the Election of the
Saints
God Has Elected Us Out of
Grace. From eternity God has freely, and of his mere grace, without any
respect to men, predestinated or elected the saints whom he wills to save in
Christ, according to the saying of the apostle, God chose us in him before the
foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). And again: Who saved us and called us with a
holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and
the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested
through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus (II Tim. 1:9 f.).
<Let us understand that by eternity we are not making
reference to an infinitely long time line.
Eternity in this respect means an absence of time, as men know it.
The beginning and end are always present with God.
Time or history was part of the creation and created by God along with
everything else for the good of man.
>
We Are Elected or Predestinated
in Christ. Therefore, although not on account of any merit of ours, God has
elected us, not directly, but in Christ, and on account of Christ, in order that
those who are now engrafted into Christ by faith might also be elected. But
those who were outside Christ were rejected, according to the word of the
apostle; examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test
yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? ‑ unless
indeed you fail to meet the test!(II Cor. 13:5).
<Use extreme care when dealing with this and similar
verses. The election is eternal, in
the beginning. To say that God
foresaw any merit or future belief is to deny grace.
There can be no overt action of man whatsoever, even a thought directed
toward God would negate grace. Care
should also be used here unless the wrong conclusion that the Old Testament
saints were not completely saved, but awaited the manifestation of Christ in the
incarnation before being engrafted into Christ and knowing eternal life. Bullinger
uses words here that leave some doubt or confusion, “… not directly, but in
Christ…” Later Reformed confessions (Westminster Standards) point out that
the covenant was with Christ in behalf of the elect.
This in itself is clearer or perhaps more mature would be the correct
term here, however it too comes short in that the whole of election is part of
the mystery of God and thus not fully developed in the Bible in all of its
details. This leaves the weaving of the whole from many verses
throughout the Bible. How these
bits of revelation from God are woven into the complete theological tapestry can
affect the total theology built on this foundation.
Ephesians 2:8 is the most clear concerning the whole order of salvation,
to wit: “You are saved by grace through faith, and that not of yourself it is
the gift of God.” Grace of God
being first and that in the election from the beginning, completed through faith
and that too the gift of God. As
Paul writes elsewhere, what do you have that is not received, and if received
wherefore is the boasting? The
so-called five points of classic Calvinism fit this sequence quite well.
If the TULIP of the day of Dort is fragmented in any point, a most
horrible monster of inconsistency results.
Most of Bullinger’s day and even during the time of Dort did use
similar wording, which is definitely of an infra-lapsarian nature if not fully
so. This leaves some room for error
in the sequence and opens the door to full blown Arminianism.
So the conclusion here is not that the Helvetic is wrong, but that
the church created more mature creeds as she progressed through history.
The simplicity of this and earlier creeds is much to be desired, and
perhaps of greater value to the layman. Yet
to have a precise confession that closes these pet doors so to speak is to be
much desired. >
We Are Elected for a Definite
Purpose. Finally, the saints are chosen by God for a definite purpose, which
the apostle himself explains when he says, He chose us in him for adoption that
we should be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption
to be his sons through Jesus Christ that they should be to the praise of the
glory of his grace (Eph. 1:4 ff.).
<This does not go quite far enough, we were Acreated@
for the sole purpose of God’s glory. It
is both the highest achievement of man and man’s only duty to glorify God.
Outside of the glory of God there is no purpose for the creation of man.
The manifestation of the elect (sons of God) and their love and obedience
toward God are the glory of God. Anything
that places a distance between or coving over of this creation purpose is error
at best. The Helvetic
correctly points to adoption, and reaches the right conclusion from Eph. 1:4ff.
Nonetheless, care must be taken to hold the election as a divine decree
being the starting point. This is also why it is important to show that Christ was
eternal and present in the creation, less any create a difference between the
Testaments. The whole is a
completed reality, and its manifestation in Christ concerns the history of
creation, not its purpose. >
We Are to Have a Good Hope for
All. And although God knows who are his, and here and there mention is made
of the small number of elect, yet we must hope well of all, and not rashly judge
any man to be a reprobate. For Paul says to the Philippians, I thank my God for
you all (now he speaks of the whole Church in Philippi), because of your
fellowship in the Gospel, being persuaded that he who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is also right that I
have this opinion of you all (Phil. 1:3 ff.).
<The election and most particularly who is in that
election are of the mystery of God. We
are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves and like God to be no respecter
of person. Not knowing which are
elect, even through the trial of examining the fruit, we then love and respect
all mankind because all are created in the image of God. We need not conclude from this that God loves all or embrace
any other doctrine of universalism with respect of salvation, but we as men do
not know, this lack of knowledge leads us to the benevolent position of respect
and love for all being of God and good is commanded by Scripture.
Love does not preclude discipline, but rather establishes it.
Thus it is the duty of those secure in their place in Christ to warn
others, and to practice discipline in relationships that will result in all
obeying the commands of God, trusting God for the good outcome for all. >
Whether Few Are Elect. And
when the Lord was asked whether there were few that should be saved, he does not
answer and tell them that few or many should be saved or damned, but rather he
exhorts every man to strive to enter by the narrow door (Luke 13:24): as if he
should say, It is not for you curiously to inquire about these matters, but
rather to endeavor that you may enter into heaven by the straight way.
<Each person is responsible for his or her own walk
before God, holding steadfastly to the revealed path of God through history.
Again that the decree of election remains in the mystery of God being
made clear to us, that such is not the test of fellowship, but the practice of
Christian love and discipline, first in each person’s own life, then applied
by speaking the truth in love to all other relationships. >
What in This Matter Is To Be
Condemned. Therefore we do not approve of the impious speeches of some who
say, "Few are chosen, and since I do not know whether I am among the number
of the few, I will enjoy myself." Others say, "If I am predestinated
and elected by God, nothing can hinder me from salvation, which is already
certainly appointed for me, no matter what I do. But if I am in the number of
the reprobate, no faith or repentance will help me, since the decree of God
cannot be changed. Therefore all doctrines and admonitions are useless.” Now
the saying of the apostle contradicts these men: The Lord's servant must be
ready to teach, instructing those who oppose him, so that if God should grant
that they repent to know the truth, they may recover from the snare of the
devil, after being held captive by him to do his will (II Tim. 2:23 ff.).
<The sureness of the election cannot be broken.
Nonetheless John says that we can know that we are of God, elect, for
none but the elect are of God. This
assurance of faith however is to the person involved and cannot be objectively
applied to any other. Some cavil
and argue over terms, but the one sure thing we know is that God commanded us to
love all and to teach them to observe all things whatsoever God commanded.
To which we add the indwelling Holy Spirit who will constantly struggle
with the spirit of the elect and lead them to this path of obedience.
The path may be long and pass through many perils because of the evil
will of the created, but the end result is sure in God.
The elect then cannot persist in such thinking as outlined in this
paragraph of the Helvetic. Then
follows the matter of providence! God
leaves even the very elect in their sins at times for two purposes:
To punish for prior sin and to teach them the necessity of obedience to
Him, leading to the trust in Christ alone for their salvation.
Man has no objective tool to determine the election and it is most
foolish for any to declare that they are of the elect or another is not.
John’s word that he wrote in the Gospel by his name to this end is not
negated here, it is established. But,
because man cannot know beyond all doubt and the will of man ever present in the
flesh can be deceived, all should constantly make sure their election by the
utmost attention to the revealed Word of God. >
Admonitions Are Not in Vain
Because Salvation Proceeds from Election. Augustine also shows that both the
grace of free election and predestination, and also salutary admonitions and
doctrines, are to be preached (Lib. de Dono Perseverantiae, cap. 14 ff.)
<As Paul states in one
place that he does that which he hates and does not do that which he should and
wants to do because of the evil will present in the flesh, so admonition of one
toward another is most profitable. As
God has always existed in community so man is created for community and
fellowship. The result of peer
pressure, and the desire for community in the created is visible in creation.
To not use the same peer pressure in a positive way and admonish one
another would be most foolish and an ignoring of the revealed nature of man in
the Bible. Discipline lovingly
practiced is not optional, but the command of God and a necessity to man because
of the presence of self will. >
Whether We Are Elected. We
therefore find fault with those who outside of Christ ask whether they are
elected.[1] And what has God decreed concerning them before all eternity? For
the preaching of the Gospel is to be heard, and it is to be believed; and it is
to be held as beyond doubt that if you believe and are in Christ, you are
elected. For the Father has revealed unto us in Christ the eternal purpose of
his predestination, as I have just now shown from the apostle in II Tim.
1:9‑10. This is therefore above all to be taught and considered, what
great love of the Father toward us is revealed to us in Christ. We must hear
what the Lord himself daily preaches to us in the Gospel, how he calls and says:
Come to me all who labor and are heavy‑laden, and I will give you
rest (Matt. 11:28). God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John
3:16). Also, It is not the will of my Father that one of these little ones
should perish (Matt. 18:14). Let Christ; therefore be the looking glass, in whom
we may contemplate our predestination. We shall have a sufficiently clear and
sure testimony that we are inscribed in the Book of Life if we have fellowship
with Christ, and he is ours and we are his in true faith.
<We cannot judge the eternal resting place of any soul,
which is left to God alone. However
we can examine the fruit and know it is not of God. While the presence of rotten fruit does not speak with
authority to the end of the person, it is of such significant weight to not
admonish such a person and speak the whole truth in love would be a most
grievous sin on our part. Likewise,
man can deceive himself and rationalize away his guilt, especially with the
presence of the devil and his constant bombardment of lies.
So as the elect must constantly evaluate and make sure their election,
for the one outside the covenant to even inquire is a most vain question.
It is written that by their fruit we shall know them.
Likewise by our fruit we can know ourselves.
This does not place us in a weak and beggarly position, but sets us in
the sure hand of God, and trusting God totally for the outcome.
Faith as James so correctly points out is made manifest in the works, but
works do not of necessity show faith. True
faith will produce works (fruit) and can be examined under a more objective
lens, but still leaves the final word with God alone. >
Temptation in Regard to
Predestination. In the temptation in regard to predestination, that which
there is scarcely any other more dangerous, we are confronted by the fact that
God's promises apply to all the faithful, for he says: Ask, and everyone who
seeks, shall receive (Luke 11:9 f.). This finally we pray, with the whole Church
of God, Our Father who art in heaven (Matt. 6:9), both because by baptism we are
engrafted into the body of Christ, and we are often fed in his Church with his
flesh and blood unto life eternal. Thereby, being strengthened, we are commanded
to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, according to the precept of
Paul.
1.
The edition of 1568 reads: "whether they are elected from
eternity?"
<There is here a dynamic bias of that which we can know
on the one hand being denied as totally knowable on the other.
Here enters faith. We lay hold of the promises of God in faith and proceed to
live life on earth in a way that obeys God and gives to God all the honor and
glory. Do we know we are elect?
In one sense a most resounding yes will echo from the twin voices of the
Holy Spirit within and the faith given by God.
However, being of the flesh the physical manifestation of this faith is
of necessity seen in the works (fruit) of the believer.
Bad fruit, fear and praise God in repentance and even more diligence in
obeying His every Word. Good fruit,
fear God and strive ever more to completely obey Him laying all honor and glory
at God’s feet. The commands of
God are not to the elect alone but all mankind.
Are you elect? God knows,
fear Him and in obedience to His every command make sure that election.
The election in eternity by God is a fact.
It is not debatable. It is
made manifest in obedience and love directed toward God
>
