Westminster Larger Catechism #58
Commentary by Dr. Chuck Baynard
Q58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured?
Answer: We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the
application of them unto us, which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost.
References: John 1:11-12; Tit. 3:5-6.
By grace alone must be the beginning of any discussion concerning the salvation of man.
Some may differ, but it is in soteriology (salvation) that most of the distinctives of the
reformed faith abide. This will have a profound influence on how we understand all other
doctrines. Nonetheless, here we must stand or fall as the heart of our faith is laid bare
in the full light of Scripture and God’s plan. This is true as we look at what
benefit Christ has bought for man in his vicarious atonement, and how this is applied. I
am sure we all have our own "pet" verses to demonstrate beyond doubt that Christ
died for us. Thus I will concentrate on trying to "logically" present the
reformed view of salvation in the next few questions. I often begin with the TULIP in my
personal Gospel presentations, and will attempt to share this tool as we develop these
questions.
First then in considering how the benefits of the purchase of Christ are applied we
need to see to whom they are applied. The big "T" stands tall here and
"Total Depravity" is ruler of all in view on earth. "...for all have gone
astray...," "...all have turned aside...," "There is none
righteous...," the Scriptures declare repeatedly lest we think any man has ever or
will ever deserve or earn salvation. This truth being established, grace must stand as
first in the line of events when we seek to systematically look at what I am convinced
happens in an instant, perhaps so rapidly human measurements will not distinguish one from
another and decide the events are simultaneous. "You are saved by grace through
faith..." (Eph. 2:8). This verse sets a sequence for us then, that all other attempts
at exegesis must maintain. For example, Romans chapter five begins with "Therefore
being justified by faith..." We must consider that great big "therefore"
before jumping on the faith band wagon to the exclusion of all other modes of
transportation to this place in glory. It is grace that provides the ticket for the glory
train.
The awesome condition of sin man has brought to himself, and revels in, will not allow
man to even fully evaluate just how depraved and lost he is. Like one of science’s
black holes in outer space we see the darkness that has descended into the soul of man
devour all the glorious light of God shed in creation, nature, Scripture and dour warnings
of his fellow travelers through this veil of tears. Lost for all eternity with no hope of
saving himself, man stumbles through life blind. The ego of the creature so filled with
its own glory, man dares to claim wisdom and attempts to lead others out of the darkness
and into glorious light. The blind leading the blind, the dead claiming life. This sets
the stage for the second petal of the TULIP to shine forth into the darkness.
Unconditional election! Lost in darkness and no way to save himself, man encounters the
blinding light of election. Not because he sought it, nor was able to effect it. All his
searches ending in vanity, and procuring not light, rather more darkness. Here then is the
realm of the Holy Spirit, as He in the fullness of God’s time begins the application
of God’s grace, and the bestowal of the benefits purchased by Christ on an
undeserving mankind. Here we see the Godhead in its fulness, glorify itself, as Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit in perfect harmony of purpose and action, effects the salvation of
another from the pits of hell.
This answers the how question, even as the divines so concisely stated it in this
question. God chose (elected) and now brings it to fruit in His own time, for His own
glory. All who will populate the New Jerusalem come the same way. From the first man, to
the last, salvation is by grace through faith. Regeneration is the theological word
applied here. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the blind, that they might see for the
first time since Adam walked with God in the garden. This is an individual thing, and each
and every soul will come this way. All may relate different stories, and express different
"feelings" as this age old process from the hand of God is applied, yet it is
the same. The truth is not in the experience or feelings, but the very word of God
revealed to us in Holy Scripture.
This is the foundation I use when approached by a lost soul seeking the way home. Let
us understand something here, the Holy Spirit has already begun the process, or you would
not be talking with this person, they would never have sought you out. They have tasted
the "T" and know something is foul. I have never met anyone who would not at
this point agree with the doctrine of total depravity, and it is here I begin to
obediently be used of God to lead another soul to the gates of heaven. Almost universally
they begin to relate the state of their life, the broken relationships, the inability to
maintain family and home, and the list from hell continues endlessly. My response,
"Yes, and this is only the tip of the iceberg, let me tell you how bad it really
is." All can see the failure of man to ever have established anything lasting or
good. When you have properly and completely rained on their pity parade, you can introduce
the greatest mystery in the world to them. In a move that defies human understanding, God
"chooses" to bestow grace and love upon one who has been His enemy, you.
"Unconditional Election" is a great biblical truth few can see and even fewer
understand. By grace God gives you the "faith" (the ability to believe). Man
cannot even claim the meager wisdom to have determined that God was real, that is of
faith, and the gift of God. The Holy Spirit is already at work in your heart, and has
brought you here. I have never had the first disagree with the doctrine of the second
petal.
"Regeneration," the work of the Holy Spirit, has already taken place. Ours is
an easy task and an awesome responsibility. For His own reason and purpose God has chosen
to involve man in the process of leading others into the kingdom. This has been given to
the Body of Christ as its first priority, "Go ye into ...." How often the
prophets called this truth the "burden" of the word of God. "Easy?"
Yes, we simply share God’s truth. "Burden?" Yes, still in the flesh we fear
the reaction and rejection of others. Man has chosen to kill the messenger throughout
recorded history. Thus the simplicity of sharing the truth becomes an awesome burden we
must bear.
The real burden for us is perhaps the living out of God’s truth so the lost will
know who we are. An often quoted question convicts all too many of us of perhaps the
greatest sin among men goes something like this, "If you were on trial today for
being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Salvation is of
the Lord, and effectively applied by the Holy Spirit, yet God has chosen to make us part
of the process. It has been said that Christianity is one beggar telling another where
there is bread. We must so live before men that they see our lives and give God the glory.
Then they will know that we have bread enough to share, and will seek us out. God presents
the opportunities every day, are we prepared to share His word? Such preparation includes
both the study and knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible, and a life style that says we
are the redeemed of the Lord. Anyone can pass out tracts on a busy street, does your life
visibly communicate the love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit so you are a
sought after counselor? God can and does use many different efforts of men to propagate
His truth and lead weary souls home. However I am convinced God would have us as living
witnesses to whom the Holy Spirit can bring lost souls to "hear" the truth, and
where one on one discipleship, providing the continued feeding of that soul until having
entered the gates fully, they too can be a living example of the grace of a living God.
This will not build churches as fast as Evangelism Explosion, nor many other modern
methods using mass media resources. However the church thus built will be of God and
withstand the storms of life and the assault of the evil one. The intent isn’t to
diminish the efforts of others, nor present a superior methodology, but rather to present
what I believe is God’s intended method for each member of the body to effectively
share His truth. Christians brought to the fullness of faith, resting in the shade of the
reformed TULIP, will have the foundation to become pillars in the church.
Dr. Chuck Baynard June 1998
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