CM-022 - WCF 3.7: God's Sovereign Judgment in Reprobation

Westminster Confession of Faith 3.7 “The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of His own will, whereby He extendeth or withholdeth mercy, as He pleaseth, for the glory of His sovereign power over His creatures, to pass by; and to ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin, to the praise of His glorious justice.”   Episode Summary In this episode of Confessional Moments, Pastor Tim takes up the solemn doctrine of reprobation in WCF 3.7. Building on the previous discussion of election in 3.6, this paragraph explains how God, according to His unsearchable counsel, sovereignly withholds mercy, passes by “the rest of mankind,” and ordains them to dishonour and wrath for their sin, to the praise of His glorious justice. The episode carefully distinguishes between God’s mercy and justice, affirms human responsibility, and offers pastoral application for living and evangelizing in light of God’s righteous judgment.   Resources Mentioned John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (Eerdmans), Book 3, chapters 21–23, especially 3.22.11. Michael Horton, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011), pp. 312–333. R.C. Sproul, Chosen by God (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1986), pp. 141–150. The Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Larger Catechism, Q/A 13. Holy Scripture (ESV): Romans 9:18–23; John 3:18–20; Psalm 145:17; Romans 11:33.   Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church PCA at: www.trinitychurchguam.org About Pastor Tim Pastor Tim Beauchamp has served in pastoral ministry since 2010 and planted Trinity Presbyterian Church PCA in Guam in 2015. He is committed to teaching the Scriptures, promoting Reformed theology, and equipping the church through faithful, accessible exposition of the Westminster Standards.   Confessional Moments: Anchoring hearts in Reformed truth.