CM-023 - WCF 3.8: When Predestination Becomes Personal

Westminster Confession of Faith 3.8 “The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men, attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God; and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.” (Westminster Confession of Faith 3.8) In this episode of Confessional Moments, “When Predestination Becomes Personal,” Pastor Tim Beauchamp walks through WCF 3.8 and shows how the doctrine of predestination is meant to steady ordinary Christians, not trouble them. We look at why this “high mystery” must be handled with care, how God directs us away from His secret will to what He has clearly said in His Word, and how assurance of election flows from His work in our hearts—our effectual calling—rather than from our performance. Confessional Moments is a short-form podcast meant to anchor hearts in Reformed truth by walking carefully and pastorally through the Westminster Confession of Faith.   Scripture Readings (ESV) Ephesians 1:3–6 Deuteronomy 29:29 Romans 10:13 John 6:37 Romans 8:28–30, 31–39   Resources Mentioned The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Crossway) Westminster Confession of Faith (1647), Chapter 3, Paragraph 8 John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3 (especially on election and union with Christ)   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.