Question 23

Are all others left to perish in their sins?

Yes. The rest were blinded,^b

But is God’s decree the impulsive cause of their ruin?

No. For when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death,^c

And are they chosen to happiness as the end?

Yes. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation,^e

And to sanctification as the means?

Yes. Ye are chosen to salvation through sanctification,^f

Are they chosen in Christ?

Yes. According as he hath chosen us in him,^g

And is it a certain number that is thus chosen?

Yes. The Lord knoweth them that are his,^h

But does it extend to some of all nations?

Yes. Thou hast redeemed us to God out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation,^j

And to some of the chief of sinners?

Yes. Paul was a chosen vessel, yet the chief of sinners,^k

And to all that are willing to come to Christ?

Yes. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out,^l

Is this then an encouragement to use the means?

Yes. Strive to enter in at the strait gate,^m

And upon nothing in the creature?

No. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,^o

Is it secret?

Yes. It is called the mystery of his will,^p

And firm and irrevocable?

Yes. The foundation of God standeth sure,^q

Were there mutual engagements for this purpose between the Father and Son?

Yes. The counsel of peace shall be between them both,^s

Were all the promises of the covenant primarily made to Christ?

Yes. Hence they are called the sure mercies of David,^t

Were all the conditions of it exacted from him?

Yes. The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all,^u

Did Christ freely undertake the work of our redemption?

Yes. Lo, I come to do thy will, O God,^v

And did the Father engage for the success of his undertaking?

Yes. He shall see the travail of his soul and be satisfied,^w

Are they given to him to be redeemed?

Yes. To redeem them that were under the law,^y

And to be called?

Yes. Them I must bring,^z

And to be preserved?

Yes. Those that thou gavest me I have kept,^aa

And to be finally glorified?

Yes. Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him,^bb

And shall all this be certainly accomplished?

Yes. The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand,^cc

Is the new covenant then a great privilege?

Yes. It is good tidings of great joy,^ee

And should we embrace it as such?

Yes. It should be all our salvation, and all our desire,^ff