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A Scripture Catechism

Question 7

On Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) Q. 7

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What are the Decrees of God?

The Decrees of God are his Eternal Purpose, according to the Counsel of his own Will• whereby for his own Glory he hath Fore-ordained whatever comes to pass.

Doth God dispose of all Things that come to pass?

Yes. My times are in thy Hand,a

Doth he do it according to his own Will?

Yes. For he hath done whatsoever he pleased,b

Can any controul his Will?

No. For he doth according to his Will in the Armies of Heaven, and among the Inhabitants of the Earth,c

Hath he determined before what he will do?

Yes. For known unto God are all his Works from the beginning of the World,d

Is there a Counsel then in all the Will of God?

Yes. For he worketh all Things after the Counsel of his own Will,e

Is it an Eternal Counsel?

Yes. For it is ordained before the World,f

Is it Free?

Yes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy Sight,g

Is it Unchangeable?

Yes. The Counsel of the Lord standeth for ever,h

Is it for his own Glory?

Yes. That we should be to the Praise of his Glory,i

Were all the Events of time ordain’d from Eternity?

Yes. He performeth the thing that is appointed for me,j

Doth any thing come to pass by Chance?

No. For the Lot is cast into the Lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord,k

Doth every thing come to pass as God hath ordained it?

Yes. For there are many devices in a Man’s Heart; nevertheless the Counsel of the Lord that shall stand,l

Can we search out God’s Counsels?

No. For his Judgments are a great Deep,m

Ought we not therefore to Acquiesce in them?

Yes. Here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him,n

May we question God’s Proceedings?

No. For his Thoughts are above our Thoughts,o

Proofs

Each links to the Scripture index: what else cites the passage.

  1. aPsalm 31:15
  2. bPsalm 115:3
  3. cDaniel 4:35
  4. dActs 15:18
  5. eEphesians 1:11
  6. f1 Corinthians 2:7
  7. gMatthew 11:26
  8. hPsalm 33:11
  9. iEphesians 1:12
  10. jJob 23:14
  11. kProverbs 16:33
  12. lProverbs 19:21
  13. mPsalm 36:6
  14. n2 Samuel 15:26
  15. oIsaiah 55:8

Cite this

A Scripture Catechism (1703) on Q. 7, symbolics.dev/henry1703/7

Permalink: https://symbolics.dev/henry1703/7

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