Blogging through and answering the questions from G. I. Williamson’s The Westminster Confession of Faith for Study Classes for personal review and comprehension.

WCF. III. Of God’s Eternal Decree – 7-8.

1. Precisely what has God determined to do with respect to the reprobate?

With respect to the reprobate, God has sovereignly determined to withhold his grace from some men, and this God does according to his perfect counsel.

2. Why has God passed by these particular persons?

God passes by the reprobate according to his good pleasure (see Romans 9:18 and Ephesians 1:5).

3. Why do they receive damnation?

The reason the reprobate receive damnation is wholly within God. i.e., the reason is known by the triune God – “God elects or passes by as, and because, it pleases him” (38). The reprobate are not passed over by God because of their sin; that cannot be the reason because “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). However, the reprobate receive damnation because they have been left in their sin, which in the end brings upon them God’s perfect and holy wrath.

4. How has this doctrine been abused?

This doctrine has been abused by those who say, “If God passes over the reprobate, then that means it is God’s fault they receive punishment.” G. I. Williamson says, “This [the abuse just mentioned] is diabolical for the simple reason that God’s withholding of grace does not make the sinner guilty and liable to punishment; it merely leaves him in that condition. “The wrath of God abideth (i.e., remains) on him” (John 3:36)” (39).

5. Why has this doctrine been refused?

This doctrine is refused by those who say, “If God does this, then God is arbitrary, unfair/unjust, and unkind.

6. Is God “arbitrary” in his actions?

Yes. God is arbitrary, however, God is not unjust. Romans 9:18 – “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.”

7. Is it wrong for God to be “arbitrary” in his actions?

No. He is God. God’s decree determines what will be, and their is nothing higher than the will of the triune God. In his answers to the questions at the back of the book, G. I. Williamson says, “He has absolute right to do as he will with creatures he has made, especially in view of their sin” (275).

8. What text in Scripture shows that reprobation (God’s withholding of grace, and passing by) does not make a sinner guilty and liable to punishment?

John 3:36 – “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

“God’s sovereign discrimination concerns those who are already under his wrath and curse. His discrimination concerns who shall not be left in that condition” (275). This is declared by the Prophet Habakkuk: “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). This fact, that “in wrath remember mercy”, is at back of the salvation of every Christian.

9. Should this doctrine be taught? Why? How?

Yes, Yes, three times I say, Yes. It should be taught to counter false presumption. It should be taught in a manner that spurs on diligence to our faithful-and-loving triune God; it should be taught in a manner that engenders humility before our merciful triune God.