Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Peter 1:1-3.                                             

 

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

                                      

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:1-3.

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“Don’t worry God.  I will get us started by my free will.”

“Don’t worry God.  I will faithfully maintain my own faith until I die.”

It sounds ludicrous.  It is ludicrous.  But, that is what many think.

However, today’s Scripture teaches us:  “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” including faith which we have “received”.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. …”  Ephesians 1:3-4.

“so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;”  Ephesians 2:7-8.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:32.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father; that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.  The Canons of Dordt SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

“His divine power has granted to us everything” should also make sense to us.  We were dead in sin.  Ephesians 2:1.  We could not spark anything, not even just a little bit of faith to get us started.

And, sin continues to plague us.  Romans 7:14-25.  We would certainly lose whatever little faith we could generate if we were dependent on ourselves.

“By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength. But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.”  Article 3  The Canons of Dordt FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 5:12-14.

 

“¹² Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it!  ¹³ She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.  ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love.

 

Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”  1 Peter 5:12-14.

 

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We tend to drift from grace.  We drift to alleged free-will.  We drift to works. 

We feel the need to be self-righteous a little or a lot.  The pressure comes from ourselves and from others.

But, today’s devotion reminds us:  “this is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it!”

Reformed Doctrine’s starting point of “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, is so important, because if we truly believe in man’s (our) “Total Depravity”, then we will more truly and fully believe that our only chance for salvation is “grace alone” starting with “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”.

And, “grace alone” is one of the Five Solas of Reformed Doctrine.  Click here: Five Solas « Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

By grace, we have been saved, it is the gift of God.

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:1-9. 

We don’t boast in our works.  We don’t boast even in our alleged free-will.

“For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16. 

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

Through Christ, we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.   

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2.

We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 

“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.  For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?  …”  Hebrews 2:1-2.

Reformed Doctrine pounds the table on “TULIP” which best summarizes God’s grace from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” concluding with “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP” 

“this is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it!”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 5:10-11.

 

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  To Him be dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10-11.

 

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God’s dominion a/k/a sovereignty is the theme of today’s Scripture and the heart of Reformed Doctrine.  “… God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  …”  The focus is on God and what He has done. 

 

We see God’s dominion a/k/a sovereignty in “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  In stark contrast to the darkness and doom of “Total Depravity” that man contributes, God contributes the brilliant light of dominion and salvation in “Unconditional Election”, “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace”, and “Preservation of the Saints”.     

 

We read in today’s Scripture “the God of all grace” has “called you to His eternal glory in Christ”.  This is “Unconditional Election”.

 

We read in today’s Scripture that God “will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”  This is  “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace”, and “Preservation of the Saints”.     

 

This is your “only comfort in life and death” in Question and Answer 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism.

 

“For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father” in Article 8 of the Canons of Dordt SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

     

“This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power” in Article 13 of the Belgic Confession.

 

This is God’s providence in His “most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures;  ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory” in Question and Answer 18 of the Westminister Larger Catechism.

 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6. 

 

God “… will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:8-9. 

 

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

 

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30. 

 

“To Him be dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  Verse 11.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 5:8-9.

 

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:8-9. 

 

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“But resist him …”  Verse 9.

 

 

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”  Ephesians 6:10-13.  See Ephesians 6:14-17 below for the pieces of the armor.   

 

 

Stand “firm in your faith …”  Verse 9.

 

^“Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:14-17.

 

In conclusion, it is comforting to know that we are not alone in our temptations and suffering. 

 

We resist the devil, firm in our faith, “knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”  Verse 9. 

 

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.

 

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 5:5-7.

 

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;  and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

                                         

“But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”  Hebrews 10:39

 

“Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”  1 John 2:28

                                     

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16

                                         

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 5:1-4.

 

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God;  and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;  nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”  1 Peter 5:1-4.

 

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Elders exhort.  “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder …”  Verse 1.

 

Elders exercise oversight.  “… shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight …”  Verse 2.

 

Elders are examples.  “… proving to be examples to the flock.”  Verse 3.

 

Let us also look at other Scripture.

 

Elders exhort (teach).  “An overseer (elder), then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”  1 Timothy 3:2  “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”  1 Timothy 5:17   

 

Elders exercise oversight.  “Overseers”, the very word for elders, describes their important duty of oversight.  “It is a trustworthy statement:  if any man aspires to the office of overseer (elder), it is a fine work he desires to do. … He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),”  1 Timothy 3:1 and 4-5.  

 

Elders are examples.  Although the following verse was part of Paul’s general teaching for Timothy, and did not specifically mention elders, it is certainly applicable to elders.  “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”  1 Timothy 4:12. 

 

The concluding verse of today’s Scripture reminds us that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our “Chief Shepherd” and is the chief example that elders should follow.  Elders too should be good shepherds. 

 

And, we have God’s promise that He will raise up good shepherds to take care of His church.  “I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them;  and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 23:4

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 4:12-19.

 

“¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;  ¹³ but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.  ¹⁴ If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  ¹⁵ Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;  ¹⁶ but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.  ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;  and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  ¹⁸ And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?  ¹⁹ Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”  1 Peter 4:12-19.

 

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The righteous often suffer first, but the outcome is much worse for the wicked.  The following 2 Peter 2:4-9 helps us to understand verses 17 to 18 above.   

 

We can imagine that Noah probably suffered by being mocked by those who watched him build his ark.  Lot suffered by being surrounded by wicked conduct. 

 

And, it was with difficulty that they were saved.  Noah was flooded by water and had to wait forty days in an ark.  Lot was bombarded by fire and had to march out of the city without looking back.  But, much worse, we know what happened to “the godless man and the sinner”.

 

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;  and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;  and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;  and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,”  2 Peter 2:4-9.

 

 

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

 

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.   Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great;  for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:10-12.

 

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:6-9.

                               

                                  

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  To Him be dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10-11.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 4:7-11.  God willing, the next devotion will be three days from now,  Sunday, January 13, 2013. 

 

“⁷ The end of all things is near;  therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.  ⁸ Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without complaint.  ¹⁰ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  ¹¹ Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God;  whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies;  so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:7-11.

 

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Similar to “faith without works is dead” (see James 2:18-26), love without works is dead.  Today’s devotion exhorts us:  “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”.  Verse 10. 

 

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:  if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;  if service, in his serving;  or he who teaches, in his teaching;  or he who exhorts, in his exhortation;  he who gives, with liberality;  he who leads, with diligence;  he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

                                

Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil;  cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;  give preference to one another in honor;  not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”  Romans 12:6-13.

                            

Therefore, we know our duty.  But, our eyes tend to drift down to ourselves and our own willpower to do our duty.

 

 

We can keep our eyes on God and what He has done for us.

                               

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

                       

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. ”  Philippians 1:6.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 4:1-6.

 

“¹ Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.  ³ For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.  ⁴ In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;  ⁵ but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  ⁶ For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.”  1 Peter 4:1-6.

 

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If it were not so deadly serious, it would be slightly amusing that Paul adds this argument:  “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles …”.  But, Paul’s argument shows his gentleness. 

 

Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”

 

Ephesians 4:2
“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,”

 

Colossians 3:12
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;”

 

2 Timothy 2:25
“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”

 

 

“Therefore, He (Christ) had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:17-18.

 

“A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.”  Matthew 12:20

 

 

“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.  For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;  forhe who has died is freed from sin.”  Romans 6:4-7.

 

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all;  but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 6:8-11.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness;  but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.  For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”  Romans 6:12-14.

“But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”  Romans 6:17-18.

 

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed?  For the outcome of those things is death.  But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:20-23.

 

In conclusion, we have been given the Spirit of God.  “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:16.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 3:21-22.

 

“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”  1 Peter 3:21-22. 

 

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“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;  and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.  For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  Hebrews 9:11-14.

 

“And He (Christ) is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His (God’s) nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”  Hebrews 1:3.

 

                              

Question 44:  How does Christ execute the office of a priest?

Answer:  Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.

Question 54:  How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?

Answer:  Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies;  furnishes his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and makes intercession for them.

Question 55:  How does Christ make intercession?

Answer:  Christ makes intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers;  Answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.

Question 49.  Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension into heaven?

Answer.  First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven;  secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members;  thirdly, that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, by whose power we “seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.”

Question 50.  Why is it added, “and sitteth at the right hand of God”?

Answer.  Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end, that he might appear as head of his church, by whom the Father governs all things.

Question 51.  What profit is this glory of Christ, our head, unto us?

Answer.  First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours our heavenly graces upon us his members;  and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.