Confessional Moments

CM-041 - WCF 7.3.-4: Grace Promised, Grace Purchased!


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Grace Promised, Grace Purchased

After the fall, man was not merely weakened—he was rendered incapable of life by the covenant of works.

In this episode of Confessional Moments, we examine Westminster Confession of Faith 7.3 and 7.4, where the Confession introduces the Covenant of Grace and explains the only reason it can stand. Together, these paragraphs teach how God graciously responds to man’s total inability by freely offering salvation in Jesus Christ, requiring faith in Him, and promising the Holy Spirit to make sinners willing and able to believe.

But this gracious offer is not grounded in sentiment or divine leniency. WCF 7.4 explains why the covenant of grace is possible at all—because it is founded upon Christ and brought into effect by His death. Christ’s blood secures every promise of the covenant, establishing it legally, eternally, and unshakably.

This episode clarifies the relationship between God’s gracious offer and Christ’s atoning work, showing that grace is freely proclaimed because grace has been fully purchased.

Scripture Reading & References
  • Genesis 3:15

  • Isaiah 55:3

  • Romans 3:20

  • Romans 8:8

  • John 3:16

  • John 6:44

  • Acts 4:12

  • Luke 22:20

  • Hebrews 9:12, 15

  • Ephesians 2:8–9

    Key Doctrinal Themes
    • Man’s Incapacity After the Fall

      Fallen man is incapable of attaining life by the covenant of works and stands in need of divine grace.

    • The Covenant of Grace Introduced

      God freely offers life and salvation to sinners through Jesus Christ.

    • Faith as the Means of Reception

      Salvation is received by faith alone, which rests upon Christ and His finished work.

    • The Work of the Holy Spirit

      God promises the Spirit to make the elect willing and able to believe the gospel.

    • Christ’s Death as the Ground of the Covenant

      The covenant of grace is founded upon and brought into effect by the death of Christ.

    • Grace Secured, Not Merely Offered

      Every promise of salvation stands firm because it has been purchased by Christ’s blood.

      About the Host

      Confessional Moments is hosted by Pastor Tim Beauchamp, teaching elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Guam. Pastor Tim has served in pastoral ministry since 2010 and is committed to helping God’s people grow in doctrinal clarity, spiritual maturity, and confidence in Christ through the riches of the Reformed confessional tradition.

      Church Website

      Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA)

      https://www.trinitychurchguam.org

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