Westminster Daily

Q 89. How is the word made effectual to salvation?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.1

Q 155. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening,2 convincing, and humbling sinners;3 of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ;4 of conforming them to his image,5 and subduing them to his will;6 of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions;7 of building them up in grace,8 and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.9

1. Nehemiah 8:8-9

   They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

   And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.

   Acts 20:32

   And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

   Romans 10:14-17

   How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

   2 Timothy 3:15-17

   and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

2. Nehemiah 8:8

   They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

   Acts 26:18

   to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

   Psalm 19:8

   the precepts of the Lord are right,
   rejoicing the heart;
   the commandment of the Lord is pure,
   enlightening the eyes; (ESV)

3. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25

   But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

   2 Chronicles 34:18-19

   Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it before the king.

   And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes.

   2 Chronicles 34:26-28

   But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and its inhabitants.’” And they brought back word to the king. (ESV)

4. Acts 2:37

   Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

   Acts 2:41

   So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

   Acts 8:27-38

   And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

   “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
   and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
   so he opens not his mouth.
   In his humiliation justice was denied him.
   Who can describe his generation?
   For his life is taken away from the earth.”

   And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (ESV)

5. 2 Corinthians 3:18

   And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

   Colossians 1:27

   To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (ESV)

6. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

   For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

   Romans 6:17-18

   But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV)

7. Ephesians 6:16-17

   In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

   Colossians 1:28

   Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

   Psalm 19:11

   Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
   in keeping them there is great reward.

   Matthew 4:4

   But he answered, “It is written,

   “‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
   but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

   Matthew 4:7

   Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

   Matthew 4:10

   Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

   “‘You shall worship the Lord your God
   and him only shall you serve.’”

   1 Corinthians 10:11

   Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. (ESV)

8. Ephesians 4:11-12

   And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

   Acts 20:32

   And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

   2 Timothy 3:15-17

   and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

9. Romans 16:25

   Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

   1 Thessalonians 3:2

   and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

   1 Thessalonians 3:10-11

   as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

   Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,

   1 Thessalonians 3:13

   so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

   Romans 15:4

   For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

   Romans 10:13-17

   For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

   How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

   Romans 1:16

   For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV)

Q 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.1

Q 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation.2

1. Matthew 28:18-20

   And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

   Acts 2:41-42

   So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

   And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (ESV)

2. Matthew 28:19-20

   Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

   Acts 2:42

   And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

   Acts 2:46-47

   And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV)

Q 85. What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life,1 with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.2

Q 153. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?

A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the law, he requireth of us repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,3 and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation.4

1. Mark 1:15

   and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

   Acts 20:21

   testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

2. Acts 2:38

   And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

   1 Corinthians 11:24-25

   and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

   Colossians 3:16

   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (ESV)

3. Acts 20:21

   testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

   Matthew 3:7-8

   But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

   Luke 13:3

   No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

   Luke 13:5

   No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

   Acts 16:30-31

   Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

   John 3:16

   “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

   John 3:18

   Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (ESV)

4. Proverbs 2:1-5

   2:1 My son, if you receive my words
   and treasure up my commandments with you,
   making your ear attentive to wisdom
   and inclining your heart to understanding;
   yes, if you call out for insight
   and raise your voice for understanding,
   if you seek it like silver
   and search for it as for hidden treasures,
   then you will understand the fear of the Lord
   and find the knowledge of God.

   Proverbs 8:33-36

   Hear instruction and be wise,
   and do not neglect it.
   Blessed is the one who listens to me,
   watching daily at my gates,
   waiting beside my doors.
   For whoever finds me finds life
   and obtains favor from the Lord,
   but he who fails to find me injures himself;
   all who hate me love death.” (ESV)

Q 38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

A. At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory,1 shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment,2 and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God3 to all eternity.4

Q 90. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment?

A. At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds,5 shall be set on his right hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted,6 shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men,7 and shall be received into heaven,8 where they shall be fully and forever freed from all sin and misery;9 filled with inconceivable joys,10 made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and holy angels,11 but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity.12 And this is the perfect and full communion, which the members of the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment.

1. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43

   So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (ESV)

2. Matthew 25:33-34

   And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

   Matthew 25:46

   And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (ESV)

3. Romans 8:29

   For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

   1 John 3:2

   Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (ESV)

4. Psalm 16:11

   You make known to me the path of life;
   in your presence there is fullness of joy;
   at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

   1 Thessalonians 4:17

   Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (ESV)

5. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

   Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

   1 Corinthians 15:42-43

   So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (ESV)

6. Matthew 25:33

   And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

   Matthew 10:32

   So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, (ESV)

7. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

   Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! (ESV)

8. Matthew 25:34

   Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

   Matthew 25:46

   And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (ESV)

9. Ephesians 5:27

   so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

   Revelation 14:13

   And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (ESV)

10. Psalm 16:11

    You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)

11. Hebrews 12:22-23

    But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, (ESV)

12. 1 John 3:2

    Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

    Romans 8:29

    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

    1 Corinthians 13:12

    For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

    1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

    Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (ESV)

Q 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness,1 and do immediately pass into glory;2 and their bodies, being still united to Christ,3 do rest in their graves, till the resurrection.4

Q 86. What is the communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death?

A. The communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death, is, in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness,5 and received into the highest heavens,6 where they behold the face of God in light and glory,7 waiting for the full redemption of their bodies,8 which even in death continue united to Christ,9 and rest in their graves as in their beds,10 till at the last day they be again united to their souls.11 Whereas the souls of the wicked are at their death cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, and their bodies kept in their graves, as in their prisons, till the resurrection and judgment of the great day.12

1. Hebrews 12:23

   and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, (ESV)

2. Luke 23:43

   And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

   2 Corinthians 5:6

   So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,

   2 Corinthians 5:8

   Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

   Philippians 1:23

   I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (ESV)

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:14

   For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (ESV)

4. Daniel 12:2

   And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

   John 5:28-29

   Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

   Acts 24:15

   having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. (ESV)

5. Hebrews 12:23

   and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

   Acts 7:55

   But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

   Acts 7:59

   And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (ESV)

6. 2 Corinthians 5:1

   5:1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

   2 Corinthians 5:6

   So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,

   2 Corinthians 5:8

   Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

   Philippians 1:23

   I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

   Acts 3:21

   whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

   Ephesians 4:10

   He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

   Luke 23:43

   And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (ESV)

7. 1 John 3:2

   Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

   1 Corinthians 13:12

   For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)

8. Romans 8:23

   And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

   Psalm 16:9

   Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
   my flesh also dwells secure. (ESV)

9. 1 Thessalonians 4:14

   For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

   1 Thessalonians 4:16

   For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (ESV)

10. Isaiah 57:2

    he enters into peace;
    they rest in their beds
    who walk in their uprightness. (ESV)

11. Job 19:26-27

    And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I shall see God,
    whom I shall see for myself,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me! (ESV)

12. Luke 16:23-24

    and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’

    Acts 1:25

    to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

    Jude 1:6-7

    And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. (ESV)

Q 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption and sanctification?

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love,1 peace of conscience,2 joy in the Holy Ghost,3 increase of grace,4 and perseverance therein to the end.5

Q 83. What is the communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible church enjoy in this life?

A. The members of the invisible church have communicated to them in this life the firstfruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of him their head, and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully possessed of;6 and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God's love,7 peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory;8 as, on the contrary, sense of God's revenging wrath, horror of conscience, and a fearful expectation of judgment, are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death.9

1. Romans 5:5

   and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)

2. Romans 5:1

   5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

3. Romans 14:17

   For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (ESV)

4. 2 Peter 3:18

   But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (ESV)

5. Philippians 1:6

   And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

   1 Peter 1:5

   who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (ESV)

6. Ephesians 2:5-6

   even when we were dead in our trespasses, 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, (ESV)

7. Romans 5:5

   and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

   2 Corinthians 1:22

   and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (ESV)

8. Romans 5:1-2

   5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

   Romans 14:17

   For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

   2 Peter 3:18

   But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (ESV)

9. Genesis 4:13

   Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.

   Matthew 27:4

   saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”

   Hebrews 10:27

   but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

   Romans 2:9

   There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,

   Mark 9:44

   And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.

   (ESV)

Q 82. What is the communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is in this life,1 immediately after death,2 and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment.3

1. 2 Corinthians 3:18

   And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV)

2. Luke 23:43

   And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (ESV)

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

   Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (ESV)

Q 69. What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

A. The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification,1 adoption,2 sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him.3

1. Romans 8:30

   And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV)

2. Ephesians 1:5

   he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (ESV)

3. 1 Corinthians 1:30

   And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

   1 Corinthians 6:11

   And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (ESV)

3. This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his Godhead; or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous.1 Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.2

1. Colossians 1:18-19

   And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

   1 Corinthians 8:6

   yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

   Psalm 45:6-7

   Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
   The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
   you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
   Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
   with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

   Hebrews 1:6-9

   And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

   “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

   Of the angels he says,

   “He makes his angels winds,
   and his ministers a flame of fire.”

   But of the Son he says,

   “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
   the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
   You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
   therefore God, your God, has anointed you
   with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

   John 1:14

   And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

   John 20:17

   Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

   (ESV)

2. Exodus 20:15

   “You shall not steal.

   Ephesians 4:28

   Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

   Acts 5:4

   While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” (ESV)

2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;1 as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.2

1. Hebrews 10:24-25

   And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

   Acts 2:42

   And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

   Acts 2:46

   And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

   Isaiah 2:3

   and many peoples shall come, and say:
   “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
   to the house of the God of Jacob,
   that he may teach us his ways
   and that we may walk in his paths.”
   For out of Zion shall go the law,
   and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

   1 Corinthians 11:20

   When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. (ESV)

2. 1 John 3:17

   But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

   2 Corinthians 8-9

   We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

   I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

   But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.

   Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

   The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

   “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
   his righteousness endures forever.”

   He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

   Acts 11:29-30

   So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

   Acts 2:44-45

   And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

   (ESV)