A body of divinity by Thomas Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read '1. Faith', '2. Effectual calling' and '3. Justification'.
Firstly we learn about faith as Watson answers the following questions:
(i) What are the kinds of faith?;
(ii) What is justifying faith?;
(iii) How is faith wrought?;
(iv) Wherein lies the preciousness of faith?;
(v) How does faith justify?;
(vi) Why should faith save and justify more than any other grace?;
(vii) How then shall we know a true faith?;
(viii) How may we judge of the growth of faith?
Then we read a section on effectual calling in which Watson answers these questions:
(i) What are the means of this effectual call?;
(ii) From what does God call men?;
(iii) To what does God call men?;
(iv) What is the cause of the effectual call?;
(v) What are the qualifications of this call?
And lastly Watson teaches us about justification by firstly telling us what is meant by 'justification'. Then by laying down four maxims about justification.
I liked this description of faith: 'Faith is an obediential grace. ‘The obedience of faith.’ Rom 16:66. Faith melts our will into God’s. It runs at God’s call. If God commands duty (though cross to flesh and blood) faith obeys. ‘By faith Abraham obeyed.’ Heb 11:1. Faith is not an idle grace; as it has an eye to see Christ, so it has a hand to work for him. It not only believes God’s promise, but obeys his command. It is not having knowledge that will evidence you to be believers; the devil has knowledge, but wants obedience, and that makes him a devil. The true obedience of faith is a cheerful obedience. God’s commands do not seem grievous. Have you obedience, and obey cheerfully? Do you look upon God’s command as your burden, or privilege; as an iron fetter about your leg, or as a gold chain about your neck.'
Have you obedience, and obey cheerfully? Then you have true faith.
Next week's reading
Read '4. Adoption' and '5. Sanctification'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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