Lord's Day Questions with proof texts
Link to audio recording of LD 32
Summary (NotebookLM)
Lord’s Day 32 explains the theological concept of thankfulness as a response to salvation through Christ. The commentary emphasizes that true thankfulness manifests as good works, driven by conversion and regeneration, which are essential for salvation. It also addresses the connection between good works, faith, and the law of God, arguing that they are not optional but necessary expressions of gratitude to God. Finally, it contrasts this concept with an unthankful life, demonstrating the consequences of persistent sin and lack of conversion.
Commentary Chapter Contents:
I. Introduction and Central Theme
This chapter centers on the concept of thankfulness as a fundamental response to God's grace and redemption through Christ. The text argues that this thankfulness isn't just a feeling but manifests in concrete ways through a life of conversion, good works, and prayer. It moves from the doctrine of redemption to the practical implications of a life lived in response to that redemption.
The key argument is that true faith leads to tangible expressions of gratitude and that a life devoid of these expressions calls into question the genuineness of one's faith. The document emphasizes that salvation isn’t merely about belief, but about a transformative process that results in a changed life.
II. Core Concepts and Arguments
Thankfulness as a Necessary Response (Lord’s Day 32, Introduction):
The document frames thankfulness as essential to the glory of God and the believer's own consolation.
It emphasizes that true worship is rooted in thankfulness and that all good works are expressions of this.
It argues that thankfulness isn’t optional: "None now obtain this deliverance, but those who desire to show their gratitude to God."
True thankfulness is defined as “an acknowledgement and profession of our gracious deliverance, through Christ, from sin and death, and a sincere desire to avoid sin, and every thing that might offend God, and to conform the life according to his will; to desire, expect, and receive all good things from God alone, by a true faith, and to render thanks for the benefits received.”
Two Parts of Thankfulness: Truth and Justice (Lord’s Day 32, Introduction):
Truth is identified as acknowledging the benefit of free redemption and giving thanks to God for it. This is linked to the act of prayer.
Justice is defined as offering God the kind of return he requires, specifically obedience and good works.
It ties this to the conversion of man to God: "That in which both these things root and ground themselves, is the conversion of man to God: for the works of none but those who are regenerated, are good and pleasing to God."
Four Principal Aspects of Thankfulness (Lord’s Day 32, Introduction):
The text identifies four key areas that encompass thankfulness: man’s conversion, good works, the Law of God, and prayer.
It details the logical flow between these points: redemption necessitates thankfulness, which requires conversion, which produces good works, defined by the Law of God, expressed through prayer.
"We have learned...that we are redeemed...by no merit of ours, but only by the mere grace of God...From this, it follows that we ought to be thankful... We cannot...show...ourselves thankful...except we are truly converted."
Good Works: Why Must We Do Them? (Question 86):
The question emphasizes that justification (salvation) is by grace alone. The response counters a possible misunderstanding that since Christ paid the price, good works are unnecessary.
The primary reason for good works is gratitude for redemption: "Because Christ...renews us...that with our whole life we may show ourselves thankful to God."
Good works are presented as the natural result of regeneration and faith. "Those...who do not perform good works, show that they are neither regenerated by the Spirit of God, nor redeemed by the blood of Christ."
Good works are necessary for glorifying God, assuring one’s own faith, and winning others to Christ.
Quote: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The Relationship between Justification and Regeneration (Question 86, Exposition):
The document explicitly states that "the benefit of justification is not given without regeneration."
This means both Christ's act of atoning for sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, leading to transformation, are inseparable aspects of salvation.
"The Holy Spirit, now, is never inactive, but is always efficacious, and so brings it to pass that those in whom he dwells are made conformable to God."
It emphasizes that justification is not just a legal declaration; it is also a transformative work of God in the believer’s heart.
Salvation and Conversion (Question 87):
This question explicitly asks whether those who do not turn from sin and ungratefulness can be saved.
The unequivocal answer is "By no means". The text warns against those who continue in sin, showing the necessity of a transformed life.
It lists several sins that disqualify people from inheriting God’s Kingdom, highlighting the practical requirements of salvation. "No unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or any such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
It underscores that evil works demonstrate a lack of faith and conversion, making salvation impossible for those who persist in them.
III. Key Takeaways
Salvation is Transformative: The text strongly implies that salvation is not a mere intellectual agreement or a ritual, but a profound transformation that results in a life of gratitude expressed through good works, obedience to God's law, and dependence on prayer.
Good Works are Necessary, Not Meritorious: While salvation is by grace alone, the document asserts that good works are a necessary outcome of true faith. They are not a means to earn salvation, but a demonstration of it.
Importance of Conversion: The document emphasizes the need for a genuine turning away from sin and towards God as a crucial aspect of salvation and thankfulness.
Inseparable Justification and Regeneration: These are not presented as separate processes, but interconnected aspects of being saved by grace.
IV. Implications
This document serves as a call to self-examination. It encourages the reader to consider whether their life reflects genuine thankfulness for God's grace, whether good works are present as evidence of faith and regeneration, and whether there is an active pursuit of turning away from sin. It emphasizes the importance of not just believing, but living a life that reflects that belief.
This text would likely be used to instruct believers on the practical outworking of their faith, particularly in the context of Christian discipleship and sanctification. It also serves as a warning against complacency and a call to deeper devotion and obedience to God.
What is the theological significance of thankfulness as presented?
Thankfulness is a significant concept within the provided text, playing a crucial role in the relationship between humanity and God, and is presented as a necessary response to God's grace. Here's a breakdown of its theological significance:
Response to Redemption: Thankfulness is the chief end of redemption, encompassing acknowledgement and praise for Christ's benefits. It arises from the understanding that deliverance from sin and death is a free gift through God's grace. This is not simply an intellectual understanding, but a heartfelt response rooted in a desire to avoid sin and live according to God's will.
True Worship: Thankfulness is presented as the true and acceptable worship that God desires. It's not based on self-will, but on a recognition of what God has done. True worship, therefore, includes both truth (acknowledging God’s gift of redemption) and justice (offering obedience and good works to God).
Evidence of Conversion: The text asserts that true thankfulness cannot exist without conversion to God. Actions done without faith are considered sin and abominable to God. Therefore, thankfulness is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through a changed life, evidenced by good works, which are the fruit of regeneration.
Good Works: Good works are seen as expressions of thankfulness and have no merit in the sight of God. These works are essential because they are the result of the Holy Spirit renewing believers in Christ's image. They are not done to earn salvation, but to show gratitude for the salvation that has already been freely given. They are also a means to glorify God and give assurance of one's faith.
The Role of Faith: The text emphasizes that true thankfulness stems from faith. Faith is the foundation for good works, which themselves demonstrate the reality of faith. Faith is what purifies the heart and kindles the love of God, leading to a desire to do what pleases Him.
Necessity for Salvation: The document indicates that a life of thankfulness is necessary for salvation. Those who remain unthankful and impenitent, continuing in sin, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. This underscores that thankfulness is not an optional element of faith, but an essential aspect of a life that has been truly transformed by God’s grace.
Connected to Prayer: Prayer is presented as a necessary expression of thankfulness, along with good works. Prayer is seen as a key way to honor and praise God, completing the circle of gratitude in response to His grace.
Practical Implications: Thankfulness is not passive but active, involving a complete devotion of one's life to God, and is demonstrated by a life that pursues peace, edification, and the winning of others to Christ .
In summary, thankfulness in this theological context is not just an emotion but a complete response of a transformed life, encompassing recognition of God’s grace, a desire to please Him, and active expression through good works, prayer, and a life of obedience. It is a necessary condition for salvation and evidence of true faith.
What are the four principal common places related to thankfulness?
The four principal common places related to thankfulness are: man's conversion, good works, the Law of God, and prayer. These four elements are interconnected and essential for understanding the concept of thankfulness within the provided text.
Here's a breakdown of how these four common places relate to each other and to thankfulness:
Man's Conversion: The text emphasizes that true thankfulness stems from a conversion to God. Actions done without faith are considered sin. Conversion is a necessary prerequisite for pleasing God, and it's the foundation upon which good works are built. The works of those who are not regenerated are not pleasing to God. Conversion involves the heart being purified by faith, which leads to a love for God and a desire to do what pleases Him.
Good Works: Good works are expressions of thankfulness to God and have no merit in God's sight. They are the fruit of regeneration by the Holy Spirit and are always connected with justification. Good works demonstrate true faith and are a way to show gratitude for redemption. These good works include obedience to God’s will, and are essential to living a life of thankfulness.
The Law of God: The doctrine of the Law of God provides the standard for good works, teaching what constitutes them. It is through understanding and following God's law that people are able to do works that are pleasing to God and show their thankfulness. The text makes it clear that good works must be done according to the command of God's law, with the intention of honoring and glorifying Him.
Prayer: Prayer is an essential way to express thankfulness to God. It is a means by which people honor and praise God, and it is a necessary part of a life of thankfulness. Prayer is not just a duty but a way to show thankfulness and connect with God, acknowledging the benefits received.
In summary, these four common places are interconnected, forming a comprehensive understanding of thankfulness. Man's conversion is the starting point, good works are the visible expression of this conversion, the Law of God provides the direction for those good works, and prayer is the means by which individuals express their thankfulness to God. All four elements are necessary to living a life of true thankfulness as described in the text.
What
are two components of true Christian thankfulness?
True Christian thankfulness has two main components: truth and justice.
Truth involves acknowledging and professing the benefit of our free redemption and giving thanks to God for it. This means recognizing that deliverance from sin and death comes through Christ and is a gracious gift from God, and then expressing that acknowledgement. The doctrine of prayer also falls under the category of truth.
Justice is the component of thankfulness that offers God the return he requires from us. This involves true worship through obedience and good works. It is a desire to perform reciprocal duties that are becoming and possible, showing a commitment to live in a way that pleases God.
Both truth and justice are rooted in the conversion of man to God. The text emphasizes that works are only good and pleasing to God when they are performed by those who have been regenerated.
What is the relationship between justification and regeneration?
The provided text indicates that justification and regeneration are closely related and inseparable aspects of salvation. Here's a breakdown of their relationship:
Justification and Regeneration are Both Merited by Christ: The text states that Christ has merited both the remission of sins (justification) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (regeneration). This highlights that both are part of the salvation package earned by Christ's sacrifice.
Regeneration is Connected to Justification: The text indicates that good works are the fruits of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, which are always connected with justification. This suggests that regeneration, the renewing of a person by the Holy Spirit, is an integral part of the process of justification. Those who are justified are also regenerated.
Justification is not Given Without Regeneration: According to the text, the benefit of justification is not given without regeneration. This means that a person cannot be justified without also being regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
Regeneration Precedes Good Works: The text clarifies that good works are a result of regeneration, not the cause of it. The text explains that good works do not precede conversion, which includes regeneration, but that the connection between them is crucial.
The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration, actively working to make those in whom He dwells conform to God. The text states that the Holy Spirit is never inactive, and His presence brings about the transformation in a believer, further linking regeneration to the process of justification.
Faith and Purification: The text indicates that the heart is purified by faith, which is necessary for the application of Christ's merits. This purification is related to regeneration, and it kindles the love of God and a desire to do what is pleasing in His sight.
Gratitude and Regeneration: The text indicates that God bestows justification only upon those who render true gratitude. However, it also says that true gratitude is only rendered by those who have experienced regeneration. This creates a cycle where justification and regeneration are intertwined with gratitude.
In summary, the text presents justification and regeneration as two distinct but inseparable aspects of salvation. Justification is God's declaration that a person is righteous in His sight, while regeneration is the internal work of the Holy Spirit that transforms a person, making them righteous and able to live a life of good works. Both are necessary and are given together to those who receive the benefit of Christ's sacrifice.