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We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Seventeen: Of the Perseverance of the Saints. Part 2.

3. Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalence of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins; ^a and for a time continue therein:^b whereby they incur God’s displeasure,^c and grieve his Holy Spirit;^d come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts;^e have their hearts hardened,^f and their consciences wounded;^g hurt and scandalize others,^h and bring temporal judgments upon themselves.ⁱ

a. Matt. 26:70, 72, 74. • b. Ps. 51 title with v. 14. • c. 2 Sam. 11:27; Isa. 64:5, 7, 9. • d. Eph. 4:30. • e. Ps. 51:8, 10, 12; Song. 5:2-4, 6; Rev. 2:4. • f. Isa. 63:17; Mark 6:52; 16:14. • g. Ps. 32:3-4; 51:8. • h. 2 Sam. 12:14. • i. Ps. 89:31-32; 1 Cor. 11:32.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴ for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:13–14 (ESV)

The metaphors of light and darkness are predominant within the Scriptures. They have certainly been predominant within Ephesians 5:7-12. The image of light and darkness is a symbolic theme of ethical dualism. This dualism is present from the beginning of the Old Testament and developed throughout the Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul brings to a semi-conclusion his extended thoughts on walking in the Lord (Ephesians 5:1-12). He challenges believers in Christ to take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Instead, believers are to expose them.

Paul continues in today’s text to explain that the light of God’s righteousness and holiness exposes the darkness. To expose (ἐλέγχω; elencho) means to reprove, convict and rebuke. When sin is exposed, it becomes visible. To be visible (φανερόω; phaneroo) means to reveal and to make clear. The light of God’s Word confronts and give clear perspective to sin (Psalm 119:105).

The phrase  for anything that becomes visible is light perhaps should read light makes anything visible. The proclamation of God’s clear truth exposes all kinds of evil (Proverbs 6:23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It is at this point in the text that Paul refers to this quotation: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” It is presumed this is a quotation from an Old Testament text. However, what particular OT reference cannot be identified with certainty. Many scholars believe Paul was making reference to Isaiah 60:1 which says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

Dr. R. Sproul writes, “The imagery of light and awakening or rising can be found in Isaiah 60:1, describing the restoration of Israel in the end times. There the LORD shines light on Israel, and here Christ is identified with the God of Isaiah 60:1 in shining light on people. However, Paul may be citing a portion of an early Christian hymn well known to the churches, as he seems to do elsewhere (Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-20; I Tim. 3:16). If this is the case, it would be a hymn that has been influenced by Isaiah 60:1.”

Dr. John Walvoord explains the purpose of thoughts: “Verses 7–14 (Ephesians 5:7-14) deal with church discipline. Believers are to walk in the light, and in so doing to expose other believers of any works that are unfruitful so that they too may walk in the light and please their Lord.”

Soli deo Gloria!    

¹³ “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴ for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:13–14 (ESV)

The metaphors of light and darkness are predominant within the Scriptures. They have certainly been predominant within Ephesians 5:7-12. The image of light and darkness is a symbolic theme of ethical dualism. This dualism is present from the beginning of the Old Testament and developed throughout the Scriptures.

One biblical commentator writes, “Light and darkness together describe the opposite ends of a good-evil dualism that pervades biblical symbolic language. The specific reference of light or darkness in a particular text must be assessed based on its context, but the essential meaning of the dualism remains true throughout both Old and New Testaments.”

While the two concepts are found throughout the Scriptures, I believe it would be wise to focus our attention exclusively upon the writings of the Apostle Paul. Paul’s use of light and darkness emerges out of the creation story when God brings light to the darkness and chaos, thus establishing a link between light and God’s presence and activity (2 Cor. 4:6).

Paul follows the four Gospel authors’ tendency of using the metaphorical meaning of light to describe Jesus (John 1:1-5; I John 1:5-7). Paul also uses the imagery of light shining in the darkness to refer to the gospel of Jesus (2 Cor. 4:4–6). Additionally, those who follow Christ are called “children of the light” (Eph. 5:8). Those who oppose the way of Christ by their actions are described in terms of darkness and night (1 Thess. 5:2–7; Eph. 5:14; Rom 1:21).

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary states, “The association of God with light is recurrent in the NT. The apostle John wrote that “God is light and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5, nlt). The apostle James referred to God as “the Father of lights” (Jas 1:17). Or God may be thought of as living in light, light that no person can approach (1 Tm 6:16; cf. 1 John 1:7). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; see also 9:5), and “I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46, rsv). Jesus told his followers to believe in the light while it was with them (v 35). Such passages emphasize that Christ brought a revelation from God, but he was more than a revealer. He was himself that revelation, according to the apostle John (John 1:1–10). John the Baptist came to bear witness to the light for the purpose of bringing people to believe (vv 7–8). Those who received Jesus, who believed in the light, received the right to become children of God (vv 9–12). Sometimes light is used to express the illumination that happens when people come to the knowledge of God and his salvation (Mt 4:16; Lk 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:18).”

As children of light (Ephesians 5:8), may each of us let our light so shine that people will see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!    

¹¹ “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” (Ephesians 5:11–12 (ESV)

God commands believers in Christ to not participate in the unfruitful works of sin and wickedness. On the contrary, believers are to expose and confront those who carry out such behavior (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-2).

The apostle Paul continues by saying that it is shameful to even talk about the things which wicked people do. The word shameful (αἰσχρός; aischros) means to be dishonest and disgraceful. In other words, to participate in indecent behavior. The things done by the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6) are to shameful to even talk about.

However, in our current culture the shameful acts of wickedness performed by unconverted sinners are displayed and portrayed on social media, movies, theater, magazines and in music. The 21^st century culture celebrates wickedness in all its forms.

Nineteenth century theologian Charles Hodge writes, “There are two reasons why sins are called works of darkness. The first principle is because the spring from darkness or ignorance of God. The second is because they are committed in darkness.  They shun the light. The exceeding turpitude of these sins the apostle gives as the reason why they should be reproved.”

Dr. John MacArthur adds, “Some sins are so despicable that they should be sealed off from direct contact and not even mentioned, much less discussed, except in order to contradict and oppose them. Merely talking about them can be morally and spiritually corruptive. Positive proclamation of the pure truth in the light of the word exposes all evil (cf. Prov. 6:23; 2 Tim. 3:16).”

Soli deo Gloria!    

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 (ESV)

The biblical metaphor of light vs. darkness is found throughout the pages of Scripture (Job 12:24-25; Isaiah 9:1-7; Matthew 4:12-16; John 1:4-5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35-36, 46; I John 1:5-7; 2:7-11). Light is symbolic of God’s holiness and righteousness. Darkness symbolizes sin and wickedness. Spiritual darkness also depicts ignorance about God’s will. Therefore, knowledge of God is “light” and the lack of such knowledge is “darkness”

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary states, “Moral depravity is sometimes described as darkness (Prov. 2:13; 4:19; Is. 5:20; 60:2). In the NT darkness is generally a metaphor of moral depravity and spiritual ignorance (Mt 4:16; 6:23; Lk 1:79; 11:35; 22:53; Rom 2:19; Col 1:13).”

In today’s text from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul strongly warns Christians to have no relationship with darkness. The phrase take no part (συγκοινωνέω; synkoinoneo) is a present, active imperative or command. The believer in Christ is to have no fellowship or partnership with darkness.

Darkness (σκότος; skotos) is used in the text as a description of moral evil and sin. It is described as unfruitful (ἄκαρπος; akarpos) meaning unproductive and useless. The word works (ἔργον; ergon) refers to the reality that spiritual darkness is associated with specific deeds or behavior.

Instead of participating in the unfruitful works of darkness, believers in Christ are to expose the darkness. To expose (ἐλέγχω; elencho) is also a present, active imperative command. Christians are to reproach, rebuke and reject the works of darkness ((Matt. 18:15; John 3:20; 16:8; Eph. 5:11; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9; Heb. 12:5; James 2:9; Jude 15; Rev 3:19; Jude 22, 23). Such rebuking is to be done humbly and gently (Galatians 6:1-2) with an awareness of one’s own faults (Matthew 7:1-5).

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Christians, by conducting themselves as “children of light,” expose the “deeds of darkness.” These deeds, however, refer here to the deeds of other believers who are not walking in the light. This is because only God can expose and convict unbelievers’ deeds (1 Cor. 5:12–13). Believers, on the other hand, can expose evil deeds among other Christians within the church. This the Corinthians failed to do (1 Cor. 5).”

No believer in Christ should take it upon themselves to be the self-appointed, self-righteous exposer of other believer’s sins. Such a pride centered so-called ministry can accomplish nothing but anguish within the church congregation. Exposure of other’s sin is to be done biblically, carefully, and humbly (Matthew 7:1-5; 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-2).

Soli deo Gloria!    

⁷ “Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸ for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:7–10 (ESV)

Believers in Christ are to be imitators of God in their life and lifestyle (Ephesians 5:1). We are also to not be sharers or joined with those who rebelliously live in sin (Ephesians 5:3-7).  The reason for this is because Christians are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8; Matthew 5:13-16). Therefore, God commands us to live as children solely belonging to the light of God.

What does living in the reflected holy light of God look like in our everyday world? The Apostle Paul provides us with some answers.

For the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. Fruit (καρπός; karpos) is used here metaphorically to signify the deeds and behavior of the believer in Christ. This metaphor is found throughout the Scriptures (Isaiah 5:1-7; John 15:1-11; Galatians 5:16-25).

What does the metaphorical fruit of light look like in the believer’s daily life? Paul says that the fruit of light is in union with all that is good, right and true.

To be good (ἀγαθωσύνη; agathosyne) means to live in a way which benefits others (Romans 15:14; Galatians 5:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). To be right (δικαιοσύνη; dikaiosyne) means to do what God requires. To be true (ἀλήθεια; aletheia) refers to living in a biblical, historical and eternal reality.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Darkness” describes the character of the life of the unconverted as void of truth and virtue in intellectual and moral matters (cf. 1 John 1:5–7). The realm of darkness is presided over by the “power of darkness” (Luke 22:53; Col. 1:13), who rules those headed for “outer darkness” (Matt. 8:12; 2 Pet. 2:17). Tragically, sinners love the darkness (John 3:19–21). It is that very darkness from which salvation in Christ delivers sinners (John 8:12; Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; cf. Ps. 27:1). The fruit of light speaks of that which is produced by walking in the light (cf. 1 John 1:5–7), namely moral excellence of heart, righteous behavior, and truthfulness (honesty or integrity).”

The believer’s responsibility before God and others is to discern (δοκιμάζω; dokimazo) judge and approve what behavior pleases God. This discernment comes from the Word of God (Psalm 1; 19; 119).

Soli deo Gloria!

⁷ “Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸ for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:7–10 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul issues still another concluding statement since he began the practical section of his letter to the Ephesian Church (Ephesians 4:1; 4:25; 5:1). It applies to the importance of believers in Christ being imitators of God in their life and lifestyle.

Therefore do not become partners with them. This statement applies to faithful Christians not having any agreement with professing believers who are living in rebellion against God. The word partners (συμμέτοχος; symmetochos) means a sharer and a joint imitator.

I Peter 4:3-5 says, “³ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Christians must consider the fearful destiny of nonbelievers and refuse to join them in their folly (I Peter 4:3-5). Instead, they should remember their paths as partakers with the Jews in the promise of God in Christ (Ephesians 3:6).”

Believers in Christ are to no longer conform to this fallen world (Romans 12:1-2) because God now calls us salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). We were once darkness (σκότος; skotos) meaning to live in the abode of sin (John 3:19). However, believers are now light in the Lord. Light (φῶς; phos) refers to dwelling in holiness. This holiness is because Christians are in union with Christ.

Believers in Christ are to walk as children of light. The command to walk (περιπατέω; peripateo) is to behave in manner reflecting the holiness of Christ.

1 John 1:5–7 says, “⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Let each of us who are in Christ live today reflecting the holiness of the Lord. May we do so as we live in an ever increasing darkening world (Romans 1:18-32). Have a light day.

Soli deo Gloria!   

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Seventeen: Of the Perseverance of the Saints. Part 1.

1. They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.^a

a. John 10:28-29; Phil. 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5, 9; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 3:9.

2. This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father;^a upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ;^b the abiding of the Spirit and of the seed of God within them;^c and the nature of the covenant of grace:^d from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.^e

a. Jer. 31:3; 2 Tim. 2:18-19. • b. Luke 22:32; John 17:11, 24; Heb. 7:25; 9:12-15; 10:10, 14; 13:20-21; Rom. 8:33-39. • c. John 14:16-17; 1 John 2:27; 3:9. • d. Jer. 32:40. • e. John 10:28; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:19.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

⁵ “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:5–6 (ESV)

“Faith is a living, restless thing. It cannot be inoperative. We are not saved by works; but if there be no works, there must be something amiss with faith.”  – Martin Luther

Martin Luther and John Calvin both correctly understood that man’s good works do not justify him/her before God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-20; Ephesians 2:1-3). However, good works unto holiness are the biblical evidence that an individual is truly justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christa alone (Ephesians 2:4-10; James 2:14-26).

The Apostle Paul strongly challenged the Ephesian Christians to no longer engage in sexual immorality, impurity and covetousness. To do such things was not proper for the believer in Christ. He warned them that those who profess Christ are not truly converted if they live an ungodly life.

Paul then says, “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” Paul warned the Ephesian believers that there would be deceivers who would seek to mislead them with an empty gospel. Perhaps the empty gospel had to do with living an ungodly life when the Gospel of Christ brings newness of life.

It is because of sexual immorality, among other sins, that God’s wrath is coming. It will surely come upon the sons of disobedience to God.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Paul had taught this truth many times when he pastored the church at Ephesus and it should have been clear in their minds. God never tolerates sin, which has no place at all in his kingdom, nor will any person whose life pattern is one of habitual immorality, impurity, and greed (see v. 3) be in his kingdom, because no such person is saved (1 Cor. 6:9–10; Gal. 5:17–21; 1 John 3:9–10). No Christian will be sinless in this present life, but it is dangerously deceptive for Christians to offer assurance of salvation to a professing believer whose life is characterized by persistent sin and who shows no shame for that sin or hunger for the holy and pure things of God. They are headed for wrath (2:2) and believers must not partner in any of their wickedness (5:7).”

 Soli deo Gloria!

⁵ “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:5–6 (ESV)

We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” – Martin Luther

 “I wish the reader to understand that as often as we mention Faith alone in this question, we are not thinking of a dead faith, which worketh not by love, but holding faith to be the only cause of justification. (Galatians 5:6; Romans 3:22.) It is therefore faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is not alone: just as it is the heat alone of the sun which warms the earth, and yet in the sun it is not alone, because it is constantly conjoined with light.” – John Calvin

Luther and Calvin both correctly understood that man’s good works do not justify him/her before God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-20; Ephesians 2:1-3). However, good works unto holiness are the biblical evidence that an individual is truly justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christa alone (Ephesians 2:4-10; James 2:14-26).

The Apostle Paul strongly challenged the Ephesian Christians to no longer engage in sexual immorality, impurity and covetousness. To do such things was not proper for the believer in Christ.

Paul then states in today’s text that those professing believers who continue to engage in such activity have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. In other words, those who continue to consistently sin and not put off their old self and put on their new self (Ephesians 4:22-24) are truly not converted. They remain lost and objects of God righteous wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Paul sternly warned believers that the reason they are to abstain from evil deeds (specifically, immorality, impurity, and greed; cf. vv. 3 and 5) is that those who practice them are not a part of God’s kingdom. Those who have no inheritance in the kingdom have not been “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified” as 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 so clearly demonstrates. A greedy person … is an idolater (cf. Col. 3:5) in the sense that greed, like idols, puts things before God.”

I encourage you to read Romans 6-8 and James 2:14-26 to grasp the importance of holiness as an evidence of one’s conversion by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Believers in Christ are not only to communicate the gospel but also live by the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!