1689 Confession, "The Gospel & the Extent of its Grace," para. 1: Inauguration

1689 CONFESSION, CH. 20, PARA. 1: THE INAUGURATION OF THE GOSPEL

Introduction.
--There is no corresponding chapter in the Westminster
--The 1689 follows the savoy declaration with small modifications.
--The Savoy/ 1689 do not find error in the WCF, but address the Deism which sprung up between 1647 (WCF) and 1658 (Savoy). Deism emphasizes natural revelation for salvation.
--Dispensationalism is a modern error which this chapter also refutes.

A. The framework in which it was inaugurated- "The covenant of works being broken by sin, and made unprofitable unto life."
--The broken covenant of works creates a framework for Christ to become the better Adam.
--The broken covenant of works explains the condition of fallen mankind.

B. The form in which it was inaugurated- "The covenant of works being broken by sin, and made unprofitable unto life."
--The broken covenant of works creates a framework for Christ to become the better Adam.
--The broken covenant of works explains the condition of fallen mankind.

C. The function for which it was inaugurated - "as the means of calling the elect, and begetting in them faith and repentance."
--The gospel is the means to the end, by which God saves sinners.

D. The fullness with which it was inaugurated- "in this promise the gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and [is] therein effectual for the conversion and salvation of sinners."
--The Genesis 3:15 account, though shadowy, contains the whole gospel, and is effectual for conversion and salvation of sinners.