ARGUMENT.
The First Part of the Apostles' Creed--viz.
the knowledge of God the Creator, being disposed of, we now come to the Second
Part, which relates to the knowledge of God as a Redeemer in Christ. The
subjects treated of accordingly are, first, the Occasion of
Redemption--viz. Adam's fall; and, secondly, Redemption itself. The
first five chapters are devoted to the former subject, and the remainder to the
latter.
Under the Occasion of Redemption, the Fall is
considered not only in a general way, but also specially in its effects. Hence
the first four chapters treat of original sin, free will, the corruption of
human nature, and the operation of God in the heart. The fifth chapter contains
a refutation of the arguments usually urged in support of free will.
The subject of redemption may be reduced to five
particular heads:
I. The character of him in whom salvation for
lost man must be sought, Chap. 6.
II. How he was manifested to the world, namely,
in a twofold manner. First, under the Law. Here the Decalogue is expounded, and
some other points relating to the law discussed, Chap. 7 and 8. Secondly, under
the Gospel. Here the resemblance and difference of the two dispensations are
considered, Chap. 9, 10, 11.
III. What kind of person Christ was, and behaved
to be, in order to perform the office of Mediator--viz. God and man in one
person, Chap. 12, 13, 14.
IV. For what end he was sent into the world by
the Father. Here Christ's prophetical, kingly, and priestly offices are
considered, Chap. 15.
V. In what way, or by what successive steps,
Christ fulfilled the office of our Redeemer, Chap. 16. Here are considered his
crucifixion, death, burial, descent to hell, resurrection, ascension to heaven,
and seat at the right hand of the Father, together with the practical use of
the whole doctrine. Chapter 17 contains an answer to the question, Whether
Christ is properly said to have merited the grace of God for us.
INSTITUTES
OF
THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
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