1689 LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH

Systematic Theology Course 2

Study 10: Of God and the Holy Trinity 2:1

1. The Lord our God is but one only living and true God (a); whose subsistence is in and of
himself (b), infinite in being and perfection, whose essence cannot be comprehended by any
but himself (c); a most pure spirit (d), invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath
immortality, dwelling in the light, which no man can approach unto (e); who is immutable (f),
immense (g), eternal (h), incomprehensible, almighty (i), every way infinite, most holy (j), most
wise, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own
immutable and most righteous will (l) for his own glory (m), most loving, gracious, merciful,
long suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the
rewarder of them that diligently seek him (n), and withal most just and terrible in his
judgements (o), hating all sin (p), and who will by no means clear the guilty (q).

a. 1 Cor 8:4,6; Deut 6:4.

b. Jer 10:10; Isaiah 48:12.
c. Ex 3:14.
d. Jn 4:24.
e. 1 Tim 1:17; Deut 4:15,16.
f. Mal 3:6.
g. 1 Kings 8:27; Jer 23:23.
h. Ps 90:2.
i. Gen 17:1.
k. Is 6:3.
l. Ps 115:3; Is 46:10.
m. Pr 16:4; Rom 11:36.
n. Ex 34:6,7; Heb 11:6.
o. Neh 9:32,33.
p. Ps 5:5,6.
q. Ex 34:7; Nah 1:2,3.

In this study we continue to consider the attributes of God, that is, those perfections of
God revealed to us in Scripture. These declare to us what God is like.

10.1 The Holiness of God

The holiness of God is God’s divine perfection whereby He is absolutely distinct from all
of His creation and exalted above all in infinite majesty (Ex 15:11; 1 Sam 2:2; Ps 29:2; Is
57:15; Hos 11:9). This means that God is transcendent in all of His being,
1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Study Series – 10. Of God and the Holy Trinity 2:1
http://particularbaptist.com/ 1
unapproachable, totally separate and totally other (Is 40:25; Rev 15:4).

QUESTION:

What does it mean for God to be totally other?

The holiness of God also means that He is free from all moral impurity and sin, and is
therefore morally perfect, without blemishes, short comings, etc (Lev 11:44; Job 4:58;
34:10; Ps 15:4,5; 22:3; 45:17; Is 6:3,5; Hab 1:13; Mt 5:48; 1 Jn 1:5; Rev 4:8).

QUESTION:

What does the holiness of God mean for His creatures?

10.2 The Knowledge/Omniscience of God

The omniscience of God is that perfection of God whereby He uniquely knows Himself,
all things possible, actual, present and future (1 Sam 2:3; 1 Kin 8:39; Job 37:16; Ps
139:1-16; 147:5; Is 40:28; 42:9,10; Ezek 11:5; Jn 21:17; Acts 1:24; 15:18; Rom 11:33,34;
Heb 4:13; 1 Jn 3:20). Unlike us, God does not acquire knowledge, as is consistent with
His immutability.

QUESTION:

Does God need to learn anything? Explain.

10.3 The Wisdom of God

The wisdom of God is closely related to His omniscience. This attribute is that whereby
He applies what He knows. Whereas His knowledge is the theory, His wisdom can be
said to be the practical. God’s wisdom allows Him to apply His knowledge for the
accomplishment of all His ends in a way that brings Him the most glory (Rom 11:33; 1
Cor 2:7; Eph 1:11,12; Col 1:16). His wisdom is seen in the selection of the greatest end
and in the choice of the best means for the accomplishment of that end (Job 4:18; 35:5;
Ps 19:1-7; 33:10,11; 104: 24; Pr 8; 21:30; Rom 8:28; 1 Cor 1:25; Eph 3:10; 1 Tim 1:17).

QUESTION:

Why is it beneficial to trust God in even the most difficult of circumstances?

1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Study Series – 10. Of God and the Holy Trinity 2:1
http://particularbaptist.com/ 2
10.4 The Sovereignty of God

God is most free, ‘working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and
most righteous will for His own glory.’ In short, God is able to and will do, whatever He
pleases, being free of all limitations (Gen 14:19; Ex 18:11; Deut 10:14,17; 1 Chron
29:11,12; 2 Chron 20:6; Neh 9:6; Ps 13:5,6; 22:28; 47:2,3,7,8; 50:10-12; 93:3-5; 115:3;
145:11-13; Jer 18:6; 27:6; Dan 4:35; Lk 1:53; Acts 17:24-26; Rom 9:14-21; Rev 19:6).

The sovereignty of God can be divided into two areas, the first is His sovereign power
and this was dealt with under the omnipotence of God. The second area is the sovereign
will of God. This includes both His secret will of determinative purpose and His revealed
will, which is His precepts and laws. These will be considered under the decree of God.

QUESTION:

Is man able to prevent God’s will from coming to pass? Explain.

© All Studies by the author may be freely copied, printed and distributed. We ask only that they remain
unedited (unless approved by Kevin Matthews) and contain the Aussie Outpost name and website URL:
http://particularbaptist.com This Bible Study is by Kevin Matthews. It is asked that this notice be included
as is. Thankyou.

1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Study Series – 10. Of God and the Holy Trinity 2:1
http://particularbaptist.com/ 3