July 14: School & Family Catechist – WSC Q. 32

THE SCHOOL & FAMILY CATECHIST.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism – Question 32.

Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which, in this life, do either accompany, or flow from them.

EXPLICATION.

They that are effectually called. –Those who have repented of their sins, and who, instead of being the servants of Satan, have become the sincere followers of Jesus Christ.

Partake of justification. –That is, they share in all that happiness which arises from the pardon of their sins, and their being received again into God’s favor, as though they were righteous.

Adoption. –Taking one, who is a stranger, into the family, and treating him as a son.

Sanctification. –Making our sinful natures pure and holy.

Benefits. –Advantages, privileges, blessings.

ANALYSIS.

In this answer, the benefits connected with effectual calling are said to be of four sorts:

  1. Justification. –Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
  2. Adoption. –Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us to the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ, unto himself. ­–2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
  3. Sanctification. –1 Thess. iv. 7. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
  4. The several benefits which accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification. –1 Thess. ii. 12. Walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

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