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A Body of Divinity, Vol. 3 (of 4) / Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism cover

A Body of Divinity, Vol. 3 (of 4) / Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism

Chapter 16: Quest. LXXXII.
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About This Book

The author presents a systematic exposition of Reformed Christian doctrine, following the larger catechism to explain union and communion with Christ, effectual calling, regeneration, justification, and justifying faith. He defines union with Christ as a spiritual, mystical yet real head-member relation, distinguishes the gospel offer from effectual calling, and defends regeneration as a supernatural work of the Spirit that precedes faith. The treatment of justification emphasizes imputation of Christ’s righteousness, the role of a surety, pardon as free grace, and that faith, not works, is the instrument of justification. Throughout, scriptural arguments are offered against Pelagian and Socinian positions and objections are anticipated and answered.

Quest. LXXXII.

Quest. LXXXII. What is the communion in glory, which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?

Answ. The communion in glory, which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is, in this life, immediately after death; and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment.

After having considered believers, or the members of the invisible church, as enjoying this privilege of union with Christ, and, as the immediate consequence hereof, communion with him. It has been farther observed, that this communion with him, is either in grace, or glory. Their communion with him in grace consists in their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adoption, and sanctification; which have been particularly considered, together with other graces and comforts that accompany or flow from them. We are now led to speak concerning the communion which they have with him in glory; which contains the highest privilege they are capable of receiving; consisting in his giving them some right discoveries of the glory which they behold and enjoy by faith, in this life, and also of that which shall be immediate, and, in some respects, complete, after death; and, at the resurrection and day of judgment, be brought, in all respects, to the utmost degree of perfection; when their joy, as well as their happiness, shall be full, and continued throughout all the ages of eternity. These are the subjects insisted on in several following answers, which remain to be considered in this first part of the Catechism.