Providence ultimately exists for the “praise of the glory of God’s wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness and mercy.” (1689 Confession, 5. 1)
Saving Faith’s Working
What does saving faith do?
it yields obedience to God’s commands.
it trembles at God’s threatenings.
it embraces the promises of God.
1689 Confession, 14. 2
The Only Sufficiency
According to the opening lines of the Confession (1689.1.1, Of The Holy Scriptures), Scripture is the only sufficiency. Before speaking of its certainty and infallibility, the authors communicated sufficiency. And also this entire opening phrase in the 1689 is not in the the Westminster Confession. Well, how interesting! I like this. Here is an immediate statement about the Word of God – what it is. It makes sense because the phrase beginning with “although” (see Westminster) should follow some introductory clause. And so we have the 1689’s opening lines. How beautiful and right.
The Beginning
1689.4.1 (Of Creation) states that it simply pleased God in the beginning for the manifestation of the glory of his power, wisdom and goodness to create the world in six days.
What more do we need?