Westminster Wednesday

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Q. 30. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and hereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Matthew Henry elaborates:

1. Does the Spirit act freely in applying the redemption?

Yes: The wind bloweth where it listeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit, John 3:8. Does he act mysteriously? Yes: Thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit, Eccl. 11:15. Does he act effectually? Yes: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, John 6:37.
2. Is faith necessary to our interest in the redemption?

Yes: for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11:6. Is it the great thing necessary? Yes: only believe, all things are possible to him that can believe, Mark 5: 36. and 9:23. Can we have a saving interest in the redemption without faith? No: he that believeth not, is condemned already, John 3:18. Is it that which is required on our part? Yes: by grace ye are saved through faith. And is it of ourselves? No: not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, Eph. 2:8. Is it given for Christ's sake ? Yes: Unto you it is given on the behalf of Christ to believe on him, Phil. 1:29.
3. Does the Spirit work faith in us?

Yes: it is the faith of the operation of God, Col. 2:12. Is it a divine work then? Yes: this is the work of God, that ye believe, John 6:29. Is it a work of divine power? Yes: we believe according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, Eph. 1:19, 20. Is it wrought in all the saints? Yes: for they have all obtained a like precious faith, 2 Pet. 1:1. Shall it be wrought in all the chosen? Yes: for it is the faith of God's elect, Tit. 1:1.
4. Are all true believers united to Christ?

Yes: He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit, 1 Cor. 6:17. Are they interested in his death? Yes: We are crucified with Christ, Gal. 2:20. And in his burial? Yes: We are buried with him in baptism, Rom. 6:4. And in his resurrection? Yes: He has quickened us together with Christ, Eph. 2:5. And in his ascension? Yes: He has made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph. 2:6.
5. Is there a real union between Christ and believers?

Yes: for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified are all of one, Heb 2:11. Is he the head? Yes: he is the Head of the body, the church, Col 1:18. Are they his members? Yes: Who are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones, Eph. 5:30. Is he the Root? Yes: for of his fulness have all we received, John 1:16. Are they the branches? Yes: I am the vine, ye are the branches, John 15:5. Is he the Foundation? Yes: Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, Isa 28:16. Are they built upon him? Yes: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, 1 Pet. 2:5.
6. Is there a relative union between Christ and believers?

Yes: I ascend to my Father and your Father, John 20:17. Are they his children? Yes: here am I, and the children which thou hast given me, Heb. 2:13. Are they his brethren? Yes: he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Heb. 2:11, 12. Are they his spouse? Yes: I have espoused you to one husband, 2 Cor. 11:2. Are they his subjects? Yes: they are translated into the kingdom of his dear Son, Col. 1:13. Are they his soldiers? Yes: good soldiers of Jesus Christ, 2 Tim. 2:3. Are they his servants? Yes: Ye call me Master and Lord, John 13:13. Are they his scholars? Yes: they sit at Jesus' feet and hear his word, Luke 10:39. Are they his sheep? Yes: for he is the great Shepherd of the sheep, Heb. 13:20.
7. Is it by faith that we are united to Christ?

Yes: for Christ dwells in the heart by faith, Eph. 3:17. Is that owing to the Spirit? Yes: we are a habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. 2:22. Does communion result from this union? Yes: for truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, 1 John 1:3. And is that owing to the Spirit? Yes: we have an access by one Spirit unto the Father, Eph. 2:18. Can we be united to Christ without the indwelling of the Spirit? No: for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. 8: 9. Have all that are united to Christ an interest in the benefits of redemption? Yes: for of him are we in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, 1 Cor. 1:30.
8. Are we united to Christ in our effectual calling?

Yes: for we are called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, 1 Cor. 1:9. Will the common call unite us to Christ? No: for many are called, but few are chosen, Matt. 22:14. Is it the effectual call then that does it? Yes: for whom he called, them he justified, Rom. 8:30.
9. Does the gospel call us from sin to God?

Yes: it turns from the power of Satan unto God, Acts 26:18. Does it call us from self to Christ? Yes: If any man will be my disciple, let him deny himself and follow me, Matt. 16:24. Does it call us from darkness to light? Yes: he hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, 1 Pet. 2:9. And from uncleanness to holiness? Yes: God hath not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness, 1 Thes. 4:7. And from this world to the other? Yes: If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, Col. 3:1. Is this call effectual when we come at the call? Yes: Follow me, and he arose and followed him, Matt. 9:9. Is it our great concern to make this sure? Yes: make your calling and your election sure, 2 Pet. 1:10.

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