Description
This book explores the statement found in Westminster Confession of Faith 1.6, “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture.” The author contends that this statement (and the systematic theological enterprise it encourages) is important because without such deductions and the conclusions that are based upon them, we lose the ability to ask important questions of the Bible, such as what it teaches about the relationship between the persons of the Holy Trinity.
Table of Contents
- Biblical Foundations
- The Westminster Assembly
- Its Importance
- Objections
- Practical Conclusions
Author
Ryan M. McGraw (PhD, University of the Free State) is the Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Click here to visit his faculty page.
Endorsements
“The Westminster Confession says that the ‘whole counsel of God is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture’ (1.6, emphasis added). McGraw begins this work by noting the biblical foundation of the principle, especially evident in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. He then examines the usage among the contemporaries of the authors of the Westminster Standards, and in another section deals with the most significant objections to this principle. He treats the need for ‘necessary consequence’ in four major areas of theology, and concludes with certain practical applications that impact the Christian life and church. This excellent book helps us understand the significance of ‘necessary consequence’ not only for the Confession but also for Scripture study in general, and is worthwhile for grounding the principle in the Lord Jesus Christ and the writers of the Scripture.”
– George W. Knight III, Adjunct Professor of New Testament & Trustee Emeritus, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
“McGraw handles this crucial matter with great skill, combining careful exegesis, wide historical scholarship, and incisive practical application. All in positions of church leadership should read, ponder, and follow his wise directions.”
– Robert Letham, Senior Tutor in Systematic and Historical Theology, Union School of Theology, Wales
