[boatbums]

Gee, thanks, Cronos for posting those portions of the Confession. It was quite edifying! I especially liked the section that spoke of the purpose of good works in the Christian's life. They most certainly DO have the effect of strengthening my assurance of my redemption for who but the redeemed truly serve God out of love and gratitude instead of fear and dread?

[Cronos]

You're welcome.

The Westminster Confession does NOT indicate double-predestination. This is an unbiblical belief strongly denied by any reading of Ezekiel 33.

Do you believe in double-predestination? That God pre-damns people to hell?

[Cronos]

You're welcome.

The Westminster Confession in fact borrows from Catholic beliefs in it's statement that

God has endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined good, or evil

Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God;[2] but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it

--> Namely that the Church has always believed in the free will of man to freely choose to reject or accept God's grace (the grace that saves). The WC has taken this from Church teachings.

Also, the WC takes Church beliefs that God forgives and that one can lose one's salvation (which was freely given by God)

As there is no sin so small, but it deserves damnation;[8] so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.[9]

It takes further from Church beliefs that good works ".....strengthen one's assurance"(of salvation) and play an important part in "....that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life...."