Roger Duke
Feb 272 min read
Roger Duke
Feb 272 min read
February 11 - I believe We are His Workmanship
Roger Duke
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2: 10
This entry is taken from Daily Readings - John Bunyan a 366 day devotional edited by (and posted with permission from) Roger D. Duke, Scholar-in-Residence at Stage & Story, and published by Christian Heritage Press.
Each month focuses on a different book or writing by Bunyan. For February: My Confession of Faith (or A Confession of My Faith and a Reason of My Practice, or, With Who, and Who Not, I can Hold Church-fellowship, or the Communion of Saints)
I believe that election is free and permanent, being founded in [God’s] Grace and unchangeable will of God. Even so then at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of Grace. And if by Grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more of grace, otherwise work is no more work. Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this Seal: The Lord knows who are his. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated, according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the council of his own will (Romans 11: 5 & 6; 2 Timothy 2: 19; Ephesians 1: 11).
I believe that the decree of election is so far off from making any foreseen works in us as the ground or cause of the [His] choice. And consequently, it is said: We are predestined to be conformed to the image of his son. Not because we are; but we should be holy and without blame before him in love. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. He blessed us according as he chose us in Christ. And hence it is again that the salvation and calling of which we are now made partakers, is no other than what was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began—according to his eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 1: 3-4 and Chapters 2:10; Chapters 3: 8-11; 2 Timothy 1: 9; Romans 8: 26).
John Bunyan was a preacher, theologian and author, whose best-known work, The Pilgrim's Progress, has challenged and influenced readers for almost 350 years.
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