The books of certain authors have a prominent place in my own personal library. My shelves are full of volumes written by Herman Bavinck, Louis Berkhof, John Calvin, Sinclair Ferguson, Martin Luther, John Murray, J. I. Packer, R. C. Sproul, B. B. Warfield, and David Wells. I’m going to guess that you get the drift of my theological interests! Here is another name that deserves mention–Rev. G. I. Williamson. He has written several books on Christian doctrine, but perhaps the best known of his writings is the well-regarded: The Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes, P&R, (1st edition) 1964, (second edition) 2004.
Over the years I have used both editions in countless Bible studies, Youth Meetings, Sunday School classes, and in my own study and reflection on the Westminster Confession of Faith. As a Presbyterian minister I have made it my goal to write out and carefully study each head of doctrine in the Confession of Faith. G. I. Williamson’s book has helped me immensely in fulfilling that personal resolution. He gives a comprehensive explanation of each chapter in the Confession of Faith and refers to many of the Scripture proofs that give the rationale for every point of doctrine. For me, this approach is invaluable! Below are two quotes from his summary on the often-neglected doctrine of Adoption. Each explanation is clear, pastoral, and timely for Christians everywhere to reflect upon and treasure. Enjoy!
“Adoption, like the other aspects of the application of redemption, is inseparably connected with (1) the eternal decree of God, and (2) the mediatorial work of Christ. We are “predestined…to adoption as sons” (Eph. 1:5). Because “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him” (vs. 4), he ordered not only the end from the beginning, but also every step necessary to the attainment of that end. One step that is necessary to the attainment of this end is adoption. God chose his elect not only to be regenerated, justified, sanctified, and glorified, but also to be adopted.” (Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes, 145-146)
“But what is adoption? “Adoption, as the term clearly implies, is an act of transfer from an alien family into the family of God himself” (John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 1955]). It means that those who were by nature children of wrath, children of darkness, even children of Satan (Eph. 2:3; Col. 3:6; John 8:44), are constituted children of light and of God…Finally, we note that God treats such persons as children. They receive his pity and protection (Ps. 103:13; Prov. 14:26). They are under this watchful providence (Matt. 6:30-32; 1 Peter 5:7). He also subjects them to appropriate discipline because they are his sons (Heb. 12:6-11). But above all, he keeps them in safety even to the end (Rom. 8:23, 28, 38-39).” (Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes, 146, 148)
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven
