“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
Written by Dr. Marcus Serven
One of the earliest books I ever read that explained the details of the Westminster Confession of Faith was written by the Rev. G. I. Williamson (1925-2023). At the time I was a young man serving in my first solo ministerial position as the Pastor of Campbell Presbyterian Church (PCA) in San Jose, CA. A compassionate Ruling Elder at our church gave me my first copy of The Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes. That copy is now falling apart from many years of usage and I have replaced it with a new copy of the 2nd edition. I found Williamson’s writing style to be simple, direct, filled with an abundance of Scripture, and thoroughly orthodox. Reading through his volume on the Westminster Confession of Faith gave me lots of personal encouragement. I finally realized that I wasn’t the only one who embraced the doctrines of God’s sovereignty, the grace of God in salvation, and the progress of God’s kingdom throughout history. In short, it was “a breath of fresh air” for a young red-haired Presbyterian pastor! Even though I never met Rev. G. I. Williamson in person, through his books I welcomed him into my life as a “spiritual father.” It is appropriate, then, for me to quote Pastor Williamson on the subject of adoption. Here is a citation that clearly states his views on the role of the Holy Spirit in the doctrine of adoption:
God chose his elect not only to be regenerated, justified, sanctified, and glorified, but also to be adopted. Therefore, we note that the Lord Jesus did this work in order that we might be adopted, as well as called, justified, sanctified, and glorified. “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). To receive the Holy Spirit is to receive “the Spirit of adoption” (Rom. 8:15). One cannot receive the Spirit nor can one trust in Christ apart from adoption. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become Children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). 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.
Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith, 146
Words such as these speak of the wonderful transformation that comes about through the work of the Holy Spirit. Unrighteous sinners are transformed into sons and daughters who are wrapped in the robes of Christ’s righteousness (Rom. 3:24-26; Rom. 5:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:21; Col. 1:13-14). Our sins are forgiven, and our standing before God is made possible through the atoning work of Jesus (Isa. 53:4-6; Heb. 10:22; 1 Pet. 2:24-25). This is not just a hypothetical change, but it is an entirely new reality (Jn. 3:1-8; Rom. 5:18-19; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:1-17). When we come to truly believe the idea that the objective work of Jesus on the Cross has subjective results in our lives, it produces a thankful heart that praises God for our deliverance. Moreover, the Spirit of God indwells the believer and becomes a “guarantee” of our inheritance as the people of God (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:13-14, 18; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). These are precious doctrines that have comforted many believers in times of distress and trial.
Beyond the indwelling presence of the Spirit of adoption, the believer also has access to God in a way that was never experienced before. In particular, the believer can come into the presence of God through prayer. Williamson notes,
One of the chief privileges belonging to those who receive the grace of adoption is prayer. Only those who are adopted can pray in a manner acceptable unto God. Thus the Spirit given in effectual calling is the Spirit of adoption, whereby believers are enabled to pray (Rom. 8:15). The Spirit enables us to realize that we are sons and to exercise the privilege of prayer as sons. “The Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). 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 his 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, 148
It is wonderful to know that the Lord is completely available to us–at any time, in any place, and under any circumstances (Heb. 4:16; 10:23). He hears the prayers of his people, and he delights to assure us that “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Moreover, he promises that in the midst of our anxieties we can “let our requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6b-7). It is a great privilege to have access to God. This truth is the foundation of our prayers. God hears his people, and we can be thankful for that fact.
I hope you have enjoyed this brief introduction to the writings of Rev. G. I. Williamson. He had a lengthly pastoral career of over fifty years serving congregations in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Churches of New Zealand, and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. After retiring in 2011, he settled in Iowa and served the regional church by preaching, teaching, and writing. Rev. G. I. Williamson has four noteworthy books that you might want to have in your own personal library. All are in print. In my opinion, all of them are “winners.” Here they are:
- Williamson, G. I. The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes. Second Edition. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2004.
- Vos, Johannes G. The Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary. Edited by G. I. Williamson. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2002.
- Williamson, G. I. The Shorter Catechism: For Study Classes. Two Volumes. Second Edition. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2003.
- Williamson, G. I. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1993.
Let us give praise to Almighty God for the life and ministry of the Rev. G. I. Williamson (1925-2023). He lived for Christ, and died in Christ. And even though he is “absent from the body,” according to the promise of God he is now “present with the Lord” ( 2 Cor. 5:1-9). Soli Deo Gloria!
Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
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