As it is my goal to align John Gill\u2019s \u201cBody of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity\u201d with the Framework of Sovereign Grace, I have rearranged the eleven branches of theology, together with the individual chapters, in order to demonstrate how they fit together in the grand scheme of God\u2019s masterplan for the ages. <\/p>\n
I have reduced the original eleven \u201cBooks\u201d (or branches) to three main headings\u2014(1) Of God; (2) Of God\u2019s Revelation; (3) Of God\u2019s Works. I have also reduced the original one hundred fifty-six chapters to one hundred fifty-one, having subtracted the five chapters belonging to the Appendix (a dissertation on the baptism of Jewish Proselytes). <\/p>\n
Under the first heading, \u201cOf God\u201d, there are thirty chapters. The first nine speak on the Godhead in general, whereas the last twenty-one speak of His attributes in particular. As God is a spirit Being, so Gill arranged the divine attributes under the following headings\u2014(1) God, as a spirit being, is uncreated, one chapter; (2) God, as a spirit being, is active, two chapters; (3) God, as a spirit being, is rational, two chapters; (4) God, as a spirit being, is volitional, one chapter; (5) God, as a spirit being, is affectionate, seven chapters; (6) God, as a spirit being, is virtuous, five chapters; God, as a spirit being, is majestic, two chapters.<\/p>\n
I. Of God<\/p>\n
1. His Being (Existence)
\n2. His Nature (Spirituality and Simplicity)
\n3. His Unity
\n4. His Godhead (Plurality)
\n5. His Personal Relations
\n6. Personality of the Father
\n7. Personality of the Son
\n8. Personality of the Holy Spirit
\n9. His Names<\/p><\/blockquote>\n10. His Attributes and Immutability<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
1. God, as a Spirit, is Uncreated.<\/h4>\n
11. His Infinity<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
2. God, as a Spirit, is Active.<\/h4>\n
12. His Life
\n13. His Omnipotence<\/p><\/blockquote>\n3. God, as a Spirit, is Rational.<\/h4>\n
14. His Omniscience
\n15. His Wisdom<\/p><\/blockquote>\n4. God, as a Spirit, is Volitional.<\/h4>\n
16. His Sovereign Will<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
5. God, as a Spirit, is Affectionate.<\/h4>\n
17. His Joy
\n18. His Love
\n19. His Grace
\n20. His Mercy
\n21. His Long-suffering
\n22. His Hatred
\n23. His Anger and Wrath<\/p><\/blockquote>\n6. God, as a Spirit, is Virtuous.<\/h4>\n
24. His Goodness
\n25. His Holiness
\n26. His Justice and Righteousness
\n27. His Veracity
\n28. His Faithfulness<\/p><\/blockquote>\n7. God, as a Spirit, is Majestic.<\/h4>\n
29. His Sufficiency and Perfection
\n30. His Blessedness<\/p><\/blockquote>\nUnder the second heading, \u201cOf God\u2019s Revelation\u201d, there are three chapters. While it is obvious why the \u201cScripture\u201d has been classified under this heading, it may not be so clear as to why God\u2019s \u201cCreation\u201d and \u201cProvidence\u201d are placed into the category. Within the context of the Framework of Sovereign Grace, the Lord makes Himself known by what He has made (Creation), what He does (Providence) and what He says (Scripture). Of course, the Lord also makes Himself known, and especially so, by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but the chapters dealing with this special revelation to the heart are reserved for the third heading, \u201cOf God\u2019s Works\u201d.<\/p>\n
II. Of God\u2019s Revelation<\/p>\n
31. Creation (General)
\n32. Providence
\n33. Scripture<\/p><\/blockquote>\nUnder the third heading, \u201cOf God\u2019s Works\u201d, there are one hundred eighteen chapters. The first sixteen deal with God\u2019s eternal decree, whereas the last one hundred and two chapters deals with God\u2019s providential orderings in time. All that God has decreed from eternity, is the blueprint for what He brings to pass throughout the course of history. In other words, God\u2019s providential orderings in time are based upon His immutable decree from eternity. Absolute predestination is to providence, what a set of blueprints are to a house. <\/p>\n
With reference to God\u2019s providential orderings, there are seven main sections\u2014(1) Creation of angels and humans, three chapters; (2) Covenant of Works, eight chapters; (3) Covenant of Grace, sixty-two chapters; (4) Christian and church relations, fourteen chapters; (5) Domestic and governmental relations, four chapters; (6) Death and the afterlife, three chapters; (7) World to come, eight chapters. <\/p>\n
With particular reference to the Covenant of Grace, there are three main sections\u2014(1) Dispensations of the covenant, seven chapters; (2) In the fulness of time, the Son is sent, twenty-three chapters; (3) At the appointed time, the Holy Spirit is sent, thirty-two chapters. <\/p>\n
III. Of God\u2019s Works<\/p>\n
1. Eternal Decree<\/h4>\n
34. Works of God in General
\n35. Special Decrees of God
\n36. Decree of Rejection
\n37. Eternal Union of Elect unto God
\n38. God\u2019s Eternal Act of Justification
\n39. Everlasting Council of the Godhead
\n40. Everlasting Covenant of Grace
\n41. Role of Father in the Covenant
\n42. Role of Son in the Covenant
\n43. Christ as Covenant Head of the Elect
\n44. Christ as Mediator of the Covenant
\n45. Christ as Surety of the Covenant
\n46. Christ as Testator of the Covenant
\n47. Role of Holy Spirit in the Covenant
\n48. Properties of the Covenant of Grace
\n49. Delight of God in Himself<\/p><\/blockquote>\n2. Providential Orderings<\/h4>\n
(1) Angels and Humans<\/center><\/p>\n 50. Creation of Angels
\n51. Confirmation of Elect Angels
\n52. Creation of Man<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(2) Covenant of Works<\/center><\/p>\n 53. Man in State of Innocence
\n54. Law Given to Adam
\n55. Sin and Fall of First Parents
\n56. Nature and Effects of Sin of Man
\n57. Imputation of Sin to Adam\u2019s Posterity
\n58. Corruption of Human Nature
\n59. Actual Sins and Transgressions
\n60. Punishment of Sin<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(3) Covenant of Grace<\/center><\/p>\n (i) Dispensations of the Covenant<\/h5>\n
61. Administration of the Covenant of Grace
\n62. Covenant of Grace\u2014Patriarchal
\n63. Covenant of Grace\u2014Mosaic
\n64. Covenant of Grace\u2014Kings
\n65. Introduction of the New Covenant
\n66. Of the Law of God
\n67. Of the Gospel<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(ii) Fulness of Time, Son Sent<\/h5>\n
68. Kingly Office of Christ
\n69. Prophetic Office of Christ
\n70. Priestly Office of Christ
\n71. Incarnation of Christ
\n72. Humiliation of Christ
\n73. Active Obedience of Christ
\n74. Passive Obedience of Christ
\n75. Redemption by Christ
\n76. Causes of Redemption
\n77. Objects of Redemption
\n78. Texts Which Seem to Favour Universal Redemption
\n79. Satisfaction of Christ
\n80. Propitiation and Reconciliation by Christ
\n81. Pardon and Forgiveness of Sin
\n82. Justification
\n83. Adoption
\n84. Burial of Christ
\n85. Resurrection of Christ
\n86. Ascension of Christ
\n87. Christ at Right Hand of Father
\n88. Intercession of Christ
\n89. Blessings of Christ
\n90. Scriptural Reign of Christ<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(iii) Appointed Time, Holy Spirit Sent<\/h5>\n
91. Regeneration
\n92. Effectual Calling
\n93. Conversion
\n94. Sanctification
\n95. Good Works in General
\n96. Liberty Of The Sons Of God
\n97. Ten Commandments
\n98. Object of Worship
\n99. Internal Worship, Godliness
\n100. Communion with God
\n101. Knowledge of God
\n102. Faith in God
\n103. Fear of God
\n104. Repentance toward God
\n105. Trust and Confidence in God
\n106. Grace of Hope
\n107. Grace of Love
\n108. Spiritual Joy
\n109. Peace and Tranquility of Mind
\n110. Contentment of Mind
\n111. Thankfulness to God
\n112. Humility
\n113. Self Denial
\n114. Resignation to the Will of God
\n115. Patience
\n116. Christian Fortitude
\n117. Zeal
\n118. Wisdom and Prudence
\n119. Godly Sincerity
\n120. Spiritual Mindedness
\n121. Good Conscience
\n122. Perseverance of the Saints<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(4) Christian and Church Relations<\/center><\/p>\n 123. Gospel Church
\n124. Baptism
\n125. Duties of Church Members
\n126. Church Discipline
\n127. Church Officers, Particularly Pastors
\n128. Duties of Members Towards Their Pastor
\n129. Office of Deacon
\n130. Place and Time of Public Worship
\n131. Lord\u2019s Table
\n132. Public Ministry of the Word
\n133. Public Hearing of the Word
\n134. Public Prayer
\n135. Lord\u2019s Prayer
\n136. Singing Psalms<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(5) Domestic and Governmental Relations<\/center><\/p>\n 137. Duties of Husband and Wife
\n138. Duties of Parents and Children
\n139. Duties of Masters and Servants
\n140. Duties of Magistrates and Subjects<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(6) Death and Afterlife<\/center><\/p>\n 141. Death of the Body
\n142. Immortality of the Soul
\n143. Separate State of the Soul<\/p><\/blockquote>\n(7) World to Come<\/center><\/p>\n 144. Second Coming of Christ
\n145. Resurrection of the Body
\n146. Conflagration of the Universe
\n147. New Heaven and New Earth
\n148. Millennium\u2014Reign of Christ
\n149. Last and General Judgment
\n150. Final State of Wicked in Hell
\n151. Final State of Saints in Heaven<\/p><\/blockquote>\nBy arranging the chapters of Gill\u2019s Divinity in this order, I hope to demonstrate how each branch of theology fits together according to the Framework of Sovereign Grace. <\/p>\n
Jared Smith<\/p>\n