What makes the difference between the individual members of the Church?
Heb. iii. 12, 14, 16-18; iv. 11. Whether they hold fast their faith and the profession of it, and labour to improve the privileges bestowed upon them; that is, whether they "make their calling and election sure." 2 St. Pet. i. 10.
Are all the members of the Church then predestined to eternal felicity?
Yes; but only on condition of their being led by the Holy Spirit. Heb. iii. 14.
What advantage is there in our knowing that God has so predestined and elected us?
"The godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort." Rom. viii. 31-39.
Are all the members of the Church entitled to this comfort?
No: only "godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh and their earthly members, and drawing up their minds to high and heavenly things." Rom. viii. 14-17, 28.
Why are these the only persons entitled to this comfort?
Because they are the only persons who have any sufficient proof that they have improved the grace given to them.
