33 Love Of God
LOVE OF GOD
Is either his natural delight in that which is good, Is. 61:8. or that especial affection he bears to his people, 1 John 4:19. Not that he possesses the passion of love as we do; but it implies his absolute purpose and will to deliver, bless, and save his people. The love of God to his people appears in his all- wise designs and plans for their happiness, Eph. 3:10.–2. In the choice of them and determination to sanctify and glorify them, 2 Thess. 2:13.–3. In the gift of his Son to die for them, and redeem them from sin, death, and hell, Rom. 5:9. John 3:16.–4. In the revelation of his will, and the declaration of his promises to them, 2 Pet. 1:4.—5. In the awful punishment of their enemies, Ex. 19:4.—6. In his actual conduct towards them; in supporting them in life, blessing them in death, and bringing them to glory, Rom. 8:30, &c. Rom. 6:23. The properties of this love may be considered as, 1. Everlasting, Jer. 31:3. Eph. 1:4.—2. Immutable, Mal. 3:6. Zeph. 3:17.–3. Free, neither the sufferings of Christ nor the merits of men are the cause, but his own good pleasure, John 3:16.–4. Great and unspeakable, Eph. 2:4,6. 3:19. Psal. 36:7.
Charles Buck (1771-1815) was an English Independent minister, best known for the publication of his “Theological Dictionary”. According to the “Dictionary of National Biography”, a Particular Baptist minister named John C. Ryland (1723-1792) assisted Buck by writing many of the articles for the aforementioned publication. One may conclude, based not only Buck’s admiration for his friend Ryland, but also on the entries in his Theological Dictionary, that he stood head and shoulders with the High-Calvinists of his day.
Charles Buck on the Biblical Covenants (Complete)
Charles Buck's Theological Dictionary
