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, Ephesians 3:10 .
2. In the choice of them and determination to sanctify and glorify them, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 .
3. In the gift of his Son to die for them, and redeem them from sin, death, and hell, Romans 5:9 . John 3:16 .
4. In the revelation of his will, and the declaration of his promises to them, 2 Peter 1:4 .
5. In the awful punishment of their enemies, Exodus 19:4 .
6. In his actual conduct towards them; in supporting them in life, blessing them in death, and bringing them to glory, Romans 8:30 , &c. Romans 6:23 . The properties of this love may be considered as,
1. Everlasting, Jeremiah 31:3 . Ephesians 1:4 .
2. Immutable, Malachi 3:6 . Zephaniah 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, Ephesians 2:4; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:19; Psalms 36:7 .
Despite a stated reliance on the plain meaning of the Bible and the dictates of common sense, Buck's Theological Dictionary, first published in London in 1802, seeks to provide a textual basis for the evangelical community. By combining brief essays on orthodox belief and practice with historical entries on various denominations, Buck provided an interpretive lens that allowed antebellum Protestants to see Christianity's almost two millennia as their own history.Wikipedia
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