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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

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interpretation.^ For, irrespective <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

considerations, <strong>the</strong>se Parables were at least as<br />

easily understood as those spoken immediately<br />

afterwards to <strong>the</strong> disciples, on which, similarly, no<br />

comment, was given by <strong>Jesus</strong>. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r h<strong>and</strong>,<br />

to us at least, it seems clear, that <strong>the</strong> ground <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

different effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parables on <strong>the</strong> unbelieving<br />

multitude <strong>and</strong> on <strong>the</strong> believing disciples was not<br />

objective, or caused by <strong>the</strong> substance or form <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>se Parables, but subjective, being caused by <strong>the</strong><br />

different st<strong>and</strong>point <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two classes <strong>of</strong> hearers<br />

towards <strong>the</strong> Kingdom <strong>of</strong> God.<br />

This explanation removes what o<strong>the</strong>rwise would<br />

be a serious difficulty. For, it seems impossible to<br />

believe, that <strong>Jesus</strong> had adopted a special mode <strong>of</strong><br />

teaching for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> concealing <strong>the</strong> truth,<br />

which might have saved those who heard Him. His<br />

words, indeed, indicate that such woa <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Parables. But <strong>the</strong>y also indicate, with at least<br />

equal clearness, that <strong>the</strong> cause <strong>of</strong> this hardening<br />

lay, not in <strong>the</strong> parabolic method <strong>of</strong> teaching, but in<br />

<strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> spiritual insensibility at which, by <strong>the</strong>ir

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