13.07.2015 Views

pdf - Protestant Reformed Churches in America

pdf - Protestant Reformed Churches in America

pdf - Protestant Reformed Churches in America

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

ut all his posterity unable to obey God's commandment as well asto believe <strong>in</strong> Christ. This <strong>in</strong>ability is no reason for the gospel callnot to <strong>in</strong>clude call<strong>in</strong>g men to their bounden duty. This controversy<strong>in</strong> Arm<strong>in</strong>ius' day also demonstrates that the serious call of thegospel is a matter ofthe command anchored upon orig<strong>in</strong>al rectitudeof man and not a matter of the offer.In this connection, it is improper, <strong>in</strong> the external, general call,to call all men to believe that Christ died for all men, head for head.The simple reason why this may not be done is that God would notrequire people to believe <strong>in</strong> someth<strong>in</strong>g which is not true. It issimply not true that Christ died for all men head for head. Ifthatbe true, then all men would be saved, given the substitutionarynature ofChrist's Atonement.Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham says:This revelation (that the gospel be preached to every creature ­LCK) does not warrant us <strong>in</strong> tell <strong>in</strong>g them that Christ died for all andeach of the human race- a mode of preach<strong>in</strong>g the gospel neveradopted by our Lord and His apostles.'"Turret<strong>in</strong> rightly says:Christ is not revealed <strong>in</strong> the Gospel as hav<strong>in</strong>g died for me <strong>in</strong>particular; but only as hav<strong>in</strong>g died <strong>in</strong> general for those who believeand repent. Hence I reason from that faith and repentance which If<strong>in</strong>d actually to exist <strong>in</strong> my heart, that Christ has, <strong>in</strong>deed, died forme <strong>in</strong> particular. I know that he died for all who fly to him; henceI can and should <strong>in</strong>fer that he died for me. That the faith commanded<strong>in</strong> the Gospel is not a direct and immediate belief thatChrist died for me, appears from this consideration: that when it isenjo<strong>in</strong>ed either by Christ or his apostles, no mention is made of ~tsbe<strong>in</strong>g applied to this or that man, <strong>in</strong> particular. It is set forth only<strong>in</strong> a general relation to duty, or to bless<strong>in</strong>gs promised to those whobelieve; as <strong>in</strong> Matt.xvi.16. Peter, <strong>in</strong> his celebrated declaration offaith, professes no more than this: that he believes Jesus to be the16. William Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Historical Theology, A Review of thePr<strong>in</strong>cipal Doctr<strong>in</strong>al Discussions <strong>in</strong> the Christian Church S<strong>in</strong>ce theApostolic Age, vol. Il, (Banner of Truth Trust. 1969), p.345.44 PRTJ

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!