the works of john gill vol2 SAMPLE

PART 3
CHAPTER 1
OF REPROBATION
The decree of reprobation is said 19 to be “contrary both to the nature
and will of God, to his perfections, attributes, and glory.” It must be
allowed, that the nature and will of God, and not the nature and fitness
of things, as some say, are the rule and measure of the divine conduct.
God cannot do any thing contrary to his nature and the perfections of
it;—as for instance: he cannot do any thing contrary to his justice and
holiness, for he is without iniquity; nor to his truth and faithfulness,
for he cannot lie; nor, indeed, to any other perfection of his nature, for
he cannot deny himself.
If therefore the decree of reprobation is contrary to the nature and
perfections of God, it ought to be rejected as against the will of God;
for the nature and will of God never contradict each other; and yet it
is certain, that reprobation is according to the will of God; Whom he
will, he hardeneth 20 . And, what if God, willing to show his wrath, and
make his power known, &c.
Besides, his making or appointing the wicked for the day of evil 21 , is
for himself for his own glory, as well as his making or appointing all
other things: so that reprobation, or appointing the wicked to
destruction, as it is not contrary to the will of God, so neither to the
19 Whitby, p. 27; Remonstr. Act. Synod. circ. Art. 1. P. 241, &c.; Curcellæus, p. 366;
Limborch, p. 334
20 Rom. 9:18, 22.
21 Prov. 16:4.