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3 On Offering The Gospel
It would be well if the Lord's people would bear in mind the apostle's words, Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For such is the philosophy and vain deceit of men, that they are continually making the commandments of God of none effect by their traditions. Thus fleshly wisdom too often takes the place of simplicity and Godly sincerity among religious teachers : so that, in order to make the gospel of Christ palatable to human nature, and congenial to man s depraved reason, many dare to interlope earthly principles into the heavenly religion of the Son of God. Thus either to suit man's pride,…
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2 Natural And Spiritual Sonship
Much has been said by blind guides concerning the duty of the creature to his Creator, and the privileges of "the children of Zion." But these infinitely distinct things are often blended, so that error is more easily propagated, and the unwary more easily deceived by a speciousness of truth. It will, therefore, be my province in this place, to call the reader's attention to the difference between natural and spiritual sonship. Christ is called "a Son," he is so pre-eminently and officially. Thus pre-eminently it is said of him "This is my beloved Son,” Matt. 3:17. being "the first-born," or chief, "among many brethren," Rom. 8:29. It is said of him officially, "Christ as a son over his own house," Heb. 3:6. I say…
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“The Grace Of God As Depicted In The Oracles Of God”: Preface And Contents
I again appear before the public, in the character of an author; and as my object is to publish truth, that the creature may be abased, the church of God fed, the work of the Redeemer unfolded, the love of the Father extolled, the ministry of the Holy Ghost honored, and the glorious fullness of Jehovah Jesus held forth, for the edification of the blood-bought objects of everlasting love; I cannot conceive that any apology is needful, from me, to those for whose use this little work is designed. And as to men who know not what truth is,. because not under the guidance of the Spirit of Promise, it is neither my desire, nor is it in my power, to adduce any argument that…
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31 Bible Doctrine – The Emergence Of 18th Century Hyper-Calvinism
I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. Having looked at the emergence of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, I now turn to that of the 18th century. By way of review, we left off in the previous study with the emergence of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, culminating in the doctrinal statements of the 1646, the 1658 and the 1689 confessions of faith. These documents set forth a threefold covenantal framework—a covenant of redemption, drawn up by the TriUne Jehovah from eternity, which is relegated to the backdrop of history; a covenant of works, made by God with Adam before he sinned, requiring of him perfect obedience to the law inscribed upon his heart; and a covenant of grace, made by God with…
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30 Bible Doctrine – The Emergence Of 17th Century Hyper-Calvinism
I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. In our previous study, I pointed out the broadest definition for Hyper-Calvinism is any teaching which goes beyond that of Calvin himself. It is in that sense I am using the label as we consider the emergence of Hyper-Calvinism during the 17th century. I believe there are two branches of Hyper-Calvinism, one which came about during the 17th century, beginning with the publication of John Calvin’s Institutes in the year 1536 and culminating with the 1689 Baptist confession; the other came about during the 18th century, beginning with two sermons preached by Benjamin Keach in the year 1692 and culminating in the year 1770 with John Gill’s Body of Divinity. In addition…
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29 Bible Doctrine – The Two Branches Of Hyper-Calvinism And The Weeds Of Modified-Calvinism
I would like to welcome you back to another study in the Word of God. I am returning to our little series on Bible Doctrine, and would like to speak on the subject of Hyper-Calvinism. I wish to begin with some basic definitions. Calvinism, as we know it by this name, emerged during the 16th century with a French theologian named John Calvin. In 1536, he published a systematic theology entitled, “The Institutes of the Christian Religion”. This, together with his sermons and commentaries on the books of the Bible, have served for hundreds of years as the benchmark for reformed teachings. Hyper-Calvinism, as you know, has a historic definition, pointing to those who deny the doctrines of duty-faith, the free-offer and the moral law…
