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33 Bible Doctrine – The Doctrine Of The Free Offer
I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. In our previous study, I began to tackle the three controversial issues which separate 17th century Hyper-Calvinism from 18th century Hyper-Calvinism—the doctrines of duty faith, the free offer and the ten commandments as the believer’s rule of conduct. For this study, I would like to look at the subject of the free offer. The free offer is the belief that the preacher has the biblical mandate to offer the gift of God unto salvation to unregenerate sinners. There is reference to it in the three major confessional statements of the 17th century—(1) The 1646 Westminster Confession—“He freely offers unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ”; (2) The 1658 Savor Declaration—“he freely…
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The Doctrine Of The Free offer
FOR A COMPLETE ORDER OF WORSHIP, INCLUDING BIBLE READING, HYMNS AND SERMON...
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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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32 Bible Doctrine – The Doctrine Of Duty Faith
I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. In our previous study, I laid out for you the covenantal framework for 18th century Hyper-Calvinism. There is a covenant of works God made with Adam on behalf of the human race, requiring perfect obedience to the law inscribed upon the heart; and there is a covenant of redemption, otherwise known as the covenant of grace, God made with Himself on behalf of the elect. The conditions of this covenant are the electing love of the Father, the redeeming grace of the Son and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. I pointed out that this framework was not only a refinement of the covenantal scheme of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, but also…
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1 The Doctrines Of Grace Not Dangerous
By the true Christian, all that savours of God must be highly esteemed; but by him, who has only the "form of godliness, while denying the power thereof,” such a religion, as can be taken up and laid down at pleasure, is the only religion either sought after or admired: therefore, the religion of grace being that which forbids "the wise man to glory in his wisdom, or the mighty man to glory in his might, or the rich man to glory in his riches," Jer. 60:24, must be hated by all who are so wise, as to think God the Father's love depends upon their choice; so mighty as to believe God the Son's salvation is made sure by their strength; and so rich,…
