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The Address of the Gospel (1)

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24. 

We are really finished discussing the question which one of our readers submitted in connection with this passage of Holy Writ, but the question brought up a point which needs, I think, further discussion. 

You will recall that the question itself was; "Our discipleship: is it 'conditional' or 'unconditional'? 'offered' or 'demanded'? a matter of 'decision' or 'election'?" 

The point of the question, as I understand it, is: Jesus implies in this description of the requirements of discipleship a calling to deny one's self, take up one's cross, and follow Christ. Is that calling a demand or an offer? Is the fulfillment of that calling a matter of our decision or a matter of eternal election? Is obedience to that calling a condition to discipleship? Or is discipleship an unconditional matter? * * * * Now, I think we have answered the question itself satisfactorily; and I do not want to repeat everything that I have said in the last two articles. (Our readers may look them up to refresh their memories.) 

But the question does not only apply to this verse in Matthew 16; it is a relevant question to any passage in Scripture in which are found exhortations or admonitions. In every case, the question can be asked: Do these admonitions imply that salvation is in any sense conditional? Do exhortations in Scripture mean that the promises of salvation are offered to all -- as some kind of well-meant offer? Or are these exhortations demands? Again, is the fulfillment of these exhortations a matter of decision on the part of the one who hears them? Or is the fulfillment of these exhortations a matter of God's eternal election? 

To put the matter a bit differently: What is the address of the gospel? To whom is the gospel addressed? To whom is it addressed by God? To whom is it addressed by the preacher? 

And, in connection with these questions: What happens when the gospel is preached? What happens in the individuals who hear the gospel? And why does one response to the gospel come from one person, while an entirely different response comes from another? Why does one person receive the gospel with joy? while another rejects it out of hand? Why do the reactions to the preaching differ? (See the parable of the four kinds of soil in Matthew 13.) 

And, still in connection with these questions, the question arises: Why does the gospel come in different forms? Why does it come in conditional sentences -- as it often does? Why does it come in demands? Demands not only, but in demands which require absolute perfection? An example of this latter would be the admonition in I Peter 1:15, 16: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." How is it ever possible for anyone to be as holy as God is holy? And, if it is not possible, why does Scripture call us to such a holiness? 

These are some of the questions that seem to come up again and again in discussing various passages of Scripture. 

Partly the reason why they repeatedly come up is the unreasonable and unBiblical insistence that the gospel is a well-meaning offer on God's part in which God expresses His earnest desire to save every one who hears the gospel. This damnable heresy has done more damage in the church and more damage to sound Biblical preaching than anyone can imagine. 

But it is not my purpose to get into a discussion of the well-meant offer once again. Plenty material is available on that subject. 

I do want to write some articles, however, on the address of the gospel. This is important and instructive. And to this, the Lord willing, we will turn, beseeching God's grace in prayer and supplication that we may be true disciples. 

We are made willing in the day of His power, as Psalm 110 puts it (vs. 3). And so, in willingness and joyful obedience, we choose what no man can possibly choose apart from grace. As Moses did when he "by faith . . . chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Heb. 11:25, 26). 

A foolish choice from a human point of view, but a choice that leads to glory -- as it did for Christ -- and we follow Him. 

It is all God's work in us and through us and to His glory.

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Additional Info

  • Volume: 5
  • Issue: 11
Hanko, Herman

Prof. Herman Hanko (Wife: Wilma)

Ordained: October 1955

Pastorates: Hope, Walker, MI - 1955; Doon, IA - 1963; Professor to the Protestant Reformed Seminary - 1965

Emeritus: 2001

Website: www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Prof._Herman_Hanko

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    Jenison
  • State or Province
    MI
  • Zip Code
    49428
  • Country
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  • Telephone
    616-667-6033

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