I know it is a question (for some a struggle) in the reformed community how to preach the gospel. What should we say about the crucifixion? Do we say "Christ died for you;" "Christ died for us;" "Christ died for sinners"?
Here is a hint at Calvin's answer from the Institutes 1.11.7. This is in the context of his objection to the Roman Catholics' use of images as "books of the unlearned."
The simple reason why those who had the charge of churches resigned the office of teaching to idols was, because they themselves were dumb. Paul declares, that by the true preaching of the gospel Christ is portrayed and in a manner crucified before our eyes (Gal_3:1). Of what use, then, were the erection in churches of so many crosses of wood and stone, silver and gold, if this doctrine were faithfully and honestly preached, viz., Christ died that he might bear our curse upon the tree, that he might expiate our sins by the sacrifice of his body, wash them in his blood, and, in short, reconcile us to God the Father? From this one doctrine the people would learn more than from a thousand crosses of wood and stone.
Dare we say, with Calvin, that Christ died to bear our curse, expiate our sins, and reconcile us to God? Can those who preach the gospel honestly say this to a congregation of who-knows-what-kind-of sinners? Our theology is deficient if we stumble here. If our doctrine of limited atonement prevents our honest and free proclamation of Christ's work on behalf of all men, then there must be something wrong with our doctrine.
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4 comments:
Great article, great site!
Convicting stuff...especially the last, "Dare we say, with Calvin, that Christ died to bear our curse, expiate our sins, and reconcile us to God? Can those who preach the gospel honestly say this to a congregation of who-knows-what-kind-of sinners? Our theology is deficient if we stumble here. If our doctrine of limited atonement prevents our honest and free proclamation of Christ's work on behalf of all men, then there must be something wrong with our doctrine."
wow.
thanks again.
Thank you very much for the kind words. :-)
It seems to me, as one who is lacking in theological training, that you must preach the gospel to everyone without prejudice. Remember when you could buy "X-Ray" glasses from the back of a comic book? Well, until they start selling "Elect-Ray" glasses from the back of my EVS, I really don't have much of a choice as to who I witness to and to whom I don't. I, for one, am glad that God works in that manner and allows me the priviledge of sharing His work with others.
Another good post, Steve. And now it's time for me to take my shallow mind back to Pyromaniacs! ha ha ha
MTB
LOL. Pyromaniacs is good. I always wanted a pair of those X-ray glasses. Elect-ray. That's good. :-)
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