Pilgrim:

I see absolutely nothing inconsitant with the sermon and Scripture. Are we not chosen in Christ from the foundation of the world? Was not the Lamb Slain from the foundation of the world? I am still not settled in this issue completely and probably never will be. I see it as a both and, not an either or.

I read Berkhoffs treatiste. As usual He is very clear and concise, but a cookie cutter none the less. I have read the same article by 37 others pilgrim. I do nto believe he is correct in one major point. Justification is an IMMINENT act of God and not transient.

How could the Old Testament saints have been acquitted of their sins? For if we cannot be discharged, unless our sins be imputed to Christ, and they could not be placed to his account, till he "was made of a woman, and made under the law (Galatians 4:4, 5.)," as is suggested; then not one soul was justified before Christ’s incarnation. And nothing could be more false.

they are children full of wrath, or enmity against God, while in unbelief, And in that sense they may be called children of wrath.

they are also children of wrath in a passive sense and are are under a sentence of condemnation by the law before regeneration.

Zanchius said in his excellent book de natura Dei, that the
wrath of God is to be taken in different senses: "First, it signifies the certain and most just will, and decree of God, to avenge or punish the injuries done to himself and his church; thus with John 3:36. He that believeth not on the Son, the wrath of God abideth on him: That is, just vengeance against him is confirmed by the decree of Godf26." The elect are not objects of God’s wrath in this sense, but "are vessels of mercy, which God has afore prepared to glory Romans 9:23.)." "Secondly, it intends
the threatnings of punishment. Lastly, it imports the effects of wrath, or penalties, and the avenging of injuriesf27."

Now the elect are secured from the punishment due to their sins, by God’s decree; for "they are not appointed to wrath, but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ 1Thessalonians 5:9.):" And also by Christ’s satisfaction, "who has made peace for them by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20.)."

Therefore it is only in the second sense that they are children of wrath, which is perfectly consistent with their interest in God’s love and delight, and members of Christ, and with their complete Justification in him, their foederal head. The law does not consider men as elect, or nonelect, but as transgressors; and, condemns them. But as God put the elect into Christ, or united them to him in eternal election, he views and considers them in him, and so justifies them, and takes infinite pleasure in their persons as members of the Mediator, in whom he always had the fullest satisfaction and delight even though they are under a sentence of condemnation by the law, as violaters of it, while in unbelief.


Grace and Peace

Joe

There never was a sinner half as big as Christ is as a Savior.