The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Question on the parables

Thanks again for both of you who did take the time to respond. Evidently, the question is of little or no interest to others?

1. The Isaiah passage which all the NT passages either quote or allude to is prophetic where in the NT they are the final fulfillment of what God spoke to Isaiah, albeit there was a partial historic fulfillment then and through OT history.

2. The "stage" is set in the Isaiah passage which contains two essential elements:
- v. 9: The responsibility of the hearers and the revelation of their rebellion against God is the focus, e.g. Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
- v. 10: The sovereign will of God is the focus which is to be accomplished through Isaiah's preaching, e.g. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes... And, the purpose, i.e., the eternal decree of God is revealed which begins with "lest". It was God's will (decretive) that the hearers would not comprehend, nor repent, nor finally that they be healed (saved).

3. There are 3 major NT passages and 3 lesser passages which reference the Isaiah passage: Matt 13:10-16; Mk 4:10-12; Jh 12:37-41; cf. Lk 8:9,10; Acts 28:26-28; Rom 11:7,8. The tri-focus of the Isaiah passage is split between these 6 NT passages. Some focus upon God's sovereignty and purpose and others focus upon man's responsibility and culpability.

4. It is essential that these elements be understood and then the ramifications held firmly and not diminished, ignored nor rejected which is what so many in our day have done.

5. So, in summary, what is the doctrine taught in these 7 passages?

a. It was God's eternal decree and purpose that a remnant of Adam's fallen race be saved through the instrumentality of the preaching and teaching of the Scriptures.

b. It was God's eternal decree and purpose that the majority of Adam's fallen race should not be saved and through the instrumentality of the preaching and teaching of biblical truth, their natural hatred of God should be exposed and solidified (hardened). The Marcian passage 4:10-12 is probably the most obnoxious to most who read it for it clearly states:

I emphasized THAT because in the Greek it is the word, iva/hina, i.e., so that, in order that... In other words, Jesus preached in parables with the specific intent that those who heard would not be saved. This truth is diametrically opposed to the current notion which is growing in popularity even within Reformed denominations that God desires all men to be saved, i.e., it is God's will that all be saved. Surely, if God from eternity desired/willed that all be saved then they would infallibly be saved. For who can thwart the eternal sovereign purpose and good pleasure of God? (Ps 135:5,6; Isa 14:24,27; 43:10-12; 46:9-10; 55:11; Jer 32:17f; Dan 9:35; Jh 10:24-30; et al). Indeed, the Father sent the Son into the world so that the elect in all the world (those given to believe) would be saved (Jh 3:16) of which ALL those who were given to the Son would infallibly come to Him (Jh 6:37) and be saved. The grace, mercy and love of God is unlimited in its quality and efficacy. But it was never decreed, it was never the eternal good pleasure of God that ALL should receive them and be redeemed by Christ's precious blood. What is equally true is that God desires/wills (prescriptive) that ALL repent and believe upon Christ. What this means is that ALL who hear are commanded to repent and believe in the same way that it is God's will, sometimes referred to as His declarative will that all men obey His commandments. Put another way, it is God's will revealed to men which ALL men are required to do. There is a significant difference in understanding the "will" of God and it is essential that they not be confused.

If anyone has been given eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind that comprehends the ineffable holiness of God and the indescribable depth of their own sinful heart, then it is because God has determined to shed His grace on them in order that they will embrace the Lord Christ and be justified, sanctified and glorified as adopted sons of Him Who called them out of darkness into the light.