Gerry

Although I would agree with almost everything you have said, the fact that there are some other "Reformed theologians" as well as probably the majority of Churches today that would believe similar to Marcus, would seem to me to give his understanding some credence.
I don't believe that Matthew Henry or any of the other commentators that Marcus mentioned have a low view of God's Word, whether they are right about this matter or not.
This debate kind of reminds me of the Paedo vs. Credo debate, while only one can be correct on the topic; the fact is there are many fine Christians on both sides of the issue. Calvin of course was a paedo, and Spurgeon was a credo, but both held a very high view of the Word of God.
Do you understand my point?

However that said, and this is the problem I have with Marcus, is that he has not dealt directly with the text himself.
I think the fact that Marcus believes Hodge has stated his own case quite well, shows either that he hasn't read him carefully, or he just misunderstood Hodge. The later I have to admit, I almost did myself.

Marcus
In the interest of clear debate, can you in your own words show us what the passages in question mean?
Unless you are willing to do that, I don't think this conversation is going anywhere.

Tom