Archive for March 25th, 2009
1) If it be asked, secondly, Has the death of Christ any relation at all to mankind at large, whether elect or not?–we reply, that the condition of those at least to whom the knowledge of it comes, as regards their present obligation and ultimate responsibility, is most materially affected by the event or fact in question, or rather, by the publication of it. Assuredly the guilt and condemnation of those who have had the gospel among them, and have rejected it, cannot be put upon a level with the criminality of such as have never heard the joyful sound; and, in so far as God, in his providence, gives any information to the heathen, respecting his long-suffering patience and love, as connected with a mediatorial provision of grace, they are left the more without excuse.
The third inquiry, having reference to the precise bearing of Christ’s death upon the world at large, including the unbelieving portion of it, is the very question which we declined, and must still decline, to answer, or, at least, to answer categorically, or so as to exhaust the inquiry; it being our opinion that Holy 8cripture has not given materials for any very explicit deliverance upon that point. At the same time, there are some particulars, under this head, which may be ascertained.
Thus:-
I. In point of fact, the death of Christ, or hie work of obedience and atonement, has procured’ for the world at large, and for every individual–the impenitent and unbelieving as well as the chosen, and called, and faithful–certain definite, tangible, and ascertainable benefits (if we may use such words to designate their reality and their specific character), among which, in particular, may be noted these two: first, A season of forbearance-a respite of judgment–a period of grace (Rom. iii. 25);” and that, too, in subserviency, and with direct reference, to the plan of saving mercy (ibid., and Rom. ii. 4; and 2 Pet. iii. 15); and, secondly, A system of means and influences fitted to lead men to God, and sufficient to leave them without excuse. (Acts xiv. 15-17, and xvii. 2241; Rom. I. 18, and ii. 15.) This, since the promulgation of the gospel, includes all the ordinances of God’s Word and worship, with the accompanying common operation of the Spirit in them [See Appendix C.].