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Originally Posted by R. Scott Clark  Do I disagree with Ursinus? Sure. Is it fundamental? No. It all depends on the question being addressed. |
Dear Dr Clark, thanks for your response. I guess it depends on what one means by "fundamental". For many years I believed that the gospel was simply an indicative (
a la Luther). However, I discovered that the NT evidence doesn't bare this out. The gospel surely must have an imperative within it when we are told that people don't "obey" (
hypakouo) it:
2The 1:8 (NIV) He will punish those who do not know God and
do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Paul seems to show that the command "to turn" is in the very gospel message itself:
Acts 14:15 [Paul] "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you, preaching the gospel to you, telling you
to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.
Another example that includes imperatives.
Reve 14:6 (NIV) Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, "
Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.
Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
The question might not be fundamental but it's not trivial. It was a particular point over which the 17th century English Antinomian controversy occurred. The Antinomians argued that there were no commands in the gospel itself, i.e. the gospel was simply an indicative (for example Tobias Crisp,
Sermon 37,
Works 3:234).
However, as John Owen (amongst others) argued (
Works 3:606-609) it's not the existence of commands / imperatives that make something law or gospel its the purpose (or "end") of the commands. The gospel commands people to do, not to be justified (as does the law), but because one is justified.
Quote:
Originally Posted by R. Scott Clark 4. I've discussed the significant differences between the Reformed and the Lutheran on this list and in print for any one who cares to read it. See my book on Olevianus for a detailed discussion of the differences between the Reformed and the Lutheran Christologies. |
I very much look forward to reading your book--I'm just about to review it for the
Reformed Theological Review. It's exciting days for the study of post-reformation historical theology.
Every blessing.