WCF 8:8, "To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation."

Presbyterian theology is primarily concerned with asserting the crown rights of the Redeemer, not with meeting human needs. The Presbyterian church has never been preoccupied with "reaching the unsaved," but with the faithful administration of Word and sacraments. 1 Cor. 4:2, "Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." This is to be carried out wherever the Lord providentially opens the door, i.e., as is "most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation." The Lord has His people in every place to which the Gospel comes. The church spreads the gospel net and gathers both good and bad fish. The judgement day will manifest the quality of what has been gathered.

What should the Presbyterian church think of judging the ministry of the church by the mark of "reaching the unsaved?" Let us examine the thought of inspired submission to the will of God as expressed by the apostle Paul, "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment; yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God," 1 Cor. 4:3-5.

Dr. Calvin comments: "the Corinthians did not mark with unjaundiced eye the character of each individual, but, blinded by ambition, groundlessly extolled one and depreciated another, and took upon themselves to mark out the dignity of each individual beyond what is lawful for men. Let us know, then, how much is allowed us, what is now within the sphere of our knowledge, and what is deferred until the day of Christ, and let us not attempt to go beyond these limits."

It is remaining within the bounds of human knowledge to judge ministry on the basis of its faithful administration of Word and sacraments. We go beyond these bounds when we insist that this administration should also have a certain positive outcome which it is not in the power of human resourcefulness to secure.

__________________
Yours sincerely,


"Illum oportet crescere me autem minui."