Grant
Puritan Board Graduate
I hope this post finds you well on this Lord’s Day. Below is a quote from a section from The Christian’s Reasonable Service by A’ Brakel:
Now to be fair, I am likely just being a little dense. However, when I read this common objection, as noted by Brakel, I too would agree it to be to false in the second preposition. However, when I read his responses I still get a sense that there is more that could be said and that A’ Brakel did not quite cut this argument down all the way. Any reflections would be much appreciated. I hope you find this a blessing to dwell upon.
1. Is it true that all men are obligated to believe in Christ?
2. If yes, then does it necessarily follow that Christ died for all?
To be clear, I agree with Brakel, but for some reason, he will not answer me when I try to ask him for clarification.
Rebuttal to the Argument that All Men are Commanded to Believe in Christ, and thus Christ Died for All
Objection #4: In an effort to rebut the truth presented above, one will also use this syllogism: Whatever one is obligated to believe is true. Since all men are obligated to believe that Christ died for them, such is of necessity true.
Answer: The first proposition is correct, for faith has nothing but truth as its object; however, the second proposition is nothing but untruth, for:
(1) The gospel is neither proclaimed to the majority of men, nor have they ever heard a word about Christ, and
therefore they are not guilty of the sin of not believing in Christ.
(2) All who are called are not obligated to believe that Christ has died for them. The contrary is true. They must
believe that as long as they remain unconverted, they are outside of Christ.
(3) It is true, however, that all who are called must receive Christ by faith, and refusing to do so, they will make
their condemnation all the heavier. It is one thing to believe in Christ, that is, receive Christ unto justification and sanctification, and another thing to believe that Christ is my Savior and has died for me. To this end one must perceive the evidences of truly having received Christ, and of being truly converted.
Now to be fair, I am likely just being a little dense. However, when I read this common objection, as noted by Brakel, I too would agree it to be to false in the second preposition. However, when I read his responses I still get a sense that there is more that could be said and that A’ Brakel did not quite cut this argument down all the way. Any reflections would be much appreciated. I hope you find this a blessing to dwell upon.
1. Is it true that all men are obligated to believe in Christ?
2. If yes, then does it necessarily follow that Christ died for all?
To be clear, I agree with Brakel, but for some reason, he will not answer me when I try to ask him for clarification.
Last edited: