In his latest blog post, Tullian Tchividjian states:
"Redeeming unconditional love alone (not law, not fear, not punishment, not guilt, not shame) carries the power to compel heart-felt loyalty to the One who gave us (and continues to give us) what we don’t deserve." (emphasis mine)
Square that with John Owen's statement in his commentary on Hebrews:
"Motives unto a due valuation of the gospel and perseverance in the profession of it, taken from the penalties annexed unto the neglect of it, are evangelical, and of singular use in the preaching of the word. Some would fancy that all threatenings belong unto the law, as though Jesus Christ had left Himself and His gospel to be securely despised by profane and impenitent sinners; but as they will find to the contrary to their eternal ruin, so it is the will of Christ that His ministers should let them know it. These threatenings belong to the gospel, they are recorded in the gospel, and by it His ministers are commanded to make use of them (Matt. 10:28; 24:50-51; 25:41; Mark 16:16; John 3:36; II Cor. 2:15-16; II Thess. 1:8-9), and other places innumerable."
TT is an antinomian, not in the sense that he rejects the law as the guide and rule of the Christian's life, but in the sense that he does not see and acknowledge that even the Gospel itself pronounces warnings and threats upon professors who do not live sanctified, obedient lives, albeit imperfectly.
Very helpful comparison, thank you. Just the quote from Owen by itself it instructive.
ReplyDeleteJeff
What would you tell someone is the difference between this and 'the law of the Gospel'?
ReplyDeleteJeff
Another from Owen, Jeff:
ReplyDelete"Gospel threatenings respect professed unbelievers; they are called gospel inasmuch as they are proper to the gospel, and distinct from the threatenings of the law. The threatenings of the law are against sinners for sins committed; the threatenings of the gospel are against sinners for refusing the remedy provided and tendered unto them.
Gospel threatenings respect believers themselves; their design is to work them from their unbelief and to confirm them in their faith. This “fear” includes, a serious consideration of the due debt of sin, and the necessary vindication of God's glory; a consideration of the greatness, terror, and majesty of God; a conviction and acknowledgment that in the justice and righteousness of God the punishments threatened might befall us; an abhorrency of all sin, with respect unto its nature and end; a sedulous watching against all sin, with a diligent use of the means appointed thereunto; also a constant watchfulness against all carnal confidence and security." (Commentary on Hebrews)
Thank you. Very helpful. Love Owen.
ReplyDeleteJeff