I just finished reading Only One Way today and am thinking about writing a book review on it. In the meantime, I thought I’d post this excerpt from Lig Duncan about sovereign election and the unfairness of heaven by grace. Just wondering, do you teach and preach hell like this? The doctrine of hell is fast disappearing on the theological landscape of evangelicalism, and giving such biblical emphasis as Duncan has would sure cause some to stop their ears who are used to having them tickled. Regardless, he is right. Hell is the fairest doctrine in the world, and if we think otherwise, we have underestimated the sinfulness of sin, undermined the holiness of God, and challenged the divine right of free will in redemption. Here is his quote:
“This doctrine of election (a chosen people by divine discrimination) disturbs a lot of fine people. They do not think it is fair. They believe it makes God’s people prideful. But in fact, the doctrine of God’s choosing does the exact opposite—it humbles us. If you want to complain about a doctrine of being unfair, then complain about the reward of heaven by grace. If ever there was an unfair doctrine, it is that. Hell, on the other hand, is the fairest doctrine in the world. Heaven by grace—that is purely discrimination. There is nothing more humbling than the realization that you are saved by grace alone because of absolutely nothing you have done or will do. There is no one who has really embraced the doctrine of God’s sovereign choosing and is proud of that fact. You can be a Reformed Calvinist, or you can be prideful, but you can’t be both. This truth humbles us to the dust.”
J. Ligon Duncan III, “One People” in Only One Way (Wheaton: Crossway, 2007), 116-17.
Awesome quote, Timmy. I’m just scratching the surface in my own understanding of this subject. It’s hard to grasp when personal emotions get in the way. A friend of mine told me that you have to believe the truth regardless of your personal opinion. I really enjoy your posts. Your wisdom just bleeds through the words.
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
Mickey,
Thanks for sharing. May God continue to give you the grace and peace that is only found in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Timmy