Friday, November 21, 2014

The elect will love the truth while the reprobate remain at enmity

"In the first intimation of the saving truth to fallen man, is hinted a distinction of mankind into two classes, under the designations of the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent: And this hint is sufficiently illustrated to us in other places of Scripture. Thence it appears, that in the former class are comprehended all with whom the Son of God took part in flesh and blood, and who, partaking of his Spirit, are joined to him as members of one body to the head: so, according to the apostolic style, make in him one new man - And of every member of this body it may be said, He that is joined to the Lord, is one spirit. This account of the seed of the woman is supported by the like account given by the Apostle Paul of the seed of Abraham, Gal. iv. The spirit by which this one body is animated, is distinguished from every other, under the titles of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of the Truth: and, according to the Scripture, this Spirit is God. In the latter class are comprehended all who have the same temper of mind which began in the first oppose of the truth, who borrows his name from the serpent, which he made use of in deceiving man. The Scripture declares all such to be under his influence, and to be conducted by him, in their opposition to the truth: so he is called the Spirit that now worketh in the children of unbelief or disobedience. And the union of all who are influenced by him, is to be seen in nothing else but their enmity to the saving truth." - Robert Sandeman, Letters on Theron and Aspasio

No comments: