Athanasius... declares that Christ the eternal Son is the “living will” of the Father, and as such His Advent is the advent of the decree, God’s choice, in human flesh. (Peter Leithart)
Is God's election secret or revealed? Both. It's hidden. But hidden in Christ - Matthew 11:25-28:
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Christmas is the advent of God's eternal decree - Christ Himself. Lay hold of Him and you lay hold of God's eternal choice.
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Hi Glen -
I presume this was triggered by the Leithart post ? On which topic there is more here: http://www.leithart.com/archives/000128.php
Though I expect Leithart himself - given his FV views - would express himself more like Alaistair Roberts does in the comments over here:
http://icarusredeemed.blogspot.com/2006/06/limited-atonement-debate.html
Hey Chris - you know I once lead the best bible study group I've ever known with Mandy Curley (on whose blog was held that mammoth discussion!). And I was at Oak Hill as it all unfolded. I'd say that FVers lined up on *both* sides of that debate. (see for instance David Field's disagreements with Alastair).
The Leithart post you link to raises one of the key issues. Is election just a deterministic framework either divorced from or (worse) determining even the gospel. Or is it the good news of the Elect One set forth by the Father who ingrafts us by the Spirit into His chosen status and privileges.
'Or is it the good news of the Elect One set forth by the Father who ingrafts us by the Spirit into His chosen status and privileges.'
Yeah. Though let's not forget that the Father is involved in the choosing too. The people are a gift from the Father to the Son. The gospel is also the good news of the giving and receiving of gifts between the members of the Trinity. The Father sends the Son to 'go get that bride' that he's chosen for him, and to do the getting by the Spirit. Everything is from Father through Son by Spirit isn't it? I'm guessing that's true of the choosing too.
Merry Christmas btw!