Mining Grace

“Just as, by God’s wise plan, this teaching concerning divine election has been proclaimed through the prophets, Christ himself, and the apostles, in Old and New Testament times, and has subsequently been committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures, so also today in God’s church, for which it was specifically intended, this teaching must be set forth—with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High. This must be done for the glory of God’s most holy name, and for the lively comfort of his people.”

- The Synod of Dort, 1.14

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“Election must be taught!” How many time have I heard this uttered in Reformed circles? Whatever the number is the number of times it has been said graciously is even less. Dort is incredibly sensitive and dare I say pastoral at this point. “This teaching must be set forth.” It must or God’s purposes in salvation are undermined, his glory diminished, and the bloody cross left utterly anemic. But there is an appropriate way to teach this sometimes difficult to grasp doctrine. Hear the advice of Dort. When teaching election, proceed…

1. with discretion
2. in a godly and holy manner
3. at the appropriate time and place
4. without inquisitive searching into the ways of God
5. for the glory of God
6. and the good of his people

What we say about God but is important but it is also important how we say it.