While all duties are commanded in the law, all privileges and blessings are offered in the gospel. While the former are required of all, the latter are presented to all. Christ and all the blessings of His great salvation are in the gospel offered freely, fully, presently, and particularly, and that to sinners of mankind in common; and as they are offered, so must they be received by sinners. The ministers of the gospel are authorized by the Lord Jesus to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)—that is, to publish the full and free offer of Himself and of His righteousness and salvation to every rational creature, every son and daughter of Adam to whom they may have access to speak. And it is, indeed, good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people that “unto us” sinners of the human race this “child is born,” this “son is given” (Isa. 9:6). The receiving of Christ by faith supposes a previous offering or giving of Him to hearers of the gospel in order to afford them a warrant to receive Him. As the raining of the manna about the camp of Israel in the wilderness is called a giving of it prior to their eating of it, so the gospel offer of Christ is styled a giving of Him previous to a sinner’s reception of Him by faith (John 6:31–32). Indeed, it is as necessary a part of the glorious plan of salvation by Jesus Christ that He be given in offer before believing as that He be given in possession in and after believing.

John Colquhoun | A Treatise on the Law and Gospel (Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books), 97-98.

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Post authored by:

• Tony Phelps

  

  Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.

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