After looking at the Marrow of Modern Divinity for the past few weeks I have to conclude; I am barely scratching the surface! There is so much to the debate:
Extent of the Atonement, the Law, Holiness, Assurance, Election and the Gospel offer etc. It is no wonder the debate scanned over a hundred years!
Cunnigham assessed the controversy and said, "they divided the truth between themselves in the points controverted." At first he appears to be bang on the mark, but the more I read, the more I have to disagree. The nature of the gospel seems to be at stake.
However, one point it raised which struck me.
If we are to follow the Great Commission and preach the Gospel to all mankind; How can we offer the non-elect the benefits of salvation if they are not elected to receive them?
I am fully convinced that we must preach the message to all without exception, but in offering the gospel call to salvation are we not also implying the right to receive it? If so, how can we offer a right of the elect to the non-elect?
Unfortunately, the Assembly condemned the Marrow and failed to see the significance of the theology Hog, Boston, and others were advancing. Pastorally it raised questions still relevant to the present day.
