a triple metaphor for conversion
Commenting that "the drawings of the Father are very powerful," John Flavel expands on the descriptions that the Bible gives of how souls are converted.
"The Scripture expresses the work of conversion by a threefold metaphor, namely, that of a resurrection from the dead, Romans 6:4; that of creation, Ephesians 2:10; and that of victory or conquest, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
"All these set forth the infinite power of God in this work, for no less than almighty power is required in each of them, and if you strictly examine the distinct ideas, you will find the power of God more and more illustriously displayed in each of them.
"To raise the dead is the effect of almighty power; but then resurrection presupposes existent matter. In the work of creation, there is no preexistent matter; but then there is no opposition; that which is not, rebels not against the power which gives it being. But victory and conquest presuppose opposition: all the power of corrupt nature arming itself and fighting against God, but yet not able to frustrate his design." (The Method of Grace, p83)
(I quoted before from the same book, the section on receiving the gospel offer.)
In terms of what use can be made of these observations, I was dipping into The Christian in Complete Armour yesterday and found Gurnall speaking along the same lines.
"O how unbecoming it is to have a great God, and a little faith on that great God! a strong God, and a weak faith on his almighty power! ... Obliterate that word, 'Is he able?' Away with that question which so grates on the ears of the Almighty: Can he pardon? can he purge? What cannot he do that can do what he will?"
"The Scripture expresses the work of conversion by a threefold metaphor, namely, that of a resurrection from the dead, Romans 6:4; that of creation, Ephesians 2:10; and that of victory or conquest, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
"All these set forth the infinite power of God in this work, for no less than almighty power is required in each of them, and if you strictly examine the distinct ideas, you will find the power of God more and more illustriously displayed in each of them.
"To raise the dead is the effect of almighty power; but then resurrection presupposes existent matter. In the work of creation, there is no preexistent matter; but then there is no opposition; that which is not, rebels not against the power which gives it being. But victory and conquest presuppose opposition: all the power of corrupt nature arming itself and fighting against God, but yet not able to frustrate his design." (The Method of Grace, p83)
(I quoted before from the same book, the section on receiving the gospel offer.)
In terms of what use can be made of these observations, I was dipping into The Christian in Complete Armour yesterday and found Gurnall speaking along the same lines.
"O how unbecoming it is to have a great God, and a little faith on that great God! a strong God, and a weak faith on his almighty power! ... Obliterate that word, 'Is he able?' Away with that question which so grates on the ears of the Almighty: Can he pardon? can he purge? What cannot he do that can do what he will?"
posted by cath at
9:19 pm
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