October 1, 2020

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 - Shedd - XLII - Chapters 6 Hell continued

 Required reading  

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or hereContinue Chapter VI 'Hell' by reading up to the heading 3. The rational argument. (page 714 of my edition).


My summary  
Today Shedd continues to teach us about the doctrine of hell.

Firstly he refutes the suggestion of a form of universalism where people are regenerated in an intermediate state.

Secondly Shedd considers the cases of the heathen and infants who never heard the gospel.

What grabbed me
I was interested in Shedd's teaching on salvation of the heathen and infants.  And pleased to see this caution: 'This extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit is mentioned by the Redeemer, to illustrate the sovereignty of God in the exercise of mercy, not to guide his church in their evangelistic labor. His command is, to "preach the gospel to every creature." The extraordinary work of God is not a thing for man to expect and rely upon, either in the kingdom of nature or of grace. It is his ordinary and established method which is to direct him. The law of missionary effort is, that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," Rom. 11 : 17.'

We should never assume God will convert anyone without using the proclamation of the gospel.

Next week's reading    
Continue Chapter VI 'Hell' by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'The argument thus far goes to prove that retribution in distinction from correction, or punishment in distinction from chastisement, is endless from the nature of the case: that is, from the nature of guilt.' (page 730 of my edition).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

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