Westminster Larger Catechism #61
Commentary by Dr. Chuck Baynard
Q61. Are all they saved who hear the gospel, and live in the church?
Answer: All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but
they only who are true members of the church invisible.
References: John 12:38-40; Rom. 9:6; Mt. 22:14; Mt. 7:21; Rom. 11:7.
We continue to deal with the third petal as we introduce another concept, that of the
church visible (sometimes called militant) and the church invisible (sometimes knows as
catholic or universal).
We can only wonder how any can look at the Scriptures chosen by the Divines as proof
text for this question and deny the doctrine of "Limited Atonement." That this
is truth from God’s word I think goes without real substance from the detractors.
For, they must toss aside these and many other verses which indicate hell has a population
of human souls, and they can only be there by the decree of God. For this reason many of
the Calvinist tradition debate whether those who hold to a more liberal or Arminian
theology are really of the church. However, that isn’t for us to judge. We are to
study and understand the Scriptures that we may share the truth with others and let God
handle the harvest. Many will take exception to these words, and say it is clear they are
defying Scripture and we should separate from them. And, so we have, that is how we have
so many denominations. Nonetheless, this does not mean that we cannot co-exist and
cooperate where it doesn’t compromise our own faith; trust the Holy Spirit to
complete His work of leading the elect to all truth.
The visible church wears a human face, that is she is composed of all who profess a
belief in Jesus Christ and gather themselves together as a congregation. That she is also
like national Israel which Scripture speaks of in a spiritual as well as a national entity
is also clear from Scripture. Just as many in national Israel did not serve God, so it is
true with the visible church. The invisible church called the "holy
"catholic" church in the "Apostle’s Creed" (which simply means
church universal, having nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church or her sisters of
like faith); consists of all true believers from all ages and will so continue to grow
until the Lord comes in judgment. This title of true believer cannot always be determined
by mere mortals. Some can so speak and act as to appear as being of the faith. Yet, God
knows those that are His, and thus while the true church that is the body of Christ
isn’t visible to the fleshly senses of man, it is this body of believers Christ died
for and now protects and intercedes for.
With this understanding we can then readily agree with the divines that all who hear
the Gospel will not be saved. I believe there is a certain protection (blessing) attached
to belonging to the visible body of Christ, the church and obeying His word. Yet, this
isn’t the eternal salvation that belongs to the election.
I would like to place an emphasis here on the verses where it says God
"hardened" their hearts, or caused them to be blind to His truth. This is not an
overt act of God as His judgment or condemnation. This is the natural state of man since
the fall. Let us return to petal one, and "Total Depravity," and we will see man
has already condemned himself and apart from the supernatural intervention of the Holy
Spirit will only get worse, never better in any sustained way. Someone once compared the
human heart to a river bed. When the water is abundant and the banks are filled, the river
bed is soft and pliable. Yet in drought, with an absence of the water it becomes harder
and harder until it breaks apart in deep crevices. Thus the hart heartedness and blindness
are the natural condition of the fallen soul, God need do nothing for man to destroy
himself in his sins. So once more we see petal one as a divine truth, and the absolute
necessity of petal two if any are to be saved. That Scripture is clear not all are of the
election (invisible church) makes petal three just as vivid before the eyes of the
redeemed.
In my personal experience I have more trouble with petal three than all others and once
this hurdle is past, the child will find his way home. Perhaps this is why the Divines
spent so much time in forming questions concerning petal three in this section of the
catechism, and used an abundance of references rather than their more usual concise
statements, with only one or two references. Once the first three petals have been seen,
the wayward child will see that petal four has been there hiding behind the other three
all the time. Petal four becomes an absolute necessity in view of the first without the
addition of two and three or none would be saved. It is not in the nature of the creature
to seek out God in his fallen condition. We have to deal with the free will of man at this
point, but that is another subject altogether. For the moment let us just say that when
the fallen have their eyes opened to the brilliance of the first three petals, they become
willing to be willing for God to be sovereign in their lives. And, once more in the light
of the first four and the divine truth thus revealed, the TULIP once more is in full
bloom. For surely all can see that what man did not begin he cannot end, and the whole of
salvation is by grace and of God, thus petal five is truth.
When presented with love and patience TULIPs make fantastic tools to share God’s
love and grace with wayward children and its light will lead them all the way home. Just
spend the time needed to prepare the soil with petals one and two, then introduce three
with love and compassion. Four and five will take care of themselves. You may need to
spend some time dusting off petal four since the vision of the wayward child has not been
fully restored yet. Your attitude, love, and patience are all fruits of the Spirit in your
life, exercise them often and watch the crowns being added to your own heavenly reward.
I wish there were some way to convince all the importance of understanding these
foundational concepts and the five classic points. If only there were some way to share
the elation, joy, comfort that comes when God uses you to show this heavenly flower to
another. No "high" of man made experience can compare with leading one of
God’s own out of darkness into the glorious light of His countenance. If only all
could "feel" the comfort when the fullness of all five points penetrate the soul
of a lost child of God, and they "see" for the first time the brilliance of
God’s face reflected in the reformed faith, and God’s goodness on exhibition in
the life of another. What we have is so precious and beautiful I cannot help but wonder
why any would hesitate to place it on display before all the world. Christ alluded to this
display of divine truth when in the "Sermon on the Mount" He spoke of putting
the light on a lamp stand for all to see. In revelation the symbol for the church is a
candlestick. Feast your eyes here and feed the soul with God’s word, so bright and
beautifully displayed in His own TULIP garden.
My very soul sings with joy at times like this and I would that I were more articulate
and could write as the Psalmist under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So much light and
joy are not intended for one, but all of God’s children; and yet words fail me to
begin to describe the beauty of this truth.
Dr. Chuck Baynard - Jan. 98
LC Index
1st EPC Home Page
Observer Home Page
