ABSTRACT
Why had the gospel offer become controversial in early reformed orthodoxy? it appears to be due at least to its doctrines of God and atonement. Regarding God, the dilemma centered on the divine will: if God elected only some for salvation how could salvation be offered to all? And regarding the atonement: if it was restricted to the elect, could Christ’s work be offered to all with sincerity? This chapter concerns the former issue: the problem of God and his will toward all people and its relationship to the free offer of the gospel. Three verses of ezekiel that were something of a crux in the debates about God’s will were:
Haue I any desire that the wicked should die, sayth the Lord God? or shall he not liue, if he returne from his wayes? (Ezek. 18:23, 1599 Geneva Bible)
For I desire not the death of him that dyeth, sayth the Lord God: cause therefore one another to returne, and liue ye. (Ezek. 18:32, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Say vnto them, As I liue, sayeth the Lord God, I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turne from his way and liue: turne you, turne you from your euill waies, for why will ye die, O ye house of Israel? (Ezek. 33:11, 1599 Geneva Bible)
These texts all appear to be prima facie evidence that God does not delight in, desire, or will the death of the wicked. But how can this be if God has planned that not all will ultimately be saved?
