Different Hearers. Same Gospel.
While reading the second volume of David Calhoun’s fantastic book, Princeton Seminary: The Majestic Testimony, I came across this helpful piece of teaching by A. A. Hodge.
Hodge compared the difference between “hearers of the same gospel.” “A” became a Christian, and “B” did not. Why? Hodge answered:
The Pelagian says – “A’s purpose was sufficient: he willed it, and he became a Christian.”
The Semi-Pelagian says – “A did his best, and God helped him.”
The Arminian says – “A used the gracious ability, the prevenient grace, give by God to all, while B did not.”
The Lutheran says – “A and B both needed prevenient and cooperating grace. Neither could cooperate, but either might resist. B did resist, while A did not. Hence the difference.”
The Calvinist says – “A was regenerated by the grace of Almighty God.”
