Mark 4:11–12—“… but unto them which are without these things are done in parables …”

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them which are without these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing, they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them (Mark 4:11–12 KJV).

 (I)

Rev. Herman Hoeksema

[Source: The Rock Whence We Are Hewn (RFPA, 2015), p. 386]

No one will deny that the parables belong to the preaching of the gospel. Was it the gracious purpose of God by means of the parables to save all? In the parables did he earnestly avow a purpose to bring all men to repentance? The contrary is true. The Lord plainly teaches that all these things are done in parables for a judgment and condemnation to those who are without.

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(II)

Rev. Herman Hoeksema

[Source: A Power of God Unto Salvation, Or, Grace Not An Offer, p. 32]

Notice:

1.  That this is an answer to the question of the disciples why the Savior speaks in parables. He gives them the reason for this particular type of preaching. When the Savior preaches He very consciously has this purpose in mind.

2.  That, in the second place, the Savior states that these things happen in parables. The Savior does not merely speak in parables, but they happen. Our natural experiences and the earthly creation are the stage on which the Lord God Himself performs the drama which portrays the heavenly and the spiritual. When a sower goes out to sow and some seed falls here and some falls there, then a parable happens. That is true of all parables. They happen before every one’s eyes.

3.  However, the Lord refers to this in order that those who are within and to whom it is given may understand the things of the kingdom of heaven and know its mysteries; but at the same time, that those who are without may clearly hear and see (they shall hear indeed and see indeed means also in this case that emphatically they shall hear and see), yet they will not perceive, nor understand, repent, and receive the forgiveness of their sins.

[We come to the] conclusion … that the Scriptures most emphatically contradict the presentation [that] the preaching should be a general, well-meant offer of grace and salvation.

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(III)

More to come! (DV)