24 July, 2017

William Symington Quotes





Here is a list of quotes from the writings of William Symington (1795 – 1862) that either do not fit with, or out-rightly contradict central tenets of the theory of “common grace” and the “well-meant gospel offer.”

[N.B. These quotes are not intended to imply, however, that Owen never made erroneous statements on this subject or that all his writings were always entirely consistent on these points.


1. Against the theory of Common Grace

(a) William Symington, explaining how Christ rules universally in power but is in no way gracious to all, rightly says:

It is not irrelevant to advert to the distinction betwixt things viewed simply in themselves, and viewed as blessed by God. The things themselves may be enjoyed when the blessing of heaven is withheld.

Symington applying the distinction between God’s goodness in the rule of power and His blessing known only in His rule of grace has a Reformed eye on the one purpose of God in Christ. He goes on to explain:

The things viewed in themselves, flow, we admit, from the natural goodness of God, and so may be participated in by more than the saints; yet, viewed as blessed by God, that is, as real blessings, they are to be regarded as flowing from the blood of Christ, by which they are secured, redeemed, and sanctified for the use of His own people.


(Source: Messiah the Prince, [Edmonton, Canada: Still Water Revival Books], p. 105.)

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