Why do men not accept the gospel? How can they refuse the tender overtures of the gracious Son of God? Why do they even take offense at the cross? Let us consider an analogy. An etiquette book is a very valuable accessory. It is useful on many important occasions. A good one costs considerable money. Who would not be glad to have one, if it were given him? You wouldn’t? Why wouldn’t you be glad to be given such a book? Because it would imply you needed it! That is the reason proud sinners do not come to Christ. Their coming would imply they needed Him. They are too proud and self-righteous in their natural state to admit that!
— John Gerstner (1914–1996), Theologe
Topics: Humility & Pride, Guilt & Forgiveness, Faith & Trust
Occasions: For Reflection
John Gerstner
John Gerstner (1914–1996) war ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Theologe und Kirchenhistoriker, der über mehrere Jahrzehnte in Pittsburgh lehrte. Er wurde als führender Experte für Jonathan Edwards bekannt und verteidigte eine rationale, an der calvinistischen Tradition sowie der biblischen Irrtumslosigkeit ausgerichtete Apologetik. Während seine kompromisslose Kritik am Dispensationalismus und an liberalen Tendenzen scharfe Kontroversen auslöste, bieten seine Schriften bis heute Orientierung für ein historisch-reformiertes Schriftverständnis.
All quotes by John Gerstner (35)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
C.S. Lewis
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
It is better to be a patient of Christ than a doctor of theology.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
There is a God, and I'm not him.
John Mark Comer
Humility is so shy. If you begin talking about it, it leaves.
Tim Keller
God loves to use people whom others believe are unqualified.
Craig Groeschel
I am just a small cable - God is the current.
Mother Teresa
Humility is the ability to look up even to the smallest things in life.
Albert Schweitzer