William Hendricksen on God’s Sincere Warnings

 

New Testament Commentary on John 13:22.  Hendricksen died in 1982.  The context is Christ’s warning to Judas (a reprobate) at the Last Supper.

When the disciples asked, “Surely not I Lord?” Jesus did not immediately allay their fear or cure their self-distrust.  Nor did He at once satisfy their suddenly-aroused curiosity.  He gave a very general answer: ‘He that has dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same man will betray me’ (Matt. 26:23).  But Judas surely was not the only man who was dipping his hand with Jesus in the dish.  Hence, this answer did not identify the betrayer.  What it did accomplish was the following:

a.  It emphasized the low-down character of the betrayer’s deed, and in so doing it served as a warning.  Think of it: dipping his hand with the Master in the same dish, and then betraying him!  Let Judas ponder what he is doing. ”I know your designs, Judas,’ the Master seems to be saying.  The revelation of this detailed knowledge was intended as an earnest warning.  Yes, in God’s incomprehensible and all-comprehensive decree there is room even for solemn admonitions given to those who ultimately are lost.  You ask, ‘How is that possible?’  I answer: ‘I do not know, but the fact remains, nevertheless.’  If one does not want to accept the idea of warnings even for reprobates, he misses something of the meaning of this account.  The serious character of the implied admonition increases the guilt of Judas.  It also affords a better and truer insight into the soul of Jesus.  Before one is ready to deny the possibility of earnest warnings even for the reprobate, he should study Gen. 4:6,7; Is. 5:1-7; Ezek. 3:18-21; 18:30-32; 33:11; Prov. 29:1; Luke 13:6-9; 13:34,35; Acts 20:31.  Many similar passages could be added.

 

 

Related Pages

The Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel

Historic Reformed Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer

Historic Reformed Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel from the 1900’s