“The warrant for faith in Christ is neither knowledge of election nor a conviction of universal redemption. Nor is it a sense of our sinfulness.
It is that Jesus Christ is able to save all those who come to God through Him, since His is the only name given under heaven whereby we may be saved.
Christ Himself is the gospel.
Pastorally it is always helpful to go back to Jesus and His teaching to ask: How did Jesus Himself preach His own gospel?
Here, in the context of a prayer reflecting His belief in distinguishing election, is an example of how He engaged in evangelistic preaching:
Prayer: I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
That is, surely, unconditional election. But then Jesus says:
Preaching: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me. For I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Here, to “labor” and to be “heavy laden” are not qualifications for coming to Christ.
They are reassurances that none is disqualified from coming to Him by weakness and unworthiness.
Yes, even the “disqualified” who are weak and helpless are invited to come to Him!
The Gospels make clear that it was to the “disqualified” that He delighted to offer Himself.”
–Sinclair B. Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016), 51-53.
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