CHSalzgeber
Puritan Board Freshman
In my morning devotion this morning I am beginning in the Book of Acts and was drawn to review Matthew Henry’s unabridged commentary on the whole Bible. Regarding Acts 1:26, Mr. Henry has this to say:
Admittedly, I have heard this reading before and been persuaded of its truthfulness. However, this time I wanted to ask for the opinion of other learned men. Is there a consistent Reformed position on the lawfulness of cleromancy? What would lot casting look like today, given that we weren’t quite sure how it was done? Would the process have been repeated multiple times to confirm the answer, as with Gideon, or once only?
P.S. As a hedge against incoming strawmen, I am not inquiring if it is lawful for such a thing to be done flippantly, frequently or irreverently, but, on the contrary, just as Mr. Henry states, and only in the most extenuating of circumstances or in the most major decisions of life where after much study and prayer there appears to be no clear answer or guidance.
The doubt was determined by lot (v. 26), which is an appeal to God, and lawful to be used for determining matters not otherwise determinable, provided it be done in a solemn religious manner, and with prayer, the prayer of faith; for the lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposal thereof is of the Lord, Prov. 16:33.
Admittedly, I have heard this reading before and been persuaded of its truthfulness. However, this time I wanted to ask for the opinion of other learned men. Is there a consistent Reformed position on the lawfulness of cleromancy? What would lot casting look like today, given that we weren’t quite sure how it was done? Would the process have been repeated multiple times to confirm the answer, as with Gideon, or once only?
P.S. As a hedge against incoming strawmen, I am not inquiring if it is lawful for such a thing to be done flippantly, frequently or irreverently, but, on the contrary, just as Mr. Henry states, and only in the most extenuating of circumstances or in the most major decisions of life where after much study and prayer there appears to be no clear answer or guidance.
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