Good Morning Mike,

I stumbled upon your web site several weeks ago and have really enjoyed reading your various articles. Your explanations of many spiritual truths, which are mostly misunderstood or mis- taught altogether, has helped me to view scripture with “new” eyes. The explanation of the “man of sin” and the false doctrine of “free will” are particularly eye opening. However there is one thing that I do not seem to be able to resolve.
You make reference to Mat 13:10-11 when talking about why many do not understand the spiritual significance of the Christs’ teaching. In Mar 4:11-12 the same message concerning the teaching in parables is given but Jesus goes on to say: “so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.” Why was Jesus concerned that the people would “return” or “repent” and seek forgiveness? Wasn’t that the message of “the voice of one crying in the wilderness”, repent and be baptized? I believe what the scripture says in 1Co 15: 22-23 “for as in adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, but every man in his own order..” Would this be the only way of understanding the Mark passage? It just isn’t time for everyone; only those whom Christ has chosen as his “first fruits” and then the rest of mankind at the second resurrection?
If time permits and you can offer me some guidance to understanding this scripture in Mark, I would appreciate your response. I thank God for his grace to give you His wisdom to understanding and explaining His Word and His mercy to allow me to receive that from you. Thanks for all your hard work. I will continue to explore the many articles you have written.

Shalom
R____

Hi R____,
Thank you for your question.
You ask:

Why was Jesus concerned that the people would “return” or “repent” and seek forgiveness? Wasn’t that the message of “the voice of one crying in the wilderness”, repent and be baptized?

Your suggestion that this is not the time for all men to be saved is right on target. Christ will indeed save all. But He is not even trying to save all at this time. He is actually doing the exact opposite at this time in blinding the masses to keep them from seeing what is right there before their eyes. Not one orthodox minister can tell you why Christ spoke in parables.
It is through the few chosen at this time that God will then to bring in all the rest of mankind:

Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

Read the paper After The Counsel of His Own Will for a more in- depth coverage of this subject.
I hope that helps you to see that God is not at this time attempting to save the masses of humanity, but is in fact doing the opposite and keeping them blinded to the purpose for His parables.
Mike