10/21/2026
Some will say I’m majoring in the minors here, but I say there’s nothing minor about Theology proper. Unless a meme provides its source, we shouldn't always assume the person said it. With a meme, or one post like this, we can make any dead person say something they never said. But according to ccel dot org, Whitefield did say this in his sermon on Luke 19:9-10. But the problem with this quote is that the second half is an eisegesis, not an exegesis. This can easily mischaracterize our Lord. Its eisegesis adds to the text. In error, it speaks on behalf of Jesus. It puts that romanticized Arminian feel to Christ’s atoning redemptive work. It mischaracterizes limited atonement as a well-meant offer (aka the free offer of the Gospel), erroneously claiming Jesus is waiting and wooing people to Him. In other words, it’s their decision to choose Jesus or not. It forgets the weight of the penal substitutionary atonement, the sovereignty of God, and so on.
Theology is the study of God. Theology Proper studies the attributes and character of God. When we speak of God's character or attributes, we need to tread lightly and discipline ourselves to do a strict exegesis, not eisegesis.
I’ve fallen short; every preacher has fallen short. But we should not be creating and/or recirculating a meme that adds to the Text via an eisegesis (I marked it w/a red question mark).
I do not know if George Whitefield said this in a local church, or out in the world where he most often preached. But since there’s much exclusivity in Christ's atonement and extent of His love, that matters too. We must remember the internet is an anonymous audience.
Though next to Christ Himself, the Apostle Paul is a major influence in my life. Aside from them, the works of Whitefield have been very helpful in the open-air ministry. And since Heralds who preach in public preach in an uncontrolled, unpredictable, hostile, and sometimes dangerous work environment, I am more gracious to them than to the preacher preaching to his own people in their own sanctuary. Nonetheless, be careful with memes (or posts). This post does not wrongfully quote Whitefield; it quotes Whitefield wrongfully, saying things that the Lord never said.
Lord, please forgive me for anything I have ever thought, said, preached, or written that misrepresents You and Your Scriptures. Only by the grace of God, so go I.
For What is an Eisegesis vs. Exegesis? Click here https://www.theexpositor.tv/blog/an-eisegesis-vs-exegesis/
