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Title: Indicative and Imperative in Matthean Soteriology
Author(s): TALBERT, Charles H.
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 82    Issue: 4   Date: 2001   
Pages: 515-538
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.82.4.3200404

Abstract :
It is usually thought that Matthew emphasizes the imperative at the expense of the indicative, demand over gift. Identifying Matthew’s indicative is difficult because in chapters 5-25, insofar as disciples are concerned, the narrative is told in terms of ‘omnipotence behind the scenes’. In Matt 5-25 four techniques appropriate to such a method of narration speak of the divine indicative in relation to the imperative. They are (1) I am with you/in your midst, (2) invoking the divine name, (3) it has been revealed to you/you have been given to know, and (4) being with Jesus. They show Matthew’s soteriology is by grace from start to finish.

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