THE following paper was drawn up, on the request being made to the writer to give a statement of his faith.
It was replied that the writer would not sign a confession of faith which he had drawn up himself; that all human statement of truth was so inferior to Scripture, even when drawn from it [the written word], that he could not do it; and the drawing up of this has only the more convinced him of it.
In the first place, there might be important points left out, or that put in which had better not be there. And supposing everything right that was there, it was like a made tree instead of a growing tree. The Word gives truth in its living operations. It is given in connection with God, in connection with man, with conscience, with divine life, and is thus a totally different thing. To use another image, it is not the growing tree, but supposing all there, sticks laid up in bundles. The writer had however no objection personally to say what he believed, to give an answer when asked the question. What follows is given with a deeper conviction than ever of the imperfection of a human assemblage of truth; the writer adding that there are many things more which he should teach. But he could say, " I believe this;" I have learned this from Scripture.
I LEARN from the Scriptures that there is one living God,*(1) fully revealed to us in Christ,*(2) and known through Him as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,*(3) in the unity of the Godhead*(4) but revealed as distinctively willing,*(5) acting,*(6) sending, sent,*(7) coming,*(8) distributing,*(9) and other actings; or, as habitually expressed amongst Christians, Three Persons in one God, or Trinity in Unity. God is the Creator of all things. But the act of creating is personally attributed to the Word and Son, and the operation of the Spirit of God.*(10)
*(1) 1 Tim. 2:5; 4:105For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)
10For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:10) et passim. *(2) John 1:1818No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18). *(3) Matt. 3:16, 17; 28:1916And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:16‑17)
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19); Eph. 2:1818For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18).
*(4) John 5:1919Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. (John 5:19); 1 Cor. 12:66And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (1 Corinthians 12:6). *(5) John 6:38-4038For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:38‑40); John 5:2121For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. (John 5:21); 1 Cor. 12:1111But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11). *(6) John 5:1717But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (John 5:17);
1 Cor. 12:1111But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11). *(7) 1 John 4:1414And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:14); John 14:26;15: 26; 5:24, 3726But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)
37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (John 5:37); 1 Peter 1:1212Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12). *(8) John 15:26;16: 7, 8, 1326But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26).
*(9)1 Cor. 12:1111But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11). *(10) Gen. 1; Job 26:1313By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. (Job 26:13); Gen. 1:22And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2); Col. 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16); Heb. 1:22Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Hebrews 1:2).
I learn that the Word, who was with-God, and was God, was made flesh and dwelt among us, *(1) the Father sending the Son to be the Savior of the world.*(2) That He, as the Christ, was born of a woman,*(3) by the power of the Holy Spirit coming on the Virgin Mary,*(4) true man,*(5) without sin,*(6) in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily*(7) the promised seed of David according to the flesh,*(8) the Son of Man *(9)and Son of God,*(10) determined to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead,*(11) one blessed person God and Man*(12) the man Christ Jesus,*(13) the anointed man *(14)Jehovah the Savior.*(15)
*(1) John 1: 1, 2, 14. *(2) 1 John 4:1414And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:14).*(3) Gal. 4:44But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (Galatians 4:4). *(4)Luke 1:3535And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35). *(5) Phil. 2:77But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (Philippians 2:7); Heb. 2:14,1714Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)
17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17); 1 John 4:22Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (1 John 4:2); 2 John 77For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 7).*(6). Luke 1:3535And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35); 1 John 3:55And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. (1 John 3:5).*(7) Col. 2: 9.*(8) Rom 1: 3; Acts 2:30; 13:2330Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; (Acts 2:30)
23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: (Acts 13:23); 2 Tim. 2:88Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: (2 Timothy 2:8). *(9) Matt. 16:13,13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (Matthew 16:13) et passim. *(10)John 1:18,34,18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)
34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (John 1:34) et passim. *(11) Rom. 1:44And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:4). *(12) Phil. 2:6-106Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Philippians 2:6‑10); Heb. 1 & 2.; 2 Cor. 5:19-2119To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:19‑21); 1 John 2:23; 3: 3; 5: 2023Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (1 John 2:23); Rev. 22:12,1312And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:12‑13); John 2:19; 8: 58,19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2:19) and many others. *(13) 1 Tim. 2:55For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5). *(14) Acts 10:3838How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 10:38). *(15) Matt. 1:2121And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21). The word Christ or Messiah means anointed, and Jesus or Joshua, Jehovah or Jah the Savior.
I learn that He died for our sins according to the Scriptures,*(1) having appeared once in the consummation of ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.*(2) That He has borne our sins in His own body on the tree, suffering for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God,*(3) and that He is their righteousness before God *(4)
I learn that He is risen from the dead,*(1) raised by God, by Himself; by the glory of the Father,*(2) and ascended up on high,*(3) having by Himself purged our sins, and sits at the right hand of God.'*(4)
*(1) 1 Cor. 15:2020But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:20); Matt. 28:6,6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:6) and many others. *(2) Acts 3:1515And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. (Acts 3:15); Eph. 1:2020Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:20); John 2:1919Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2:19); Rom. 6:44Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4). *(3) Mark 16:1919So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19); Luke 24:5151And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:51); Eph. 4:8-10,8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (Ephesians 4:8‑10) and others. *(4) Heb. 1: 3; 10: 12; Eph. 1:20,21,20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:20‑21) and others.
I learn that after Christ's ascension the Holy Ghost has been sent down to dwell in His people individually and collectively, so that in both ways they are the temple of God.*(1) We are sealed*(2) and anointed with this Spirit,*(3) the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts,*(4) we are led by Him,*(5) and He is the earnest of our inheritance*(6); we cry, Abba, Father, knowing we are sons.*(7)
*(1) John 16:7; 7:397Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:39). Rom. 8:99But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9); John 14:2626But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26); the Father sends 15: 26; Christ sends from the Father, 15. 16,17 Rom. 8:1111But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11); 1 Cor. 6:19;3:1619What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16); Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22); 1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13); Eph. 5:30; 1: 23,30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30) etc. *(2) Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13); 2 Cor. 1:2222Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22). *(3) 2 Cor. 1:2121Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; (2 Corinthians 1:21); *(4)1 John 20, 27. *(5) Rom. 8:1515For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15); Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6). *(6)Eph. 1:1414Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14); 2 Cor. 1:22; 5: 522Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22)
I learn that Christ will come again to receive us to Himself,*(1) raising those that are His, or changing them if living, fashioning their bodies like His glorious body according to the power by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself,*(2) and that those of them who die meanwhile will depart and be with Him.*(3)
.*(1) John 14:33And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3).*(2) 1 Thess. 4:16,1716For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16‑17);1 Cor. 15:23,51,5223But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23)
51Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑52); Phil. 3:20,2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21).*(3) 2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8); Luke 23:4343And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43); Acts 7:5959And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Acts 7:59)
I learn that God has appointed a day in which He will judge this habitable world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained, whereof He has given assurance unto all men, in that He has raised him from the dead,*(1) and that at the end He will sit on the great white throne and judge the dead, small and great.*(2)
I learn that every one of us shall give an account of himself to God*(1) and receive the things done in the body, whether they be good or evil,*(2) and as the righteous inherit eternal life,*(3) so the wicked shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, will go into everlasting punishment, be cast into the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, and that whosoever is not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.*(4)
I learn that this blessed 'one, the Lord Jesus Christ, died for all, has given Himself a ransom for all, testified in due time,*(1) that He has made propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the whole world.
I learn that He has thereby obtained an eternal redemption,*(1) and that by one offering of Himself once for all, the sins of all that believe on Him are purged,*(2) and that by faith in Him their consciences also are purged*(3) and God remembers their sins and iniquities no more,*(4) and being called of God they receive the promise of an eternal inheritance,*(5) being perfected forever, so that we have boldness to enter into the holiest by His blood, by the new and living way He has consecrated for us.*(6)
*(1) Heb. 9:1212Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12). *(2)Heb. 1:3; 9: 22; 10: 23Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:3). *(3) Heb. 9:14;10: 214How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14) *(4) Heb. 10:1717And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17). *(5) Heb. 9:1515And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15). *(6) Heb. 10:14,19,2014For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19‑20)
I learn that to enter into the kingdom of God we must be born of water and the Spirit, born again,*(1) being naturally dead in sins and by nature children of wrath.*(2) That which God employs in order to our being born again is His word*(3) Hence it is by faith that we become His children.*(4)
*(1) John 3:3,53Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5). *(2) Eph. 2:1,31And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1)
3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:3); 2 Cor. 5:1414For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (2 Corinthians 5:14). *(3) James 1:1818Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18); 1 Peter 1: 23. *(4) Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26).
I learn that God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,*(1) but that to this end, God being a righteous and holy God, the Son of Man had to be lifted up upon the cross*(2) That there He bore our sins in His own body on the tree,*(3) was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.*(4)
I learn that He loved the Church and gave Himself for it that He might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.
I learn that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we might be holy and without blame before Him in love.
. I learn that those that believe are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the earnest of our inheritance. till. the redemption of the purchased possession.*(1) That by Him the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts,*(2) that we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.*(3) That they who have received this Spirit not only cry, Abba,- Father, but know that they are in Christ and Christ in them; that thus not only He appears in the presence of God for them, but they are in Him who is sitting at the right hand of God, expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.*(4) They are dead to sin in God's sight, and to reckon themselves so: having put off the old man and put on the new; alive to God through Jesus Christ; Christ is their life; crucified to the world, and dead to the law.*(5)
*(1) Eph. 1: 13, 14; 2 Cor. 1:2222Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22). *(2) Rom. 5:55And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5). *(3) Rom. 8:1515For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15); Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6); John 14:2020At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20); Heb. 9:2424For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24). *(4)Eph. 2:66And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6); Heb. 10:12,1312But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. (Hebrews 10:12‑13). *(5) Col. 3:33For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3); Rom. 6:1111Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11); Col. 3:4,9,104When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:9‑10); Gal. 2:20;6: 1420I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
But that thus if they are in Christ, Christ is in them, and they are called upon to manifest the life of Jesus in their mortal flesh,*(1) and to walk as He walked;*(2) God having set them in the world as the epistles of Christ,*(3) whose grace is sufficient for them, and whose strength is made perfect in their weakness.*(4)
I learn that they are converted to wait for God's Son from heaven, and taught to do so, and that they have the promise that they shall never perish, nor shall any man pluck them out of Christ's hand, but that God will confirm them to the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I learn that they have part in these privileges through faith in Christ Jesus, in virtue of which righteousness is imputed to them.*(1) That Christ who has obeyed even unto death, and wrought a perfect work upon the cross for them' *(2) is now their righteousness, made such of God to them,*(3) and that we are made the righteousness of God in Him.*(4) That as His precious blood cleanses us from all sin, so we are personally accepted in the beloved,*(5) that as by one man's disobedience many were constituted sinners, so by the obedience of one many shall be constituted righteous.*(6)
*(1) Rom. 5:1,21Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1‑2); Gal. 3: 24-26; 3:11, 1411But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (Galatians 3:11)
14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:14); Rom. 4:1616Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (Romans 4:16); Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8); 2 Cor. 5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7); Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20); Heb. 11:44By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4); Acts 13:39;3: 9, 639And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:39); Rom. 4:24,25,24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:24‑25) and many others *(2) Phil. 2:88And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8); John 17:44I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (John 17:4); Heb 7:27;9: 25-28; 10:12, 1827Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. (Hebrews 7:27)
12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Hebrews 10:12)
18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (Hebrews 10:18)*(3) 1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30). *(4) 2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21). *(5) Eph 1:66To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6). *(6) Rom 5:1919For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:19).
I learn that we are sanctified, or set apart to God, by God the Father, through the offering of Jesus. Christ once for all, and by the operation and power of the Holy Ghost through the truth, so that all Christians are saints, and, that in our practical state we have to follow after holiness and grow up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, being changed into His image, to whom we are to be perfectly conformed in glory.***
I learn that the Lord has left two rites, or ordinances, both significative of His death; one initiatory, the other of continual observance in the Church of God-baptism and the Lord's supper.
I learn that when Christ ascended up on high He received gifts for men, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; and that from Christ the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, maketh increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love.
I learn that as the grace and sovereign love of God is the source and origin of all the blessing, so continual and diligent dependance on that grace is that by which we can walk after Him and to His glory, who has left us an example that we should follow His steps.
(* Matt. 4:4,7,104But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)
7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Matthew 4:7)
10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Matthew 4:10); Luke 24:25-27,44-4625Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25‑27)
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (Luke 24:44‑46); John 5:39;10: 3539Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39); Matt. 5:17,1817Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17‑18); John 20:99For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (John 20:9); Matt. 1:2323Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23); and a multitude of passages. Matt. 27:5454Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54); 2 Peter 1:20,2120Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20‑21); Gal. 3:88And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. (Galatians 3:8); 2 Tim 3:14-17; 1 Thess 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:2,3;2: 13; 14: 36, 372By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:2‑3); Rom 16:26,26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Romans 16:26) where it is not the Scriptures of the prophets, i.e., at any rate Scriptures, but New Test. not Old.; 2 Pet 3: 16.)
I learn that while God alone is immortal in and by Himself, the angels are not subject to death,** and that the death of a man does not affect the life of his soul, be he wicked or renewed, but: that all live still as to God though dead,*** and that the wicked will be raised again as well as the just.****
Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.