The Apostle wrote to the Corinthians that "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." 1 Cor. 15:3. It is evident that he thus wrote to them after they believed the gospel and were baptized. Never is language so precise applied to unbelievers. Those who so preach assume what is false; namely, that all are saved, but that it after all avails only for such as believe. But this is to trifle with both God and man. For it is absolutely true that, till they believe, all are alike the children of wrath. So the Apostle classes himself with the most privileged of mankind, yet declares that, "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." Eph. 2:3. All were alike dead in their offenses and their sins. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in our offenses, quickened us together with the Christ.