If we do not mistake the Scriptures, those who deny Christ are without
hope; and those who reject and those who neglect the gospel, or refuse
to confess the Savior, are to be reckoned among them.
Some are otherwise minded. "If a person only acts sincerely, no
matter what his religious principles, (say some) or whether he hath
religious principles; he will find mercy with God and be accepted of
him;" an opinion which is spreading in this liberal age!
We would gladly adopt it, and receive to the arms of charity all who
appear to act honestly, could we see reason for it. But, in our
apprehension, the word of truth condemns those who deny Christ, and
declares that they will be denied by him before his heavenly Father.
We read of damnable heresies--of those who are given up to strong
delusions that they should believe a lie that they might be damned.
--And find an express declaration, cutting off unbelievers from all
hope.--"He that believeth not shall be damned."
Whatever God may do with those who have not the gospel, those to whom
it is sent must believe, receive and obey it, or perish in their sins.
This is so plainly and expressly declared in the word of truth, that
we wonder doubts should arise in the minds of those who believe it.
Nor is it less strange, that confessing Christ should be thought a
matter of indifference. Scripture is equally express respecting this
matter, as the other. We have seen that under the former dispensation,
God's covenant and the tokens of it were commanded, under penalty of
excision from his people--That in the apostolic age, Christ was to be
confessed, under penalty of being denied by him in the presence of
God. These are not matters of doubt.
They are stoney ground hearers who "are offended when persecution
ariseth because of the word." These bring no fruit to perfection.
If the terms of acceptance with Christ are the same now as formerly:
If they are not lowered down from their original, a denial of him,
either verbal or practical, will shut men out of his kingdom.
It becomes those who have a hope toward God while such their state, to
consider these things. "It is a faithful saying--If we suffer with
him, we shall also reign with him; _If we deny him, he also will deny
us_."
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