We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in the soul by the regenerating Spirit of God;[1] whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,[2] we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.[3] [1] Mark 1:15. Repent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts 11:18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Eph. 2:8. By grace are ye saved, through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 1 John 3:1. [2] John 16:8. He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 16:30, 31. [3] Romans 10:9-11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 4:14. IX. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;[1] that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end;[2] that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness;[3] that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility;[4] that it encourages the use of means; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly accept of Christ;[5] that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.[6] [1] 2 Tim. 1:8, 9. But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God: who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. [2] 2 Thess. 2:13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [3] 1 Cor. 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27. [4] 2 Tim. 2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30. [5] 1 Thess. 1:4. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.