But God has in these latter days spoken unto us by his Son, and
through him revealed the second covenant in which he "gave him the
heathen for an inheritance, and the utter most parts of the earth for
a possession," and declared him to be the resurrection and life of the
world. If in the divine counsels no Christ had been provided, the
human family it appears would have remained in eternal slumber. They
would have known but one covenant, which would have rewarded and
punished them according to their deeds, and consigned them to the
regions of the dead. "But since by man came death, by man came also
the resurrection of the dead."
God saw fit to keep the human family for four thousand years under the
first covenant, without the knowledge of eternal life through the
resurrection of the dead. But it was, at length, "made manifest by the
appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." Yes, he
first brought it to light, and through his apostle declared "In hope
of eternal life which God that cannot lie promised before the world
began, but hath in due time manifested his word through preaching."
This promise of eternal life, all men are called upon to believe. The
moment they believe, they are saved by faith, and are at peace; and
they that doubt are damned--they are already under condemnation. But
shall their unbelief make God's promise of eternal life of none
effect? God forbid; yea let God be true but every man a liar. "For he
hath concluded them all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon
all."
We have now noticed the two covenants--the _law and gospel_--have
pointed out the distinction between them--shown that all _conditions_
are confined to the law, and that the gospel is _unconditional_, and
justly requires our faith and confidence. We will now bring to view
the scripture doctrine of salvation by faith, and show that divine
truth must have an existence before we can be called upon to believe.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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