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20.1 20.3
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1689 20.2 Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof
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Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

Section 20.2

This Promise of Christ, and Salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the Works of Creation, or Providence, with the light of Nature, make discovery of Christ, or of Grace by him; so much as in a general, or obscure way; much less that men destitute of the Revelation of him by the Promise, or Gospel; should be enabled thereby, to attain saving Faith, or Repentance.

Romans 1:17
[17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 10:14, 15, 17
[14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? [15] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” [17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Proverbs 29:18
[18] Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Isaiah 25:7
[7] And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations.
Isaiah 60:2, 3
[2] For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. [3] And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

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20.1 20.3

Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

The gospel of grace and its universal offer

Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

Section 20.1

The Covenant of Works being broken by Sin, and made unprofitable unto Life; God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, the Seed of the Woman, as the means of calling the Elect, and begetting in them Faith and Repentance; in this Promise, the Gospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and therein Effectual, for the Conversion and Salvation of Sinners.

Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

Section 20.2

This Promise of Christ, and Salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the Works of Creation, or Providence, with the light of Nature, make discovery of Christ, or of Grace by him; so much as in a general, or obscure way; much less that men destitute of the Revelation of him by the Promise, or Gospel; should be enabled thereby, to attain saving Faith, or Repentance.

Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

Section 20.3

The Revelation of the Gospel unto Sinners, made in divers times, and by sundry parts; with the addition of Promises, and Precepts for the Obedience required therein, as to the Nations, and Persons, to whom it is granted, is meerly of the Soveraign Will and good Pleasure of God; not being annexed by vertue of any Promise, to the due improvement of mens natural abilities, by vertue of Common light received, without it; which none ever did make, or can so do: And therefore in all Ages the preaching of the Gospel hath been granted unto persons and Nations, as to the extent, or streightning of it, in great variety, according to the Councell of the Will of God.

Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

Section 20.4

Although the Gospel be the only outward means, of revealing Christ, and saving Grace; and is, as such, abundantly sufficient thereunto; yet that men who are dead in Trespasses, may be born again, Quickned or Regenerated; there is moreover necessary, an effectual, insuperable work of the Holy Spirit, upon the whole Soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual Life; without which no other means will effect their Conversion unto God.