1689 20.2
1689 London Baptist Confession
20.2. Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof
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.
Proof texts
- 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.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Romans 1:17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- SD 20.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- SD 20.2 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?