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; Romans
10:14,15,17; Proverbs
29:18; Isaiah
25:7;Isaiah
60:2, 3 )
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 merely of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God; not
being annexed by virtue of any promise to the due improvement of men's
natural abilities, by virtue of common light received without it, which
none ever did make, or can do so; and therefore in all ages, the preaching
of the gospel has been granted unto persons and nations, as to the extent
or straitening of it, in great variety, according to the counsel of the
will of God.
(
Psalms
147:20; Acts
16:7; Romans
1:18-32 )
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, quickened 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.
(
Psalms
110:3; 1
Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians
1:19, 20; John
6:44; 2
Corinthians 4:4, 6 )