The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827 - Or Original Monthly Sermons from Living Ministers, Sermons XXVI. and - XXVII. by Elihu W. Baldwin;Aaron W. Leland
page 12 of 42 (28%)
page 12 of 42 (28%)
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Spirit, to effectuate that transformation of character, that spiritual
regeneration, without which salvation is utterly impossible. The preaching of the cross, therefore, must include an unwavering declaration, that _the working of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost_ are indispensable to salvation. It is moreover essential to a faithful _preaching of the cross_, that _justification by faith in Christ_, should be distinctly declared as the only ground of a sinner's hope. That view of the Gospel which represents it as bestowing upon man a power of fulfilling God's holy law--or as so lowering its demands as to render his imperfect obedience acceptable--is most dishonourable to God, and ruinous to the souls of men. No such provisions are found in the treaty of reconciliation sent from Heaven. So far from abrogating, the Gospel exalts and honours the law. So far from diminishing its strictness, it adds emphasis to its claims, and fully meets its unmitigated requisitions. Most gloriously has Christ vindicated the divine justice, by receiving its avenging sword in his own bosom, as the Substitute, or surety for sinners; and most effectually has he provided for their salvation, by rendering the exercise of pardoning mercy consistent with the principles of the divine government, and by working out for them a perfect righteousness, which may render them just before God. By faith, the penitent sinner receives all these blessings--is rescued from wrath, delivered from the guilt and bondage of sin, and made a child of God, and an heir of eternal life. Thus the triumph of the cross is complete, the pride of human merit is humbled in the dust, and all the glory of the salvation of sinners is rendered to the riches of redeeming mercy. In fine, _the preaching of the cross_ includes a faithful denunciation of _eternal misery_, as the inevitable doom of all who pass from this |
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