XX. Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace thereof
1. The Covenant of Works being broken by Sin, and made unprofitable unto Life; God was pleased to give forth the promise of Christ, athe Seed of the Woman, as the means of calling the Elect, and begetting in them Faith and Repentance; in this Promise, the bGospel, as to the substance of it, was revealed, and therein Effectual, for the Conversion and Salvation of Sinners.
aGen. 3:15 bRev. 13:8
2. This Promise of Christ, and Salvation by him, is revealed only by athe Word of God; neither do the Works of Creation, or Providence, with the light of Nature, bmake 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; cshould be enabled thereby, to attain saving Faith, or Repentance.
aRom. 1:17 bRom. 10:14–15, 17 cProv. 29:18; Isa. 25:7; Isa. 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 aSovereign Will and good Plea sure 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 bmake, 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 straitening of it, in great variety, according to the Counsel of the Will of God.
aPs. 147:20; Acts 16:7 bRom. 1:18–32
4. Although the Gospel be the only outward means, of revealing Christ, and saving Grace; and is, as such, abundantly sufficient there unto; yet that men who are dead in Trespasses, may be born again, Quickened or Regenerated; there is moreover necessary, an effectual, insuperable awork of the Holy Spirit, upon the whole Soul, for the producing in them a new spiritual Life; without which no other means will effect btheir Conversion unto God.
aPs. 110:3; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 1:19–20 bJohn 6:44; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6