What doth God require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
Proofs
- To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, (Acts 20:21)
- with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. (Proverbs 2:1–6, 8:33-36; Isaiah 55:2–3)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is salvation from wrath a great salvation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: ’Tis called so great salvation, (Hebrews 2:3)
And is it a needful salvation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Lord, save, or else we perish, (Matthew 8:25)
Should it therefore be inquired after?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: If ye will inquire, inquire ye, (Isaiah 21:12)
Section 2
Is faith in our Lord Jesus Christ requisite in order to salvation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, (Acts 16:31)
Shall none be saved but those who believe?
Answer: No.
Proof: He that believeth not is condemned already, (John 3:18)
And shall all those be saved who do believe?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Whosoever believeth on me shall never die, (John 11:26)
Is repentance also necessary unto salvation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: God now commandeth all men every where to repent, (Acts 17:30)
And shall all those who do not repent as well as believe perish?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish, (Luke 13:3)
Section 3
Did Christ preach up the necessity of faith and repentance?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Repent ye, and believe the gospel, (Mark 1:15)
And did the apostles do the same?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, (Acts 20:21)
But are these in our own power?
Answer: No.
Proof: For without Christ we can do nothing, (John 15:25)
Section 4
Doth God require of us the use of means?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12)
And should we be diligent in the use of means?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, (Matthew 2:12)
Is God then obliged to second our endeavours?
Answer: No.
Proof: For ’tis not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, (Romans 9:16)
But if grace excites them, will that crown them with success?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Those that seek me early shall find me, (Proverbs 8:17)