Confession of Faith, According to the Holy Word of God.

On the other hand, we reject the belief of those who say that Almighty God has indeed caused the word of reconciliation to be preached to all, or many, but does nevertheless withhold his grace from many of them, so that the greater part of mankind cannot accept the word of reconciliation and be saved, but will, through the purpose or eternal counsel and will of God, inevitably have to perish forever, and be damned.

On this subject, read various Scripture passages ascribing a will to man. And the holy Spirit does not speak in vain in the Scriptures: “He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of his counsel; if thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform acceptable faithfulness. He hath set fire and water before thee; stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt. Before man is life and death; and whether him liketh shall be given him.” Syr. 15:14–17; Deut. 11:26; 30:15; 2 Esdr. 7:59.

God the Lord said to Cain: “If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door: and unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” Gen. 4:7.

Concerning man’s free will, read: “Let him do what he will, he sinneth not; let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will.” 1 Cor. 7:36–38.

“And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord to accomplish his vow, or a free will offering.” Lev. 22:21,23.

“Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?” Syr. 31:10.

And Paul also says: “For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also.” 2 Cor. 8:3,11; Phil. 14; Mark 14:7; 1 Cor. 7:36.

“Man can do nothing good of himself, by his own power; but through the grace of God, he, in his imperfectness, is able to keep God’s commandments. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philip. 2:13.

“Thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not.” Ezek. 12:2.

“For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Rom. 7:18–21.

Read here all the Scriptures which unanimously testify that God does not desire the death of the sinner, but that he be converted, and live. Ezek. 18:32; 33:11; Wis. 1:13; Is. 55:7.

And that God has extended his saving grace not only to the elect, but to all of Adam’s race; and that he also died for those that perish. Concerning this, read: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Tit. 2:11.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” Is. 45:22.

“Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” Rom. 5:18.

“Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness,” etc. Acts 14:16,17; Rom. 1:19; 2:15.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Pet. 2:1.

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” etc. John 3:16.

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:3,4.

“He is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9; Rom. 2:4; Jas. 4:6; Acts 13:46. Read also: Matt. 23:36,37; Luke 13:34; 2 Esdr. 1:30.

As to how God the righteous Judge will pronounce the final judgment upon those who disobey218 the Gospel, read: “When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. 1:7,8; Mark 16:16. “This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth forever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but such as leave it shall die.” Bar. 4:1.