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We believe that the salvation of sinners is
wholly of grace, through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God;
who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature,
yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience,
and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen
from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his
wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections,
he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an
all- sufficient Savior.
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We believe that the great gospel blessing which
Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification
includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles
of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any
works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith
in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness
is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of
most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing
needful for time and eternity.
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We believe that the blessings of salvation are
made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all
to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and that
nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but
his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel;
which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
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We believe that, in order to be saved,
sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration
consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected
in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit,
in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience
to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy
fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.
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We believe that Repentance and Faith are
sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our
souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced
of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation
by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession,
and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving
the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying
on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
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We believe that Election is the eternal purpose
of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies,
and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free
agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the
end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness,
being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly
excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise,
trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages
the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained
by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the
foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with
regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
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