Hardshellism's Fundamental Tenet

Elder W. H. Crouse, in his book "Regeneration," a textbook for Hardshell beliefs on the subject, wrote:

"If regeneration precedes faith and belief, then it is wrong to say that all who do not have faith or belief are children of wrath and subject to everlasting death. And why should any of our ministers get 'sick and tired' of hearing some of us say that there will be thousands in heaven who never had gospel faith?" (Chapter 3, page 66)

It would not be surprising to hear Universalists affirm such as this, but for those who believe that some men will be eternally condemned, as do the Hardshells, to affirm such, is bewildering. 

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3: 36)

Clearly Jesus did not share the Hardshell belief, for he says that all those who do not believe in the Son of God "shall not see life," but will be "condemned" (Mark 16: 16).  Paul plainly says "that they all might be damned who believed not the truth."  (II Thess. 2: 12)  Jesus says that "the wrath of God abides on" those who do not believe in Jesus.  How Crouse and the Hardshells can so contradict Christ and yet claim to be bible believers, is astonishing. 

Here is what the London Confession of 1689 said about the state of the heathen, of those who are without faith in Christ.

Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and of the Extent of the Grace Thereof

2._____ This promise of Christ, and salvation by him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the works of creation or providence, with the light of nature, make 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, should be enabled thereby to attain saving faith or repentance. 

John Gill taught the same thing on the state of the heathen.  The Hardshell tenet is practical Universalism and is to be rejected as heresy.

Paul spoke of "the faith of God's elect" (Titus 1: 1).  This is the "faith" that is possessed by all those who are chosen to salvation.  Thus, one cannot be "elect" who is "without faith."  Further, Paul says "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."  (Rom. 10: 14)

I rest my case.