In an 1852 issue of "The Primitive Baptist" periodical, in an article titled "The Covenant" (pg. 98 - see here), we read of how the Hardshells at that time believed that those who do not believe the Gospel were lost. This, however, is denied by today's "Primitive Baptists." How can they be "primitive" however, when they disagree with their forefathers who begat them?
Wrote the author (emphasis mine):
"A short plan of the Covenant plan of Salvation--not to stir
up strife, but for a different motive; believing that the most of christians agree
in the essential points, when kindly set out by each; for all agree, that it is
through the merits of our Savior that they
are saved, if they believe on him, whilst
those who do not nor will not believe, are
to be lost."
Unbelievers lost! That is what the first Hardshells taught!
The author continued:
"You say, mine is a hard
doctrine, and or some say that it is unfair, because I have excluded all the rest of the
world except the church. The Good Book does the same; I have only said that
those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with a saving knowledge, is to
be lost. Now, if you can shew me one
promise of salvation to the unbeliever, I
will acknowledge my error: but if you
cannot, do not blame me for contending
for the truth."
Why did the Hardshells depart from this clear Bible teaching?
The author continued:
"And — again: you say, all
can be saved if they will. Now, admit it
is so, would that change the controversy?
I think not; for you must admit, that all
who live and die in their unbelief, must
be lost — although in the atonement made
by our Savior, there is a plenteous redemption to save a thousand such worlds
as this, and all the inhabitants thereof that
would believe on him; but unless they do
believe on him, they cannot be saved. —
But of what benefit will it be to any of Adam's race, unless applied to the washing
away their sins? They cannot enter into
rest unless they are clothed with the Robe
of righteousness, wrought out by our Savior: the garment must be washed in his
Blood before it will give admittance to the
Weary into the world of bliss. Hence, it is unnecessary to cavil about whether they
can, or cannot, if they will, or will not.
The only thing for us to know, is, that we are adopted into the family of Jesus. If
so, all is well — if not, all is lost — and they
cannot enjoy the benefits of the covenant.
Therefore, it behooves every one to seek,
and try themselves whether there has been
an application of the righteousness of our
Saviour to the cleansing his or her soul, and that they have been adopted into the
heavenly family. If so, there is no more
caviling necessary. And I will say to all
those who have been cleansed, go on! I care not what denomination you are called,
you are one of God's elect, and is entitled
to the benefits of the covenant; and, although you may be evilly spoken of here,
(falsely,) rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer for his sake, who died, that
you might live: for in heaven you shall
reap the reward of your suffering here:
Jesus has said, As I live, ye shall live also. Which promise is sure and steadfast,
and will last so long as eternity endures..."
Now, what do such citations show? They show that today's Hardshells who deny what is taught in the above citations are not "primitive" as they claim, but proponents of a new theology.
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