If anyone wants to know what the first "Primitive Baptists" believed, no better source is there than the writings of Elder Joshua Lawrence (1778–1843). It is clear that Lawrence believed that the new birth was effected by the Spirit's use of gospel preaching, and that the saints would all persevere in their loyalty to Christ. Elder James Osbourn preached his funeral. We know that Osbourn certainly taught these doctrines.
Here is what Lawrence said about the doctrine of perseverance.
"But those thus foreknown, beloved, elected, called, and justified, shall persevere by the sufficient grace of God given them, through all temptations, trials, and difficulties, and come forth and be glorified in heaven, is clear from all God's absolute promises made sure to them. Such as: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but have passed from death to life--I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. With a thousand others of like import. The oath of God to these heirs of promise, secures their perseverance to the kingdom prepared for them." (Cited previously by me here)
Those "Primitive Baptists" who today deny perseverance are not in agreement with their forefathers and they cannot rightly be titled to be styled "Primitive" or "Old School."
No comments:
Post a Comment