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NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION TRAINING
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sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified
to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
V. Justification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing
which Christ secures to such as believe in him in 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.
VI. The Freeness of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that
nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but
his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel;
which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
VII. Regeneration.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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.
VIII. Repentance and Faith.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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.
IX. God’s Purpose of Grace.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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