Mark 16:16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. This is speaking out plainly. He who thus spoke, had a right so to speak. To be a believer, as scripturally understood, is to give that kind of credit to Christianity, which is associated with, and supported by, a holy life, — not the faith right, and the life wrong; but the life and faith both in the right. We proceed, now, to show — I. THAT CHRISTIANITY PRESENTS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO WARRANT RATIONAL BELIEF. The evidences which she has at her service may be presented in the form of answers to inquiries which may be instituted. Thus — 1. Was Christianity necessary? Could not the world have done without it? These questions we negative most emphatically. It could not. It had tried, etc. 2. Was such a revelation as that which Christianity professes to be possible? Certainly. 3. Was it probable? It was. 4. Is that which was quite possible, and very probable, now a reality — a fact? Has there ever been such a person as Jesus Christ? Did He do what He is said to have done? Our answer is in the affirmative. There are no facts that are better attested than those which relate to the history of the Author of the Christian religion. 5. Are any books now extant purporting to contain sketches of His life, and an account of the rise of His religion; and, if so, are there arguments sufficient to evidence their genuineness, and uncorrupted preservation? Our reply again is a positive one. 6. Is the Divine origin of Christianity indicated by its success, and the circumstances with which that success was associated? It is, etc. 7. Is there any evidence of the Divinity of Christ's religion from human consciousness and experience? There is. II. THAT THE MAN WHO DOES NOT DILIGENTLY SEARCH FOR, AND CORDIALLY YIELD TO, THIS EVIDENCE IS HIGHLY CENSURABLE. Man is responsible for his belief. This will appear from the consideration that our belief is mainly influenced by the following circumstances: — 1. By the books which we read. 2. The company we keep. 3. The latitude we allow to our likings, irrespective of their nature or tendency.As the religion of Christ presents to man sufficient proofs to warrant his credence, then, if that be refused, the results will be inconceivably perilous. "He that believeth not shall be condemned." This supposes a trial, and a sentence. (J. Guttridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.WEB: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. |
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