“Man can do nothing good of himself, by his own power; but through the grace of God, he, in his imperfectness, is able to keep God’s commandments. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philip. 2:13.
“Thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not.” Ezek. 12:2.
“For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Rom. 7:18–21.
Read here all the Scriptures which unanimously testify that God does not desire the death of the sinner, but that he be converted, and live. Ezek. 18:32; 33:11; Wis. 1:13; Is. 55:7.
And that God has extended his saving grace not only to the elect, but to all of Adam’s race; and that he also died for those that perish. Concerning this, read: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Tit. 2:11.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” Is. 45:22.
“Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” Rom. 5:18.
“Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness,” etc. Acts 14:16,17; Rom. 1:19; 2:15.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Pet. 2:1.
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” etc. John 3:16.
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:3,4.
“He is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9; Rom. 2:4; Jas. 4:6; Acts 13:46. Read also: Matt. 23:36,37; Luke 13:34; 2 Esdr. 1:30.
As to how God the righteous Judge will pronounce the final judgment upon those who disobey[218] the Gospel, read: “When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. 1:7,8; Mark 16:16. “This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth forever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but such as leave it shall die.” Bar. 4:1.
[218] The original says _obey_, which evidently is an error.--_Trans._