iii. the fall of man
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;[1] but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state;[2] in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners[3] not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation,[4] without defense or excuse.[5]
[1] Gen. 1:27. God created man in His own image. Gen. 1:31. And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Eccl. 7:29; Acts 17:26; Gen. 2:16.
[2] Gen. 3:6–24. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Rom. 5:12.
[3] Rom. 5:19. By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. John 3:6; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:15–19; 8:7.
[4] Eph. 2:3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.
[5] Ezek. 18:19, 20. The soul that sinneth it shall die. Rom. 1:20. So that they are without excuse. Rom. 3:19. That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Gal. 3:22.
iv. the way of salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;[1] through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God;[2] who according to the will of the Father, became man, yet without sin;[3] honored the Divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins;[4] that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with Divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour.[5]
[1] Eph. 2:5. By grace ye are saved. Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5–7; Acts 15:11.