Gavin says, "in Part 3 … we shall consider … 'What is the test for knowing if a man's committed unforgivable sin?' … we read in Article 35 of the … 39 Articles, Book 2, Homily 19,' 'we do not without a just cause detest & abhor the damnable opinion of them which do most wickedly go about to persuade the simple & ignorant people, that, if we chance, after we be once come to God & grafted in his Son Jesus Christ, to fall into some horrible sin, repentance shall be unprofitable unto us, there is no more hope of reconciliation, or to be received again into the favour & mercy of God. And, that they may … better colour … their pestilent & pernicious error, they do commonly bring in' Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-29; & II Peter 2:20 & 21, 'not considering that … those places … do not speak of the daily falls that we, as long as we carry about this body of sin, are subject unto, but OF THE FINAL FALLING AWAY FROM CHRIST & HIS GOSPEL: which is a sin against,' 'Matt[hew] 12,' 'the Holy Ghost, that shall never be forgiven; because that they that do utterly forsake the known truth do hate Christ & his Word, … & therefore fall into desperation, & cannot repent. And, … this … appeareth by many other places of the Scriptures, which promiseth unto all true repentant sinners … free pardon & remission of their sins'.''… Furthermore we read in … Book 1, Homily 4, …, 'holy Scripture … beareth witness that a true & lively faith in Christ DOTH BRING FORTH GOOD WORKS: & therefore every man must examine & try himself diligently, to know whether he have the same true lively faith in his heart unfeignedly or not; WHICH HE SHALL KNOW BY THE FRUITS THEREOF'." "Mark 1:15, 'repent ye, and believe the gospel'." |
