Primary truths of Christianity for 'the hour of temptation' [signed R.N.].

by Robert Norton

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 ...extending over an illimitable universe, and planning all events for its eternal stability in sinless bliss,--no less than His infinite holiness--demanded the utter condemnation of sin; the infliction upon it of some irrecoverable wound. Even to our feeble sense of right and wrong, it seems right if not necessary, that sin. should be indelibly and unmistakably stamped.with God's disapproval and abhorrence, previous to or along with the forgiveness of the sinner. If even we cannot, how much less could God ignore the fact that guilt ought in some way to be punished or requited. It is objected that a father may at once forgive a child; and God is a Father whose fatherly heart would freely forgive far more abundantly and spontaneously than any human father; but He is also the Sovereign of the universe, its example, instructor, and guide, and as such cannot unconditionally acquit the guilty, and thus apparently make light of sin. No good and wise earthly father would so forgive a child as to encourage all his other children to think that there would be little if any harm or danger, if they also were to do something forbidden or wrong. Moreover, this objection is an entire overlooking of the marvellous truth, that not only the act, but the very manner of man's redemption, was "foreordained before the foundation of the world," and the promise of it given to him immediately after his offence. This was surely the very fulness and overflowing of pardoning love; and thus far at least, the forgiveness of God was altogether gratuitous, unconditional, and uncaused; as well as most immediate. In all ages of the world, and among all nations, heathen as well as Jews, a belief in the necessity and virtue of propitiatory sacrifices has existed; whether derived from p...

48 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2012