Series on Fundamental Faith 

 INTRODUCTION

 

As noted previously, this is a series of articles based on the "Articles of Faith" held by the Primitive Baptist churches. These Articles of Faith may vary in their wording from one section of the country to another, but in essence are the same as those proclaimed in the London (England) Confession of Faith in 1644 and the Philadelphia (USA) Confession of Faith, September 25, 1742. These are the items that our forefathers in the faith felt were essential in the belief of the local church. It was never intended that these Articles of Faith should replace the Scriptures, or be considered as superior to the Scriptures. Rather they are an attempt to make a simple statement of the principle doctrines found in the pages of the Bible.

In listing the reason we believe the Bible to be God's inspired word, I have drawn on external evidence to supplement the claims of the Scripture writers themselves. Having proved that the Bible is God's inspired word and the only rule for faith and practice, I have sought no other source to support the remaining articles other than the Bible. What Primitive Baptists believe and practice is based on the Bible. 

 

            The following is used by permission of: “The Primitive Baptist, The Christian Pathway – Gospel Appeal.”

 

GOSPEL APPEAL

 

Established July, 1966

An Earnest Appeal to a

Closer Observance of Gospel Truth

Vol. XLI No. 5 Craigsville, WV November 2006

FUNDAMENTAL FAITH

 

By Elder Robert “Bob” Glenn Dickerson, Jr.

10-5-1930 to 1-12-14

 


Article VI:

“WE BELIEVE IN THE PARTICULAR, ETERNAL AND UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION OF GOD'S CHILDREN.”


“According as he
(God) hath chosen us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him (God) in love" (Eph. 1:4).

We believe that eternal salvation proceeds from God's decree of election and is brought to pass according to that which He has predestinated. Before the creation of the world, God (who has perfect foreknowledge) saw the result of Adam's sin, the sinful condition of all mankind (Psalm 14:2-3). Before the creation of the world, God chose to Himself some out of Adam's race to be saved (Eph. 1:4). Those whom He chose for salvation, He predestinated to this end (Rom. 8:28-30). Before the foundation of the world, He entered their names in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 17:8). We further believe that ONLY those whom God chose will be saved (Rev. 20:15); and that ALL of those whom God chose will be saved (John 6:37). See also II Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 1:9.

There are many today who state they believe in election, but view election as only opening a possibility of salvation for all. Or else they view God's election as dependent upon some reaction such as faith or repentance, which He foresaw in the individual. But the Bible plainly declares that God's election is particular, eternal, and unconditional.

God did not choose all to be saved. Such could not be properly called election or a choice. God chose some out of the human race to live with Him in glory. The Apostle says not of all the inhabitants of Ephesus; but of the "saints which are at Ephesus" that "he (God) hath chosen us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). See also I Peter 2:8-9 and John 15:19.

This choice was made in eternity for eternity. (Eph. 1:4-5; II Tim. 1:9; Rev. 20:15). This choice is completely unconditional. That is to say, first of all, that it was God's choice — not God's choice blended with ours. The world today says that it is up to us to choose — but the scriptures declare that the choice was God's alone (Eph. 1:4; John 15:16). Secondly, this choice was not dependent upon any action from us to make it effective. It stands sure and steadfast regardless of what we may do — II Timothy 2:19; II Samuel 23:5, 7:14-16; Romans 11:29. Thirdly, this choice was not made because of any condition of good, any response to the gospel, or any other condition which God had foreseen in us. Rather indeed, the foreknowledge of God revealed only the complete depravity of mankind (Rom. 3:9-20). The election, as clearly illustrated in Jacob and Esau, was made before any acts were performed (Rom. 9:10-13). That which men often cite as conditions to salvation (faith and repentance) are actually the fruits or results of salvation (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 2:4; Acts 5:31). God's election is most clearly affirmed to be "not according to our works" (II Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:5-6).

What then was the basis of God's choice? The Bible says simply that it was "according to the good pleasure of his will" (Eph. 1:5).
God not only chose some to dwell with Him in eternity, but predestinated all things that were necessary to bring this to pass (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:4, 5, 11).

Is not election unfair? Sinful man can blame none but himself for his continual rebellion against God. Election has not altered the status of the wicked. The wicked are judged "according to their works" (Rev. 20:13). Had God not chosen some to salvation, then none would be saved (Rom. 3:11). God would have been fair to have saved none, but for His own glory He purposed to save some. Read Romans 9:10-24.

The world hates the doctrine of God's particular, eternal and unconditional election, but those who are made to see themselves as helpless sinners rejoice in it; for if God had not chosen us to salvation, we would have never had any hope of salvation or any possibility of obtaining it.