LESSON XXVI. You have now read, how all mankind are born to trouble, and must die, on account of Adam's sin: and how Jesus Christ was born about 4000 years afterwards, what he did, and suffered, and taught. Had Adam not sinned, mankind would have had no need of a Saviour: but as Adam did sin, they would all have perished, had Jesus Christ not been sent to save them. Jesus Christ's own words are, (3d chapter of Saint John's Gospel) God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. G He that believeth the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see 1 life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. NOTE. 1 This means, that they who do not believe in Jesus Christ are left to bear the conse quence of Adam's sin. The wrath of God LESSON XXVI. QUESTIONS. IF Adam had not sinned, would mankind have needed a Saviour? As Adam did sin, what would have become of mankind, if Jesus Christ had not come to save them? How has God shewn his love to mankind? What is the advantage of believing on the Son? What will become of those who do not believe on the Son? What is the meaning of the wrath of God abiding on those who do not believe? LESSON XXVII. BECAUSE Jesus Christ said, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life," some persons have thought that it was sufficient to believe on Jesus Christ, without obeying him. If it were so, a man might be very wicked, and yet go to heaven on account of his believing. But we may be sure that Jesus Christ would not have delivered so many discourses and parables, to teach men their duty, unless he intended them to perform it to the best of their power. Why should there be any rules and commandments in the New Testament, if Christians are not obliged to obey them? |