84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the Holy Gospel?

In this way: that, according to the command of Christ, it is proclaimed and openly witnessed to believers, one and all, that as often as they accept with true faith the promise of the Gospel, all their sins are really forgiven them of God for the sake of Christ's merits; and on the contrary, to all unbelievers and hypocrites, that the wrath of God and eternal condemnation abide on them so long as they are not converted. l) According to this testimony of the Gospel, God will judge men both in this life and in that which is to come.

1) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father has sent me, even 80 send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. John 20:21-23.

* To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43.

* Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Isa. 58:1.

* For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor. 2:15,16.

* I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. John 8:24.

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