Now then for answer, do you ask, “Why is a man invited by the Ministry to repent, and turn unto the Lord, when he has not God’s secret, but cannot?” because the reason why he does not repent is, because he will not, nor cannot.
Yea, but you will say, “Preachers cannot bid him,” as for example; “He cannot command Judas, or Cain, to believe that their sins may be forgiven them; because Christ never died for the Reprobate.” I answer, Mentiris[?] Cain, you lie Cain, Christ died for thy sins, and that in five ways.
Augustine.
1. By way of Proclamation; remission of sins is to be proclaimed to you, if you will believe; so says Paul, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through Christ is Preached unto you forgiveness of sins,” Act. 13:38; “yea, among all the Nations,” Luke 24:47; “For to whom give all the Prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believes in him shall receive forgiveness of sins,” Act. 10:43, so that God’s Ministers are bound to preach that your sins may be forgiven you, if you repent and believe the Gospel.
2. By way of Obligation; you are bound to believe that your sins may be forgiven you in Christ, remission of sins is one of the Articles of your creed, that you are commanded to believe, “Repent and believe the Gospel,” Mark. 1:15, and therefore it is called, the Law of Faith; lex á ligando, the Law binds, Rom. 7:2. All are bound to believe in Christ Jesus, to the remission of sins, even reprobate and all, they are bound as well as the Apostles themselves. For our Savior commands them, to command all creatures the very same things he commanded them, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” Mat. 28:20, so that you are bound to believe that thy sins may be forgiven you.