Page:The Doctrines of the New Church Briefly Explained.djvu/87

Rh overmastering power of the hells, and the consequent restoration to mankind of their original freedom to think and will as of themselves; the restoration of their ability to see or think what is true, and their freedom to will and do what they see to be right.

Thus redemption is seen to be purely God's own work. It is not salvation, for this requires the co-operation of man; yet without the redemption wrought by God in the person of Jesus Christ, no one henceforward could have been saved.

Such, briefly, is the New Church doctrine of redemption. It does not mar but illustrates the exceeding beauty and loveliness of the Divine character. It does not require for its acceptance the surrender or abnegation of our reason, but is quite in harmony with all its requirements. It will be found also, on careful examination, to be in perfect agreement with the whole spirit and tenor of Holy Scripture. The Bible reveals God as a merciful and loving Father; as becoming incarnate for human redemption—coming into the world and enduring the assaults of infernals for the purpose of releasing men from their spiritual thraldom, and making them truly free. "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." The new doctrine also is in harmony with, while it helps us to understand the Rh