The Evidence of Things Not Seen

     If faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1), then it cannot be required of all men, head for head, without exception.

     Some speak of the universal "duty-faith" or an universal obligation to believe the gospel. 

     But a universal duty-faith would mean a universal duty TO HAVE  "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen". If everyone without exception has a duty to have that "substance" and "evidence", then everyone without exception has a duty to have SALVATION, for that is the "substance of things hoped for" is it not? 

     But Christ came not to call NOT {the self} righteous, but sinners to repentance (Lk.5: 32). He came to save "sinners," that is, those who labor, and are heavy laden under the crushing conviction of the Holy Ghost, He came to bless those who are poor in spirit, who weep, hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Christ, he came to call and to save all {self} "sinners", i.e. regenerate elect, who, under the influence of the Spirit which quickens them, learn of their sinfulness and their need for Christ. The Good News of the gospel is for them, it is NOT for the spiritually "rich", self-sufficient, "righteous", that is, self-righteous reprobate wicked, for whom "there is no peace" and no gospel.

"And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, 
Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. 
Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets". 

"BUT woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.  Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Lk.6:20-26).