Clean outside, dead within
But do you not know that, however highly esteemed among men such a Christian as this may be, he is an abomination in the sight of God, and an heir of every woe which the Son of God, yesterday, today, and forever, denounces against scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites? He has made clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but within he is full of all filthiness. An evil disease still clings to him, so that his inward parts are very wickedness.
Our Lord fitly compares him to a painted sepulcher, which appears beautiful outside, but nevertheless is full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. The bones indeed are no longer dry. The sinews and flesh have come upon them, and the skin covers them above. But there is no breath in them, no Spirit of the living God.
And if any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. You are Christ's, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if not, God knows that you abide in death, even until now.
1771 text
7. But know ye not, that however highly esteemed among men, such a Christian as this may be, he is an abomination in the sight of God, and an heir of every woe, which the Son of God yesterday, to-day, and for ever, denounces against Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites? He hath made clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but within is full of all filthiness. An evil disease cleaveth still unto him, so that his inward parts are very wickedness. Our Lord fitly compares him to a painted sepulchre, which appears beautiful without; but nevertheless is full of dead mens bones, and of all uncleanness. The bones indeed are no longer dry; the sinews and flesh are come upon them, and the skin covers them above, but there is no breath in them, no Spirit of the living God. And if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Ye are Christ’s, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. But if not, God knoweth that ye abide in death, even until now.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 3 in the 1771 Works. Charles Wesley preached it at Oxford, 4 April 1742. Ephesians 5:14.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.