Begotten again to a living hope
From what has been said we may, in the third place, learn that none is truly led by the Spirit unless that Spirit bears witness with his spirit that he is a child of God (Romans 8:16); unless he sees the prize and the crown before him, and rejoices in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2). So greatly have they erred who have taught that, in serving God, we ought not to have a view to our own happiness. No, but we are often and expressly taught by God to look to the recompense of reward (Hebrews 11:26); to balance the toil with the joy set before us (Hebrews 12:2), these light afflictions with that exceeding weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Yes, we are aliens to the covenant of promise. We are without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12), until God, of his abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) of the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away (1 Peter 1:4).
1771 text
5. From what has been said we may, thirdly, learn, That none is truly led by the Spirit, unless that Spirit bear witness with his spirit, that he is a child of God: unless he sees the prize and the crown before him, and rejoices in hope of the glory of God: so greatly have they erred, who have taught that in serving God, we ought not to have a view to our own happiness. Nay, but we are often and expresly taught of God, to have respect unto the recompence of reward; to balance the toil with the joy set before us, these light afflictions with that exceeding weight of glory. Yea, we are aliens to the covenant of promise, we are without God in the world, until God of his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again, unto a living hope, of the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.
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 17 in the 1771 Works. Romans 2:29. Saint Mary's, Oxford, 1 January 1733.
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