The cornerstone
But the truth lies between both. We are doubtless justified by faith. This is the corner-stone of the whole Christian building. We are justified without the works of the law, as any previous condition of justification. But they are an immediate fruit of that faith, whereby we are justified. So that if good works do not follow our faith, even all inward and outward holiness, it is plain our faith is nothing worth: we are yet in our sins. Therefore, that we are justified by faith, even by faith without works, is no ground for making void the law through faith: or for imagining that faith is a dispensation, from any kind or degree of holiness.
1771 text
6. *But the truth lies between both. We are doubtless justified by faith. This is the corner-stone of the whole Christian building. We are justified without the works of the law, as any previous condition of justification. But they are an immediate fruit of that faith, whereby we are justified. So that if good works do not follow our faith, even all inward and outward holiness, it is plain our faith is nothing worth: we are yet in our sins. Therefore, that we are justified by faith, even by faith without works, is no ground for making void the law thro’ faith: or for imagining that faith is a dispensation, from any kind or degree of holiness.
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 35 in the 1771 Works. Romans 3:31.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.