Led by the Spirit of God
Let us observe well what God himself teaches us here, concerning the glorious privilege of his children. Who is it that is said to bear witness? Not our spirit only, but another, even the Spirit of God. He it is who bears witness with our spirit.
What does he bear witness of? That we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), if so be that we suffer with him. If we deny ourselves, if we take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), if we cheerfully endure persecution or reproach for his sake, that we may also be glorified together.
And in whom does the Spirit of God bear this witness? In all who are the children of God. By this very argument the apostle proves, in the preceding verses, that they are so. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God," (Romans 8:14) he says, "they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again, to fear (Romans 8:15). But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). It follows, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16).
1771 text
3. Let us well observe, what is here taught us by God himself, touching the glorious privilege of his children. Who is it, that is here said to bear witness? Not our Spirit only, but another; even the Spirit of God: he it is who beareth witness with our spirit. What is it, he beareth witness of? That we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ:――――if so be that we suffer with him (if we deny ourselves, if we take up our cross daily, if we chearfully indure persecution or reproach for his sake) that we may also be glorified together, And in whom doth the Spirit of God bear this witness? In all who are the children of God. By this very argument does the apostle prove in the preceding verses that they are so: As many, saith he, as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again, to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father! It follows, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
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 18 in the 1771 Works. John 3:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.