A present thing
And first, let us inquire: What is salvation? The salvation spoken of here is not what is frequently understood by that word: the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul's going to paradise, termed by our Lord, Abraham's bosom (Luke 16:22). It is not a blessing which lies on the other side of death, or (as we usually speak) in the other world. The very words of the text itself put this beyond all question. You are saved. It is not something at a distance. It is a present thing, a blessing which through the free mercy of God you are now in possession of. Indeed, the words may be rendered, and that with equal propriety: You have been saved. So that the salvation spoken of here might be extended to the entire work of God, from the first dawning of grace in the soul till it is consummated in glory.
1771 text
I. 1. And, first, let us enquire, What is salvation? The salvation which is here spoken of, is not what is frequently understood by that word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul’s going to paradise, termed by our Lord, Abraham’s bosom. It is not a blessing which lies on the other side death, or (as we usually speak) in the other world. The very words of the text itself, put this beyond all question. Ye are saved. It is not something at a distance: it is a present thing; a blessing, which through the free mercy of God, ye are now in possession of. Nay, the words may be rendered, and that with equal propriety, Ye have been saved. So that the salvation which is here spoken of, might be extended to the entire work of God, from the first dawning of grace in the soul, ’till it is consummated in glory.
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 43 in the 1771 Works. Ephesians 2:8.
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