Not a proof of an earlier profession
It is objected, secondly, The design of the witness contended for is to prove that the profession we make is genuine. But it does not prove this. I answer, the proving of this is not the design of it. It comes before our making any profession at all, except that of being lost, undone, guilty, helpless sinners. It is designed to assure those to whom it is given that they are the children of God, that they are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.
And this does not suppose that their preceding thoughts, words, and actions are conformable to the rule of Scripture. It supposes quite the reverse, namely, that they are sinners all over, sinners both in heart and life. Were it otherwise, God would justify the godly, and their own works would be counted to them for righteousness. And I cannot but fear that a supposition of our being justified by works is at the root of all their objections. For whoever cordially believes that God imputes to all who are justified a righteousness without works will find no difficulty in allowing the witness of his Spirit, coming before the fruit of it.
1771 text
4. It is objected, secondly, “The design of the witness contended for, is to prove that the profession we make is genuine. But it does not prove this.” I answer, the proving this, is not the design of it. It is antecedent to our making any profession at all, but that of being lost, undone, guilty, helpless sinners. It is designed to assure those to whom it is given, that they are the children of God; that they are justified freely by his grace, thro’ the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. And this does not suppose, that their preceeding thoughts, words and actions, are conformable to the rule of scripture. It supposes quite the reverse, namely, That they are sinners all over, sinners both in heart and life. Were it otherwise, God would justify the godly; and their own works would be counted to them for righteousness. And I cannot but fear that a supposition of our being justified by works, is at the root of all their objections. For who ever cordially believes, that God imputes to all that are justified, righteousness without works, will find no difficulty in allowing the witness of his Spirit, preceding the fruit of it.
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 11 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:16. The second discourse on the witness of the Spirit.
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