The objection from being born of God
However, let us give a fair hearing to the chief arguments of those who try to support that doctrine. First, they try to prove from scripture that there is no sin in a believer. They argue in this way. Scripture says that every believer is born of God, is clean, is holy, is sanctified, is pure in heart, has a new heart, and is a temple of the Holy Ghost. Now, as that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and is altogether evil, so that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, and is altogether good. Again, a person cannot be clean, sanctified, and holy, and at the same time unclean, unsanctified, and unholy. He cannot be pure and impure, or have a new heart and an old heart together. Neither can his soul be unholy while it is a temple of the Holy Ghost.
1771 text
IV. 1. However, let us give a fair hearing to the chief arguments, of those who endeavour to support it. And it is, first, from scripture they attempt to prove, that there is no sin in a believer. They argue thus. “The scripture says, every believer is born of God, is clean, is holy, is sanctified; is pure in heart, has a new heart, is a temple of the Holy Ghost. Now, as that which is born of the flesh is flesh, is altogether evil, so that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, is altogether good. Again; a man cannot be clean, sanctified, holy, and at the same time unclean, unsanctified, unholy. He cannot be pure and impure, or have a new and an old heart together. Neither can his soul be unholy, while it is a temple of the Holy Ghost.”
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 13 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 5:17.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.