The inward kingdom
The inward kingdom of heaven, which is set up in the heart of all who repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15), is nothing other than righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Every babe in Christ knows we are made partakers of these the very hour we believe in Jesus. But these are only the firstfruits of his Spirit. The harvest is not yet. Although these blessings are inconceivably great, yet we trust to see greater than these. We trust to love the Lord our God, not only as we do now, with a weak though sincere affection, but with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). We look for power to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks, knowing this is the will of God concerning us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
1771 text
2. The inward kingdom of heaven, which is set up in the heart of all that repent and believe the gospel, is no other than righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Every babe in Christ knows we are made partakers of these, the very hour that we believe in Jesus. But these are only the first fruits of his Spirit: the harvest is not yet. Altho’ these blessings are inconceivably great, yet we trust to see greater than these. We trust to love the Lord our God, not only as we do now, with a weak tho’ sincere affection, but with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul and with all our strength. We look for power to rejoice evermore, to pray without ceasing and in every thing to give thanks; knowing this is the will of God concerning us in Christ Jesus.
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 42 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 2:11.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.