Outward sin
By sin I here understand outward sin, according to the plain, common meaning of the word. An actual, voluntary transgression of the law, of the revealed, written law of God, of any commandment of God acknowledged to be such at the time it is transgressed. But whoever is born of God, while he abides in faith and love, and in the spirit of prayer and thanksgiving, not only does not, but cannot, commit sin in this way.
So long as he thus believes in God through Christ, and loves him, and is pouring out his heart before him, he cannot voluntarily transgress any command of God, either by speaking or by acting what he knows God has forbidden. So long as that seed remains in him, that loving, praying, thankful faith compels him to refrain from whatever he knows to be an abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).
1771 text
2. By sin, I here understand, outward sin, according to the plain, common acceptation of the word: an actual, voluntary transgression of the law; of the revealed, written law of God, of any commandment of God, acknowledged to be such, at the time that it is transgressed. But whosoever is born of God, while he abideth in faith and love, and in the spirit of prayer and thanksgiving, not only doth not, but cannot thus commit sin. So long as he thus believeth in God through Christ, and loves him, and is pouring out his heart before him, he cannot voluntarily transgress any command of God, either by speaking or acting what he knows God hath forbidden. So long that seed which remaineth in him, that loving, praying thankful faith, compels him to refrain from whatsoever he knows to be an abomination in the sight 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 19 in the 1771 Works. First John 3:9.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.