A relative change, and a real one
But though it is allowed that justification and the new birth are, in point of time, inseparable from each other, they are easily distinguished. They are not the same. They are things of a widely different nature. Justification implies only a relative change. The new birth is a real change. God, in justifying us, does something for us. In begetting us again, he does the work in us. The former changes our outward relation to God, so that of enemies we become children. By the latter our inmost souls are changed, so that of sinners we become saints. The one restores us to the favor of God. The other restores us to the image of God. The one is the taking away of the guilt. The other is the taking away of the power of sin. So although they are joined together in point of time, they are of wholly distinct natures.
1771 text
2. But though it be allowed, that justification and the new birth are in point of time inseparable from each other, yet are they easily distinguished, as being not the same, but things of a widely different nature. Justification implies only a relative, the new birth a real change. God in justifying us, does something for us: in begetting us again, he does the work in us. The former changes our outward relation to God, so that of enemies we become children. By the latter, our inmost souls are changed, so that of sinners we become saints. The one restores us to the favour, the other to the image of God. The one is, the taking away the guilt, the other, the taking away the power of sin. So that although they are joined together in point of time, yet are they of wholly distinct natures.
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.