Faith is more than assent
Only beware that you do not deceive your own soul with regard to the nature of this faith. It is not, as some have foolishly imagined, a bare assent to the truth of the Bible, of the articles of our creed, or of all that is contained in the Old and New Testaments. The devils believe this, as well as I or you, and yet they are devils still. But it is, over and above this, a sure trust in the mercy of God through Christ Jesus. It is a confidence in a pardoning God. It is a divine evidence, or conviction, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their former trespasses. And in particular, that the Son of God has loved me, and given himself for me. And that I, even I, am now reconciled to God by the blood of the cross.
1771 text
10. Only beware thou do not deceive thy own soul, with regard to the nature of this faith. It is not (as some have fondly conceived) a bare assent to the truth of the bible, of the articles of our creed, or of all that is contained in the old and new testament. The devils believe this, as well as I or thou, and yet they are devils still. But it is, over and above this, a sure trust in the mercy of God through Christ Jesus. It is a confidence in a pardoning God. It is a divine evidence or conviction, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their former trespasses: and in particular, that the Son of God hath loved me and given himself for me: and that I, even I, am now reconciled to God by the blood of the cross.
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 7 in the 1771 Works. Mark 1:15.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.