Not meat and drink
We are, first, to consider the nature of true religion, here called by our Lord the kingdom of God. The same expression the great apostle uses in his letter to the Romans, where he likewise explains his Lord's words. He says, The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). That chapter and verse belong to the letter he has just named: Romans 14:17.
The kingdom of God, or true religion, is not meat and drink. It is well known that not only the unconverted Jews, but great numbers of those who had received the faith of Christ, were nevertheless zealous for the law, even the ceremonial law of Moses. Acts 21:20. Whatever, therefore, they found written in it, either concerning meat and drink offerings, or the distinction between clean and unclean meats, they not only observed themselves, but pressed the same thing hard, even on those among the Gentiles, or heathens, who were turned to God.
Yes, they pressed it to such a degree that some of them taught, wherever they came among them, Except you are circumcised, and keep the law, the whole ritual law, you cannot be saved. Acts 15:1, 24.
In opposition to these, the apostle declares, both here and in many other places, that true religion does not consist in meat and drink, or in any ritual observances. Nor indeed does it consist in any outward thing whatever, in anything outside the heart. The whole substance of it lies in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
1771 text
I. 1. We are, first, to consider, The nature of true religion, here term’d by our Lord, The kingdom of God. The same expression the great apostle uses in his epistle to the Romans, where he likewise explains his Lord’s words, saying, The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Chap. xiv. 17.
2. The kingdom of God, or true religion, is not meat and drink. It is well known, that not only the unconverted Jews, but great numbers of those who had received the faith of Christ, were notwithstanding zealous of the law, (Acts xxi. 20.) even the ceremonial law of Moses. Whatsoever therefore they found written therein, either concerning meat and drink-offerings, or the distinction between clean and unclean meats, they not only observed themselves, but vehemently pressed the same, even on those among the Gentiles (or Heathens) who were turned to God. Yea, to such a degree, that some of them taught, wheresoever they came among them, Except ye be circumcised, and keep the law, (the whole ritual law) ye cannot be saved, Acts xv. 1, 24.
3. In opposition to these, the apostle declares, both here and in many other places, that true religion does not consist in meat and drink, or in any ritual observances: nor indeed in any outward thing whatever, in any thing exterior to the heart; the whole substance thereof lying in righteousness, peace, and joy in 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 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.