Are there any ordinances now
But are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there, under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained by God as the usual channels of his grace? This question could never have been proposed in the apostolic church, unless by one who openly avowed himself to be a Heathen. The whole body of Christians was agreed that Christ had ordained certain outward means for conveying his grace into the souls of men.
Their constant practice set this beyond all dispute. For so long as all who believed were together, and had all things in common, Acts 2:44, they continued steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers, Acts 2:42.
1771 text
Ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them.
I. 1. BUT are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained of God, as the usual channels of his grace? This question could never have been proposed, in the apostolical church, unless by one who openly avowed himself to be a Heathen; the whole body of Christians being agreed, that Christ had ordained certain outward means, for conveying his grace into the souls of men. Their constant practice set this beyond all dispute; for so long as all that believed were together, and had all things common, (Acts ii. 44.) they continued stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers, ver. 42.
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 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
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