Sin revives
But it is seldom long before they are undeceived, finding sin was only suspended, not destroyed. Temptations return and sin revives, showing it was only stunned before, not dead. They now feel two principles in themselves plainly contrary to each other: the flesh lusting against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17), nature opposing the grace of God. They cannot deny that, although they still feel power to believe in Christ and to love God, and although his Spirit still witnesses with their spirits that they are children of God (Romans 8:16), yet they feel in themselves sometimes pride or self-will, sometimes anger or unbelief. They find one or more of these frequently stirring in their heart, though not conquering: yes, perhaps thrusting hard at them, that they may fail. But the Lord is their help (Psalm 118:13).
1771 text
6. But it is seldom long, before they are undeceived, finding sin was only suspended, not destroyed. Temptations return and sin revives, shewing it was but stunned before, not dead. They now feel two principles in themselves plainly contrary to each other, the flesh lusting against the spirit, nature opposing the grace of God. They cannot deny, that, although they still feel power to believe in Christ, and to love God; and although his Spirit still witnesses with their spirits, that they are children of God: yet they feel in themselves, sometimes pride or self-will, sometimes anger or unbelief. They find one or more of these frequently stirring in their heart, though not conquering: yea, perhaps, thrusting sore at them, that they may fail: but the Lord is their help.
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 43 in the 1771 Works. Ephesians 2:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.