The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
13. To justify then, is the office of God to man. Our office and duty
to God is not to pass our time sinfully or unfruitfully: for this were
to serve the devil, and not God. For that faith which bringeth not
forth repentance, but either evil works, or no good works, is not a
right, pure and living faith, but a dead and devilish one, as _Paul_
and St. _James_ call it. For even the devils believe, _That Christ
was born of a virgin: that he wrought all kind of miracles, declaring
himself very God: that for our sakes he suffered a most painful death,
to redeem us from death everlasting: that he rose again the third day:
that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right-hand of the
Father, and at the end of the world shall come again to judge both the
quick and the dead_. These articles of our faith the devils believe,
and so they believe all that is written in the Old and New Testament.
_And yet for all this faith, they be but devils. They remain still in
their damnable estate, lacking the very true Christian faith._
14. _The right and true Christian faith, is not only to believe that
holy scripture, and the articles of our faith are true; but also,
to have a sure trust and confidence, to be saved from everlasting
damnation by Christ; whereof doth follow a loving heart to obey his
commandments._
15. And this true Christian faith, neither any devil hath, nor yet any
man, who, in his receiving the sacraments, in coming to church, and in
all other outward appearances, seemeth to be a Christian, and yet in
his life sheweth the contrary. For how can a man have this _true faith,
sure trust and confidence in God, that by the merits of Christ his sins
are forgiven, and ♦be reconciled to the favour of God, when he denieth
Christ in his works_? Surely no ungodly man can have this faith, and
trust in God!
♦ “he” replaced with “be”
16. If we do truly believe, that whereas we were condemned to hell
and death everlasting, God hath given his own son to take our nature
upon him, and to suffer death for our offences, to justify us, and to
restore us to life everlasting: if we truly believe, that he hath made
us his dear children, brethren unto his only son, and inheritors with
him of his eternal kingdom of heaven; these great and merciful benefits
of God will move us to render ourselves unto God wholly, with all our
hearts, might, and power, to serve him in all good works, to seek in
all things his glory; evermore dreading to offend in word, thought, or
deed, such a merciful God and loving Redeemer. They will also move us,
to be ever ready for his sake to give ourselves to our neighbours, and
as much as lieth in us, to study with all our endeavour, to do good to
every man. These are the fruits of true faith, to do good, as much as
lieth in us, to every man; and above all things, and in all things, to
advance the glory of God: to whom be praise and honour, world without
end!
_Of_ true Christian faith.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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