If we say we have no sin
So clearly does St. James explain himself, and fix the meaning of his own words. Yet lest anyone should still remain in doubt, St. John, writing many years after St. James, puts the matter entirely out of dispute by the express declarations above recited. But here a fresh difficulty may arise. How shall we reconcile St. John with himself? In one place he declares: Whoever is born of God does not commit sin (1 John 3:9). And again: We know that he who is born of God does not sin (1 John 5:18). And yet in another he says: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). And again: If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1:10).
1771 text
18. So clearly does St. James, explain himself, and fix the meaning of his own words. Yet lest any one should still remain in doubt, St. John, writing many years after St. James, puts the matter intirely out of dispute, by the express declarations above recited. But here a fresh difficulty may arise. How shall we reconcile St. John with himself? In one place he declares, “Whosoever is born of God, doth not commit sin.” And, again, We know that he which is born of God, sinneth not. And yet in another he saith, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. And again, If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
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 40 in the 1771 Works. Philippians 3:12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.