To hide pride from man
One reason, however, we may humbly conceive, of God's fixing this condition of justification, If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall be saved, was to hide pride from man. Pride had already destroyed the very angels of God, and had cast down a third part of the stars of heaven. It was likewise in great measure owing to this, when the tempter said, You shall be as gods, that Adam fell from his own steadfastness, and brought sin and death into the world. It was therefore an instance of wisdom worthy of God to appoint such a condition of reconciliation, for him and for all his posterity, as might effectually humble them, and might abase them to the dust. And such is faith. It is peculiarly fitted for this end.
For he who comes to God by this faith must fix his eye singly on his own wickedness, on his guilt and helplessness, without having the least regard to any supposed good in himself, to any virtue or righteousness whatsoever. He must come as a mere sinner, inwardly and outwardly, self-destroyed and self-condemned, bringing nothing to God but ungodliness only, pleading nothing of his own but sin and misery. Thus it is, and thus alone, when his mouth is stopped, and he stands utterly guilty before God, that he can look to Jesus as the whole and sole propitiation for his sins. Thus only can he be found in him, and receive the righteousness which is of God by faith.
1771 text
8. One reason, however, we may humbly conceive, of God’s fixing this condition of justification, If thou believest in the Lord Jesus Christ thou shalt be saved, was to hide pride from man. Pride had already destroyed the very angels of God, had cast down a third part of the stars of heaven. It was likewise in great measure owing to this, when the tempter said, Ye shall be as Gods, that Adam fell from his own stedfastness, and brought sin and death into the world. It was therefore an instance of wisdom worthy of God, to appoint such a condition of reconciliation, for him and all his posterity, as might effectually humble, might abase them to the dust. And such is faith. It is peculiarly fitted for this end. For he that cometh unto God by this faith, must fix his eye singly on his own wickedness, on his guilt and helplessness, without having the least regard to any supposed good in himself, to any virtue or righteousness whatsoever. He must come as a mere sinner inwardly and outwardly, self-destroyed and self-condemned, bringing nothing to God but ungodliness only, pleading nothing of his own but sin and misery. Thus it is, and thus alone, when his mouth is stopped, and he stands utterly guilty before God, that he can look unto Jesus, as the whole and sole propitiation for his sins. Thus only can he be found in him, and receive the righteousness which is of God by faith.
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 5 in the 1771 Works. Romans 4:5.
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