Hold fast the sound doctrine
Let us therefore hold fast the sound doctrine once delivered to the saints, and handed down by them with the written word to all the generations after them. We are renewed, cleansed, purified, and sanctified the moment we truly believe in Christ. Yet we are not then renewed, cleansed, and purified altogether. The flesh, the evil nature, still remains, though subdued, and wars against the Spirit. So much the more, let us be diligent in fighting the good fight of faith. So much the more earnestly, let us watch and pray against the enemy within. The more carefully, let us take to ourselves, and put on, the whole armor of God. Then, although we wrestle both with flesh and blood, and with principalities and powers, and with wicked spirits in high places, we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
1771 text
2. Let us therefore hold fast the sound doctrine, once delivered to the saints, and delivered down by them with the written word, to all succeeding generations: that altho’ we are renewed, cleansed, purified, sanctified, the moment we truly believe in Christ, yet we are not, then renewed, cleansed, purified altogether: but the flesh, the evil nature still remains (though subdued) and wars against the Spirit. So much the more, let us use all diligence, in fighting the good fight of faith. So much the more earnestly let us watch and pray, against the enemy within. The more carefully let us take to ourselves, and put on the whole armour of God: that although we wrestle, both with flesh and blood, and with principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places, we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
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 13 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 5:17.
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