The handmaid of love
In order to this, we continually declare (what should be frequently and deeply considered by all who would not make the law void through faith) that faith itself, even Christian faith, the faith of God's elect, the faith of the operation of God (Colossians 2:12), still is only the handmaid of love. As glorious and honorable as it is, it is not the end of the commandment. God has given this honor to love alone: love is the end of all the commandments of God (1 Timothy 1:5). Love is the end, the sole end, of every dispensation of God from the beginning of the world to the consummation of all things. And it will endure when heaven and earth flee away, for love alone never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Faith will totally fail; it will be swallowed up in sight, in the everlasting vision of God. But even then love —
1771 text
In order to this, we continually declare (what should be frequently and deeply considered, by all who would not make void the law thro’ faith) that faith itself, even Christian faith, the faith of God’s elect, the faith of the operation of God, still is only the hand-maid of love. As glorious and honourable as it is, it is not the end of the commandment. God hath given this honour to love alone: love is the end of all the commandments of God. Love is the end, the sole end of every dispensation of God, from the beginning of the world, to the consummation of all things. And it will endure when heaven and earth flee away; for love alone never faileth. Faith will totally fail: it will be swallowed up in sight, in the everlasting vision of God. But even then love
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 36 in the 1771 Works. Romans 3:31.
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