Inherent righteousness
"But do you not believe inherent righteousness?" Yes, in its proper place. Not as the ground of our acceptance with God, but as the fruit of it. Not in the place of imputed righteousness, but as consequent upon it. That is, I believe God implants righteousness in everyone to whom he has imputed it. I believe Jesus Christ is made of God to us sanctification, as well as righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30), or that God sanctifies, as well as justifies, all those who believe in him. They to whom the righteousness of Christ is imputed are made righteous by the Spirit of Christ, are renewed in the image of God, after the likeness in which they were created, in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24).
1771 text
12. “But do not you believe inherent righteousness?” Yes, in its proper place: Not as the ground of our acceptance with God, but as the fruit of it: Not in the place of imputed righteousness, but as consequent upon it. That is, I believe God implants righteousness, in every one to whom he has imputed it. I believe Jesus Christ is made of God unto us sanctification, as well as righteousness: or, that God sanctifies, as well as justifies, all them that believe in him. They to whom the righteousness of Christ is imputed, are made righteous by the Spirit of Christ, are renewed in the image of God, after the likeness wherein they were created, in righteousness and true holiness.
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 20 in the 1771 Works. Jeremiah 23:6.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.