A living hope
A second scriptural mark of those who are born of God is hope. Thus Saint Peter, speaking to all the children of God who were then scattered abroad, says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope" (1 Peter 1:3).
A living hope, the apostle says, because there is also a dead hope, as well as a dead faith. A hope which is not from God, but from the enemy of God and man. That appears plainly by its fruits. As it is the offspring of pride, so it is the parent of every evil word and work. Whereas every man who has this living hope in him is holy, as he who calls him is holy (1 Peter 1:15). Every man who can truly say to his brothers in Christ, "Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and we shall see him as he is," (1 John 3:2) purifies himself, even as he is pure (1 John 3:3).
1771 text
II. 1. A second scriptural mark of those who are born of God is hope. Thus St. Peter, speaking to all the children of God, who were then scattered abroad, saith, Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope. Ἐλπίδα ζῶσαν, A lively or living hope, saith the apostle: because there is also a dead hope (as well as a dead faith) a hope which is not from God, but from the enemy of God and man; as evidently appears by its fruits; for, as it is the offspring of pride, so it is the parent of every evil word and work, whereas every man that hath in him this living hope, is holy as he that calleth him is holy: every man that can truly say to his brethren in Christ, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and we shall see him as he is, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
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 18 in the 1771 Works. John 3:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.