Not the faith of the devils
But it is not a merely notional or speculative faith that the apostles speak of here. It is not a bare assent to this proposition, "Jesus is the Christ," nor indeed to all the propositions contained in our creed, or in the Old and New Testament. It is not merely "an assent to any, or all, of these credible things, as credible."
To say this would be to say, and who could bear to hear it, that the devils were born of God. For they have this faith. They believe, and they tremble (James 2:19). They believe both that Jesus is the Christ, and that all scripture, having been given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), is true as God is true.
It is not only "an assent to divine truth, upon the testimony of God," or "upon the evidence of miracles." For they also heard the words of his mouth, and knew him to be a faithful and true witness (Revelation 3:14). They could not but receive the testimony he gave, both of himself and of the Father who sent him. They saw likewise the mighty works which he did, and from those works believed that he came forth from God (John 16:30). Yet, notwithstanding this faith, they are still reserved in chains of darkness, until the judgment of the great day (2 Peter 2:4).
1771 text
2. But it is not a barely notional or speculative faith, that is here spoken of by the apostles. It is not a bare assent to this proposition, “Jesus is the Christ;” nor indeed to all the propositions contained in our creed, or in the Old and New Testament. It is not merely “an assent, to any, or all these credible things, as credible.” To say this, were to say (which who could hear?) that the devils were born of God. For they have this faith. They trembling believe, both that Jesus is the Christ, and that all scripture having been given by inspiration of God, is true as God is true. It is not only “an assent to divine truth, upon the testimony of God,” or “upon the evidence of miracles.” For they also heard the words of his mouth, and knew him to be a faithful and true witness. They could not but receive the testimony he gave, both of himself, and of the Father which sent him. They saw likewise the mighty works which he did, and thence believed that he came forth from God. Yet notwithstanding this faith, they are still reserved in chains of darkness, unto the judgment of the great day.
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.