Not a harmless mistake
From what has been said, we may easily learn the harm of that opinion, that we are wholly sanctified when we are justified, and that our hearts are then cleansed from all sin. It is true that we are then delivered, as was said before, from the dominion of outward sin. And at the same time the power of inward sin is so broken that we need no longer follow it, or be led by it. But it is by no means true that inward sin is then totally destroyed. The root of pride, self-will, anger, and love of the world is not then taken out of the heart. The carnal mind and the heart bent to backsliding are not entirely rooted out.
To suppose the contrary is not, as some may think, an innocent, harmless mistake. No. It does immense harm. It blocks up the way to any further change. For it is plain that those who are whole do not need a physician, but those who are sick. If we think we are already whole, we stop seeking any further healing. On that supposition it is absurd to expect any further deliverance from sin, whether gradual or immediate.
1771 text
III. 1. From what has been said we may easily learn the mischievousness of that opinion, that we are wholly sanctified when we are justified: that our hearts are then cleansed from all sin. It is true, we are then delivered (as was observed before) from the dominion of outward sin: and at the same time the power of inward sin is so broken, that we need no longer follow or be led by it. But it is by no means true, that inward sin is then totally destroyed, that the root of pride, self-will, anger, love of the world is then taken out of the heart, or that the carnal mind and the heart bent to backsliding are entirely extirpated. And to suppose the contrary is not, as some may think an innocent, harmless mistake. No: it does immense harm; it entirely blocks up the way to any farther change. For it is manifest, they that are whole do not need a physician, but they that are sick. If therefore we think we are quite made whole already, there is no room to seek any farther healing. On this supposition it is absurd to expect a farther deliverance from sin, whether gradual or instantaneous.
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 14 in the 1771 Works. Mark 1:15. Dated at Londonderry, 24 April 1767.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.