Nothing unclean can enter
This is an inseparable property of the way to heaven. So narrow is the way that leads to life, to life everlasting; so strait the gate, that nothing unclean, nothing unholy can enter (Revelation 21:27). No sinner can pass through that gate until he is saved from all his sins, not only from his outward sins, from his evil conduct received by tradition from his fathers (1 Peter 1:18). It will not suffice that he has ceased to do evil and learned to do well (Isaiah 1:16-17). He must not only be saved from all sinful actions and from all evil and useless discourse, but inwardly changed, thoroughly renewed in the spirit of his mind (Ephesians 4:23). Otherwise he cannot pass through the gate of life; he cannot enter into glory.
1771 text
2. This is an inseparable property of the way to heaven. So narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, unto life everlasting; so strait the gate, that nothing unclean, nothing unholy can enter. No sinner can pass thro’ that gate, until he is saved from all his sins, not only from his outward sins; from his evil conversation received by tradition from his Fathers. It will not suffice, that he hath ceased to do evil, and learned to do well. He must not only be saved from all sinful actions, and from all evil and useless discourse; but inwardly changed, throughly renewed in the spirit of his mind. Otherwise he cannot pass thro’ the gate of life, he cannot enter into glory.
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 31 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:13-14.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.