Galatians 5:8 This persuasion comes not of him that calls you. "We learn — I. That THE CAUSE OF RELIGIOUS DECLENSION is unbelief in God's Word, and surrender to plausible persuasions. Thus — 1. Eve, by the persuasion of the devil. 2. Papists, by persuasion that the Church cannot err. 3. Common people, by persuasion that God is all mercy. 4. Tradesmen, that they have a family to keep. 5. Moralists, that honesty and temperance are sufficient for salvation. II. That our DUTY AND SAFETY lie in following absolutely the calling of God. 1. Thus Abraham. 2. Thus Paul. III. That DOCTRINES ARE TO BE TESTED BY THEIR CONFORMITY OR NONCONFORMITY TO THE CALLING OF GOD. 1. God calls us to liberty; hence the yoke of ordinances is wrong. 2. God calls us to justification by the merits of Christ; hence justification by works is wrong. 3. God calls us to self-denial and service; hence self-indulgence even in religious privileges is wrong. 4. God calls us absolutely to and for Himself; hence the sin of conformity to the world. IV. That GOD CALLS EVEN BACKSLIDERS; which shows — 1. God's patience. 2. The possibility of restoration. V. THAT OUR LIFE AND CONVERSATION MUST BE SUITABLE TO THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD. (W. Perkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. |
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