Without the Spirit man is so infirm that he cannot, with all other means whatsoever, be enabled to think one right saving thought of God, of Christ, or of his blessed things.
John BunyanRead
If people really see that Christ has removed the fear of punishment from them by taking it into Himself, they won't do whatever they want, they'll do whatever He wants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that understanding Christ's sacrifice alleviates the fear of punishment, leading to a desire to follow His guidance rather than one's own desires.
In this quote, John Bunyan articulates the transformative nature of Christ's sacrifice, suggesting that when individuals truly comprehend that their fears and burdens have been taken away by Christ, they are motivated to align their actions with His teachings rather than succumbing to selfish desires. This reflects a deeper spiritual understanding where love and obedience replace fear and rebellion, fostering a life committed to divine guidance.
Themes
FaithObedienceSacrificeGuidanceChristianity
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing Christian faith and conduct.
More from John Bunyan
All quotes βI saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, the same yesterday and today and forever.
John BunyanRead
For to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, but choose rather to be speaking of things to no profit.
John BunyanRead
I saw a man clothed with rags . . . a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.
John BunyanRead
Look how fears have presented themselves, so have supports and encouragements; yea, when I have started, even as it were at nothing else but my shadow, yet God, as being very tender of me, hath suffered me to be molested, but would with one Scripture or another, strengthen me against all; insomuch that I have often said, Were it awful, I could pray for greater trouble, for the greater comfort's sake.
John BunyanRead
There can be but one will the master in our salvation, but that shall never be the will of man, but of God; therefore man must be saved by grace.
John BunyanRead
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