True conversion means turning not only from sin but also from depending on self-made righteousness.
Interpretation
True conversion involves both abandoning sin and self-reliance on one's own virtue.
In this quote, George Whitefield suggests that genuine transformation requires more than just rejecting immoral behaviors; it necessitates a fundamental shift in oneβs source of righteousness. Instead of relying on personal achievements or moral standings, one must seek a deeper, divinely-guided change that recognizes human limitations and embraces a greater spiritual truth.
In practice
In a sermon on personal growth, a pastor might quote this to illustrate the need for reliance on divine grace.
And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you; Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?
God is well pleased when all our actions proceed from love, love to Himself, and love to immortal souls.
If your souls were not immortal, and you in danger of losing them, I would not thus speak unto you; but the love of your souls constrains me to speak: methinks this would constrain me to speak unto you forever.
Whoever reads the gospel with a single eye, and sincere intentions, will find, that our blessed Lord took all opportunities of reminding his disciples that His Kingdom was not of this world; that His doctrine was a doctrine of the Cross; and that their professing themselves to be His followers, would call them to a constant state of voluntary suffering and self-denial.
The Christian world is in a deep sleep; nothing but a loud shout can awaken them out of it!
What could the Lord Jesus Christ have done for you more than he has? Then do not abuse his mercy, but let your time be spent in thinking and talking of the love of Jesus, who was incarnate for us, who was born of a woman, and made under the law, to redeem us from the wrath to come.
We can see well into the past; we can guess shrewdly into the future, but that which is rolled up and muffled in impenetrable folds is today.
Everything for me becomes allegory
Cronshaw stopped for a moment to drink. He had pondered for twenty years the problem whether he loved liquor because it made him talk or whether he loved conversation because it made him thirsty.
A universe with a creator would be a totally different kind of universe, scientifically speaking, than one without.
An eminent reputation is as dangerous as a bad one.
Interdependence is a higher value than independence
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.