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.
You say, "Where goest Thou?" I cannot tell, And still go on. But if the way be straight I cannot go amiss: before me lies Dawn and the day: the night behind me: that Suffices me: I break the bounds: I see, And nothing more; believe and nothing less. My future is not one of my concerns.
The universe is like a safe to which there is a combination. But the combination is locked up in the safe.
Liberty of thought is the life of the soul.
Of all the things that oppress me, this sense of the evil working of nature herself -my disgust at her barbarity -clumsiness -darkness -bitter mockery of herself -is the most desolating.
A government or a party gets the people it deserves and sooner or later a people gets the government it deserves.
Keeping religion immune from criticism is both unwarranted and dangerous.
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