A53721:856
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared, the truth and reality of it asserted, and the case of a soul distressed with the guilt of sin and relieved by a discovery of forgiveness with God is at large discoursed / by John Owen.
London: printed by Robert White for Nathaniel Ponder, 1669
AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX. › General Scope of the whole Psalm. › Verse 4 › Section
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. Suppose that it is otherwise; that indeed you are yet in the state of sin, and are only brought under the power of Light and Conviction; this is the way for a translation into an estate of spiritual life and Grace: If you will forbear the acting of faith upon; and for forgiveness, until you are Regenerate, you may, and probably you will come short both of Forgiveness and Regeneration also. Here lay your foundation, and then your building will go on. This will open the door unto you, and give you an entrance into the Kingdom of God, Christ is the door; do not think to climb up over the wall; enter by him, or you will be kept out.
2. Suppose that you are born again, but yet know it not, as is the condition of many. This is a way whereby you may receive an evidence thereof. It is good embracing of all signs, tokens and pledges of our spiritual condition; and it is so to improve them. But the best course is to follow the genuine natural actings of faith, which will lead us into the most settled apprehensions concerning our Relation unto God, and acceptance with him. Believe first the forgiveness of sin as the effect of mere grace and mercy in Christ. Let the faith hereof be nourished and strengthened in your souls. This will insensibly influence your hearts into a comforting Gospel persuasion of your state and condition towards God, which will be accompanied with assured rest and peace.
2. Suppose that you are born again, but yet know it not, as is the condition of many. This is a way whereby you may receive an evidence thereof. It is good embracing of all signs, tokens and pledges of our spiritual condition; and it is so to improve them. But the best course is to follow the genuine natural actings of faith, which will lead us into the most setled apprehensions concerning our Relation unto God, and acceptance with him. Believe first the forgiveness of sin as the effect of meer grace and mercy in Christ. Let the faith hereof be nourished and strengthened in your souls. This will insensibly influence your hearts into a comforting Gospel perswasion of your state and condition towards God, which will be accompanied with assured rest and peace.