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THE WHOLE GOSPEL DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HOLINESS

 

by Thomas Scott  

 

Thomas Scott (1747-1821) was a Gospel preacher well equipped to demonstrate powerfully what is the difference between true Christianity and its false counterparts within the Church. The son of a Lincolnshire grazier, and the tenth of thirteen children, he was himself bound for the cattle farming business when he decided to opt for the ordained ministry, considering that occupation to be less arduous. At length his careless, liberal views and unsanctified life were brought to bear upon him largely through the efforts of John Newton and by the grace of God he repented at the feet of the Saviour. As an evangelical pastor he soon became a great force for good in the land, and he has ever since been remembered for his tireless work, the results of which include a Commentary on the Whole Bible.

 

 

THE WHOLE GOSPEL DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HOLINESS

 

There is not one doctrine which is not stated in the word of God in connexion with holiness of heart and life. We are elect through sanctification unto obedience. Those whom God foreknew he predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son. He hath chosen us in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy.Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.The grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.—We are called out of darkness into his marvellous light, that we should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called us: which doubtless must be 'not with our lips only but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to his service, and by walking before him in holiness and righteousness all our days'—as the vigour and ability of one who has been sick, and supposed incurable, is the best commendation of the physician; without which the most lavish praises of the yet languishing patient will be of little avail.—If we are through the law dead to the law, it is that we might live unto God. Are we justified by faith, so that there is now no condemnation for us? We, at the same time, walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit; by the Spirit we mortify the deeds of the body, crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts; become in Christ new creatures; so that old things are passed away, behold, all things become new, —Are we assured that we are in a safe state, and in the way to salvation? Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.—Do the saints persevere? Yea, by patient continuance in well doing, they seek for glory, and honour, and immortality.

 

Let us diligently attend to, and carefully copy the phraseology of the holy scriptures. Every thing is in them connected with, and made conducive to holy affections, dispositions, and actions. Every thing issues in love to God and man, and in the fruits and effects of such a temper in our words and works.

 

The gospel may be denominated a scheme, formed in God's infinite wisdom and love, to restore a fallen creature to holiness, in consistency with the rules of the divine government, the honour of the divine law, the glory of God's holiness and justice, and to the praise of his grace. This is the end, and glory, and loveliness of the gospel. Rob it of this, and you degrade it into the mire. Christ becomes the minister of sin: and, Let us sin on that grace may abound, is then the genuine language of the believer. There may be much loveliness in such a gospel to a carnal mind; for it is a carnal gospel, and similis limili gaudet [like loves like].

 

 

Reference

Letters and Papers of Thomas Scott