Sermons on Gospel Themes: Addressing the Bible's Dual Themes of Justification and Sanctification

But salvation, to be real and available, must be salvation from sin. A religion that does not break the power of sin is a lie. If it does not drive out selfishness and lust, and if it does not bring about love to God and man, joy, peace, and the fruit of the Spirit, it is false and worthless. It can be of no use. That which does not bring about in us the spirit of heaven and make us godly, no matter where it comes from, or by what deception it is defended, is a lie, and if it is fled to as a refuge, it is a refuge of lies. If it does not produce a heavenly mind, expel a worldly mind, and detach us from the love of the world, it is a lie. If it does not produce in us the love required in the Scriptures, genuine love and worship of God and also love for His people – if it does not produce all those states of mind that fit the soul for heaven, then it completely fails of its purpose.

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Few preachers in any age have surpassed Charles Finney in clear and well-defined views of conscience and of man’s moral convictions. Not many have distinguished the true from the false more closely or have been more skillful in putting their points clearly and prudently. Therefore, these sermons under God were full of spiritual power.