Untitled Sermon
None sink so far into hell as those that come nearest heaven, because they fall from the greatest height.… None will have such a sad parting from Christ as those who went halfway with him, and then left him.
WILLIAM GURNALL
They ought to know if Christ Jesus was in them, by the influences, graces, and indwelling of his Spirit, by his kingdom set up in their hearts. Let us question our own souls; either we are true Christians, or we are deceivers. Unless Christ be in us by his Spirit, and power of his love, our faith is dead, and we are yet disapproved by our Judge.
Suppose a child was born in a coal pit, and has seen no light except that of the candles down below. Then he is suddenly taken up the shaft to see the sun, and the green fields, and the sweet spring flowers. What a surprise! I cannot wonder if the child should think himself dreaming. But if you were to say to him, “Are you out of the coal pit? Can you prove that you are?” Although the child would hardly know where he was because of his vast surprise, yet he would be sure that he was out of the darkness, convinced by an argument within himself that nobody could refute.
So we do know that we are born again, for we feel a new life and live in a new world. Things we never dreamed of before we have realized now. I remember one who when he was converted said, “Well, either the world is new or else I am.” This change is to us strong evidence that faith is in us, and has exercised its power.
Being in the light means they cannot continue a life of sin, but if they do sin, they can have forgiveness.