Wesley Corpus

1 : “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” In order to give a clear view of the doctrine therein delivered, I must extract the sum of the Sermon. I show, (1.) Who are “those that are in Christ Jesus;”-- “Those who are joined to the Lord in one spirit, who dwell in Christ and Christ in them. And ‘whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not, walketh not after the flesh,’ that is, corrupt nature. These abstain from every design, and word, and work, to which the corruption of nature leads.” (Vol. V., p. 88.) “They “walk after the Spirit’ both in their hearts and lives. By him they are led into every holy desire, into every divine and heavenly temper, till every thought of their heart is ‘holiness to the Lord.” “They are also led by Him into all holiness of conversation. They exercise themselves day and night, to do only the things which please God: In all their outward behaviour, to follow him ‘who left us an example that we might tread in his steps; in all their intercourse with their neighbour, to walk in justice, mercy, and truth; and whatsoever they do in every circumstance of life to ‘do all to the glory of God.’” (Ibid., p. 89.) Is here any room for “cozening and overreaching; ” for “flying into outrageous passions?” Does this give any countenance for “knocking men down?” for “drunkenness or fornication ?” But let us go on to the Second head: “To whom is there no condemnation? To believers in Christ, who thus ‘walk after the Spirit, there is no condemnation for their past sins.” (Ibid.) “Neither for present, for now transgressing the commandments of God; for they do not transgress them. This is a proof of their love of God, that they keep his com mandments.” (Ibid., p. 90.) “They are not condemned, (3.) for inward sin, so long as they do not yield thereto; so long as they maintain a continual war with all sin, with pride, anger, desire, so that the flesh hath no dominion over them, but they still ‘walk after the Spirit.’” (Ibid., p. 91.) Is any encouragement given here to cozeners or whoremongers? It follows, “They are not condemned for sins of infirmity, as they are usually called.