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
