Jul 11
15
Old Adam put in a better dress (Thomas Watson, “A New Creature”) “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 Natural honesty, moral virtue, prudence, justice, liberality, temperance–these are not the new birth. These make a glorious show in the eye of the world—but differ as much from the new birth, as a stick differs from a star! Morality indeed is commendable, and it would be well if there were more of it. Yet morality is but nature at its best; it does not amount to saving grace. There is nothing of Christ in morality. That fruit is sour–which does not grow on the root of Christ! Heat water to the highest degree–and you still cannot make wine out of it; it is water still. Just so, let morality be raised to the highest, it is nature still; it is but old Adam put in a better dress. Moral virtue may exist with the hatred of godliness. A moral man hates holiness–as much as he does vice! “You must be born again.” John 3:7