2 Coríntios 13

2 Coríntios 13:5

Ryle wrote of the preaching of the Great Awakening in his book printed in 1885 titled Christian Leaders of the 18th Century. In his explanation of their sermon content he stressed just what we have been saying all along: Furthermore, the reformers of the last century taught constantly the inseparable connection between true faith and personal holiness. They never allowed for a moment that any church membership or religious profession was the least proof of a man being a true Christian if he lived an ungodly life. A true Christian, they maintained, must always be known by his fruits; and these fruits must be plainly manifest and unmistakable in all the relations of life. “No fruit, no grace,” was the unvarying tenor of their preaching (p. 28, Banner of Truth Trust, reprint, 1978). (The Starving of the Church-IV - Reformation and Revival 01:4, Fall, 1992) Ed: This is an interesting, thought provoking article which discusses such topics as "Unregenerate Church Membership", six counterfeit faith experiences, the relationship of holiness and faith, "Is holiness guaranteed?", "What about sin?", et al (Bolding added) Albert Barnes… The word rendered "reprobates," (adokimoi,) means, properly, not approved, rejected; that which will not stand the trial. It is properly applicable to metals, as denoting that they will not bear the tests to which they are subjected, but are found to be base or adulterated. The sense here is, that they might know that they were Christians, unless their religion was base, false, adulterated; or such as would not bear the test. There is no allusion here to the sense which is sometimes given to the word reprobate, of being cast off or abandoned by God, or doomed by him to eternal ruin in accordance with an eternal purpose. Whatever may be the truth on that subject, nothing is taught in regard to it here. The simple idea is, that they might know that they were Christians, unless their religion was such as would not stand the test, or was worthless. Henry