Epistle 213
George Fox's Epistle 213 emphasizes the foundational power of God in preserving believers and granting them true freedom in Christ.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the life and power of God, which serves as a firm foundation for believers. He encourages the faithful to recognize Christ as their salvation and wisdom, assuring them that they are preserved in sincerity and integrity through God's power. Fox highlights that true freedom is found in Christ, who has triumphed over darkness and offers life and immortality to His followers. He reassures believers of their identity as children of God and heirs to His everlasting kingdom, filled with joy and peace. Ultimately, he calls for a life of praise and glory to God, who is eternal.
Text
Dear friends,--In the life and power of God dwell, by which ye were raised, and by which ye are nourished and refreshed; it is the sure foundation [Isa 28:16] which shall never be raced out, for it is laid of God, and no man can lay another [1 Cor 3:11]. And ye that feel the life and power of God in yourselves, ye feel Christ the salvation, righteousness, and wisdom of God [1 Cor 1:24], and so ye by the power and wisdom of God are kept and preserved in sincerity and integrity to God; and thereby come to be established upon the rock, which the gates of hell cannot prevail against [Mat 16:18], nor all <213> the fiery darts of the wicked [Eph 6:16] touch.
And in the power of God, ye being gathered and established, ye stand and live in that which scatters the clouds [Job 37:11], and keeps your eye clear to the Lord God; by which power ye see him (in measure) with a good understanding, through all the evil powers and spirits which work in the darkness against him, and by the power of God are preserved out of them, and set above them, where ye reign as kings [1 Cor 4:8] in the immortal seed of God, by which the serpent's head is broken, and his seed destroyed [Gen 3:15].
For the true freedom is in the son [John 8:36], who suffered and died, and is risen again [Rom 8:34] in life, and hath brought life and immortality to light [2 Tim 1:10] again; in which life and light ye are the children of the Most High God [Psa 82:6], and heirs of the everlasting kingdom [James 2:5] of God, where ye have a sure portion in the joy, and peace, [Rom 14:17] and blessing of God, in which sit ye down and keep your habitation. And the God of life and peace, and endless love be with you all, and clothe you with the garment of everlasting praise [Isa 61:3]; that in all things ye may give him the glory who lives for evermore.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The foundation of God - The life and power of God - Christ as salvation and wisdom
- II points: - Preservation in sincerity and integrity - Establishment upon the rock - Protection from evil forces
- III points: - Seeing God through His power - Reigning as kings in the immortal seed - True freedom in Christ
- IV points: - Children of the Most High God - Heirs of the everlasting kingdom - Living in joy and peace
- V points: - Clothing with everlasting praise - Giving glory to God - Living for evermore
Key Quotes
“In the life and power of God dwell, by which ye were raised, and by which ye are nourished and refreshed.” — George Fox
“For the true freedom is in the son, who suffered and died, and is risen again in life.” — George Fox
“The God of life and peace, and endless love be with you all.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Seek to dwell in the life and power of God for spiritual nourishment.
- Recognize your identity as a child of God and an heir to His kingdom.
- Commit to giving glory to God in all aspects of your life.