Epistle 411
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being part of the true church of Christ, which is clothed with Christ and does not change.
George Fox emphasizes the identity of believers as sons and daughters of God, highlighting that they possess God's law in their hearts and know eternal life through Jesus Christ. He describes believers as new creatures clothed in Christ, who is unchanging and the true light of the world. Fox contrasts the eternal nature of Christ with the changeable aspects of worldly religions and practices, urging believers to walk in the light of Christ and remain steadfast in their faith. He reassures that the true church of Christ, which is unchanging, stands firm above the transient nature of worldly influences. Ultimately, he calls for a life that glorifies God through the unchanging truth of Jesus.
Text
Dear friends, who are the sons and daughters of God [2 Cor 6:18], who have his law written in your hearts [Jer 31:33], by which you know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life to know [John 17:3]; and you that have put on Christ Jesus [Gal 3:27] are the new creatures, and are in him [2 Cor 5:17], clothed with Christ the son of righteousness [Mal 4:2], who is the light of the world [John 8:12]; and you that believe in the light, have the light of life, and are clothed with the son of God <305> that doth not change, and are the true and living members of the church of Christ Jesus, that is in God, and have the moon (that is changeable) under your feet [Rev 12:1].
So all changeable religions, worships, ways, churches, and teachers, which are like the changeable moon, and the changeable world, with its changeable fashions; the true church of Christ, that is clothed with Christ, the son, that doth not change, hath all these changeable things, like the moon that changes, under her feet. For the son of God never changes; for all things were made by him [John 1:3], who is the first and last, the beginning and ending [Rev 22:13]. So, as every one hath received Christ Jesus, the son of righteousness, walk in him to the praise and glory of God. Amen.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The True Church of Christ
- Clothed with Christ the Son of Righteousness
- The Light of the World
- Members of the Church of Christ Jesus
Key Quotes
“You that believe in the light, have the light of life, and are clothed with the son of God that doth not change,” — George Fox
Application Points
- We should walk in Christ Jesus to the praise and glory of God.
- The true church of Christ is clothed with Christ, who does not change.
- We should believe in the light and have the light of life to be members of the true church of Christ.