The Scripture Way of Salvation · §40 · John Wesley

Able and willing now

Click or tap any sentence to jump there. The side buttons skip a paragraph.

It is, third, a divine evidence and conviction that he is able and willing to do it now. And why not? Is not a moment to him the same as a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8)? He cannot lack more time to accomplish whatever is his will. And he cannot lack or wait for any more worthiness or fitness in the persons he is pleased to honor. We may therefore boldly say, at any point of time: Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today, if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts (Psalm 95:7-8). Behold! All things are now ready! Come to the marriage (Matthew 22:4)!

1771 text

16. It is, thirdly, a divine evidence and conviction that he is able and willing to do it now. And why not? Is not a moment to him, the same as a thousand years? He cannot want more time to accomplish whatever is his will. And he cannot want or stay for any more worthiness or fitness in the persons he is pleased to honour. We may therefore boldly say, at any point of time, Now is the day of salvation. To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Behold! All things are now ready! Come unto the marriage!

Report a mistake in this passage

About this text

On Ephesians 2:8: what salvation is, what faith is, and how we are saved by it, from pardon to holiness of heart.

EditionPrinted in Wesley's 1771 Works, which do not say when he preached it

Wesley's own sermon in updated English wording. The 1771 panel is the text of the Works Wesley himself had printed in 1771. It is public domain.

Reference

Sermon 43 in the 1771 Works. Ephesians 2:8.

We have not yet re-checked this work against its source. We put this English text into updated wording with AI help. No scholar has yet certified it as faithful and complete. Open the 1771 text under any part to compare.

Report a mistake