John Davenant on the believer’s sincere, but imperfect obedience

[Reformed Covenanter]

... Lastly, it is asked. Whether a believer retaining this design of pleasing God, is always acceptable and pleasing to him, notwithstanding those his failures and infirmities?

I answer, first. That the person of a godly and faithful man is always pleasing and acceptable to God, because he is regarded by God not as he is in himself, but as a member under Christ the head; But there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, Rom. viii. 1. Secondly, The good works of the faithful, although imperfect, are nevertheless pleasing to God, because they are regarded by him as by a loving Father, not as an austere judge; as covered and adorned with the most perfect obedience of Christ, not as naked and alone. Lastly, The failings and sins of the faithful are indeed hateful and displeasing to God, but out of a simple hatred, not redounding upon the person. And therefore God hates sin in the regenerate, and for that reason declares war against it, through the Spirit of grace; but the regenerate themselves, in the mean time, are acceptable to him, and on that account he favours and blesses them. ...

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John Davenant on the believer’s sincere, but imperfect obedience

2. It is asked, Whether it be possible for a regenerated man always to retain this habitual intention of pleasing God in all things, although in the mean time he fails in many? I answer; That not o…

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[semperveritas]

Thank you for the post. Such a comforting truth knowing our loving Father accepts our imperfect obedience because we are in Christ and His perfect obedience. We are no longer under law but grace with no condemnation.