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  A CLEANER WAY TO HELL
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Relying on our good works and trusting in our own righteousness
can lead to a false sense of security and ultimately ruin our souls, but
taking sanctuary in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and the free grace
of God can save us.

Topics: "Righteousness", "Grace"
Scripture References: Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of relying on our good works for
salvation, warning that while duties are important, they can lead to
pride and self-reliance. He cites the wisdom of Luther, urging believers
to be cautious not only of their sins but also of their good deeds,
which can become a false source of security. Brooks argues that trusting
in one's own righteousness is as perilous as open wickedness, leading to
spiritual ruin. He calls for a complete renunciation of self-
righteousness and a reliance solely on the righteousness of Jesus Christ
and the grace of God.

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CONTENT
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It was the saying of a precious saint--that he was more

afraid of his duties than of his sins; for his duties often

made him proud--but his sins always made him humble.

It was good counsel Luther gave, "We must take heed

not only of our sins--but of our good works."

Duties can never have too much diligence used about

them--nor too little confidence placed in them. They are

good helps--but bad saviors. It is necessary we do them

--but it is dangerous to rely upon them. If the devil cannot

dissuade us from performing pious duties--then his next

work will be to persuade us to rely upon them, to make

saviors of them; because this will as certainly ruin our

souls, as if we had wholly neglected them.

Resting in your own righteousness, will as certainly and

eternally undo you--as the greatest and foulest atrocities!

Open wickedness slays her thousands--but a secret

resting upon duties, slays her ten thousands!

Open profaneness is the broad dirty way which leads

to hell; but trusting in pious duties is as sure a way,

though a cleaner way to hell. Ungodly people and

formal professors shall meet at last in the same hell.

Now, let all these things work you to renounce your own

righteousness--and to take sanctuary alone in the pure,

perfect, and most glorious righteousness of Jesus Christ,

and in the free grace of God.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/a-cleaner-way-to-hell/
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