Chapter 174—Unmerited Favor
Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy
people: O visit me with thy salvation.
Psalm 106:4
.
Grace is unmerited favor, and the believer is justified without any merit
of his own, without any claim to offer to God. He is justified through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who stands in the courts of heaven as the
sinner’s substitute and surety. But while he is justified because of the merit
of Christ, he is not free to work unrighteousness. Faith works by love and
purifies the soul. Faith buds and blossoms and bears a harvest of precious
fruit. Where faith is, good works appear. The sick are visited, the poor are
cared for, the fatherless and the widows are not neglected, the naked are
clothed, the destitute are fed.
Christ went about doing good, and when men are united with Him, they
love the children of God, and meekness and truth guide their footsteps.
The expression of the countenance reveals their experience, and men take
knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Christ
and the believer become one, and His beauty of character is revealed in those
who are vitally connected with the Source of power and love. Christ is the
great depositary of justifying righteousness and sanctifying grace.
All may come to Him and receive of His fullness. He says, “Come unto
me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (
Matthew
11:28
).... Have you been looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher
of your faith? Have you been beholding Him who is full of truth and grace?
Have you accepted the peace which Christ alone can give? If you have
not, then yield to Him, and through His grace seek for a character that will
be noble and elevated. Seek for a constant, resolute, cheerful spirit. Feed
on Christ who is the Bread of life, and you will manifest His loveliness of
character and spirit.
The very best you can do will not merit the favor of God. It is Jesus’
worthiness that will save you, His blood that will cleanse you.
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