Justified by Faith
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of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and
effect.
Christ alone is able to do this, for “in all things it behoved him
to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and
faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation
for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being
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tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (
Hebrews 2:17,
18
). Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and
God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love
of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen
men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits
of Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love, and
righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the heart of the
sinner. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness” (
1 John 1:9
).
In the prophecy of Daniel it was recorded of Christ that He shall
“make reconciliation for iniquity, and ... bring in everlasting righteous-
ness” (
Daniel 9:24
). Every soul may say: “By His perfect obedience
He has satisfied the claims of the law, and my only hope is found in
looking to Him as my substitute and surety, who obeyed the law per-
fectly for me. By faith in His merits I am free from the condemnation
of the law. He clothes me with His righteousness, which answers all
the demands of the law. I am complete in Him who brings in everlast-
ing righteousness. He presents me to God in the spotless garment of
which no thread was woven by any human agent. All is of Christ, and
all the glory, honor, and majesty are to be given to the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sins of the world.”
Many think that they must wait for a special impulse in order that
they may come to Christ; but it is necessary only to come in sincerity
of purpose, deciding to accept the offers of mercy and grace that have
been extended to us. We are to say: “Christ died to save me. The
Lord’s desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just
as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ
draws me, I will respond.” The apostle says, “With the heart man
believeth unto righteousness” (
Romans 10:10
). No one can believe
with the heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith,
while continuing the practice of those things which the Word of God
forbids, or while neglecting any known duty.
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