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The Great Element of Saving Power, March 29
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should
boast.
Ephesians 2:8, 9
.
Grace is an attribute of God exercised toward undeserving human
beings. We did not seek for it, but it was sent in search of us.
Divine grace is the great element of saving power; without it all
human effort is unavailing.
Are you in Christ? Not if you do not acknowledge yourselves erring,
helpless, condemned sinners. Not if you are exalting and glorifying self.
If there is any good in you, it is wholly attributable to the mercy of a
compassionate Saviour. Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your
talents, your virtues, your piety, your philanthropy, or anything else in
you or connected with you, will not form a bond of union between your
soul and Christ. Your connection with the church, the manner in which
you brethren regard you, will be of no avail unless you believe in Christ.
It is not enough to believe
about
Him; you must believe
in
Him. You
must rely wholly upon His saving grace.
Would that you could conceive of the rich supplies of grace and
power awaiting your demand.
In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world
with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around
the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will
live, and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.
Christ ... died for us. He does not treat us according to our desert.
Although our sins have merited condemnation, He does not condemn
us. Year after year He has borne with our weakness and ignorance, with
our ingratitude and waywardness. Notwithstanding our wanderings, ...
His hand is stretched out still.
Through the grace of Christ we may accomplish everything that God
requires.
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