EPC Australia

Let me remark here the blessing, and the way in which it is obtained.

What is justification? It is not the making us righteous in person, but in state. The Papists confound it with sanctification, and some Protestants do the same. But justification stands opposed to condemnation. It is the absolving a man from a charge, the acquitting him when accused, and pronouncing him righteous. Only as we are really guilty, we cannot be justified by disproving the offence, but by the non-imputation of it, and treating us as innocent. The manner is described by the Apostle: "We are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth as a propitiation for sin." The blessing is full and complete, for we "are justified from all things." It is permanent and irreversible: "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." It is also a present benefit. The perception of it may be wanting, but the state is real; they have passed from death unto life, they are accepted in the Beloved. And blessed, says David, is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed in his duties, blessed in his comforts, blessed in his trials. For him affliction has no curse, death no sting, eternity no terror.

This inestimable blessing is obtained by the faith of Christ. We are often curious, and ask for reasons, when we should be satisfied with facts. It is not necessary to be able to explain precisely how faith justifies the soul. It should be enough for us to know that it is a truth clearly revealed.

And since, O my soul, none are justified that do not believe, and all that believe are justified, let me apply my heart unto wisdom. Instead of losing myself in subtle inquiries and angry disputes, let me do two things: Let me observe, first, the importance of this faith. It is, in a sober sense, as important as Christ. What, therefore, is ascribed to him meritoriously, is ascribed to faith instrumentally. He is the well; but by faith we draw water out of it. He is the refuge; but a refuge cannot screen us, unless it be entered. He is the bread of life; but food cannot nourish us, unless it be eaten; and all this is done by faith only.

Let me, secondly, ask, seriously and earnestly, have I this faith of Christ? Do I believe the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and that this life is in his Son? And am I repairing to him, and trusting in him alone for salvation? How does my faith sow? Does it "sow in tears?" How does it rejoice? Does it "rejoice in Christ Jesus," and has it "no confidence in the flesh?" How does it work? Does it "work by love?" How does it travel? How plead? Can I say, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of his righteousness only?"

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay